The following is a worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers. I highly recommend this study bible for everyone who wishes to learn more about praise and worship.
Miriam
Miriam was almost certainly the sister who "stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him" (Exodus 2:4)(NLT) when Moses was hidden in the reeds along the bank of the Nile. When Pharaoh's daughter found Moses in the reeds, Miriam cleverly suggested to her that a Hebrew woman could nurse him for her. So Miriam told their mother, who then came and took care of Moses for Pharaoh's daughter. Miriam may have felt that she spent much of her life "standing at a distance" as God elevated her younger sibling among the Israelites. In the book of Numbers we read that God had to punish Miriam near the end of her life for the jealousy she expressed toward her brother: "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn't he spoken through us, too?" (Numbers 12:2)(NLT). However, we also remember Miriam as the Bible's first female prophet, who led her nation in worship.
Miriam the Worshiper
The word prophet suggest to us a woman who has insight into God's plans for the future. But Miriam knew that she was called to focus her people's attention on what God had already done. Recalling his provision for us in times past is a fundamental part of worship.
Miriam's song reminds us of God's majesty, faithfulness, and love. She used her gift of music to lead the women of Israel in singing and dancing and in praise to God for leading them safely across the Red Sea.
Learning from Miriam
Three features of Miriam's song to the Lord can help us in our worship today. First, Miriam's song urges the Israelites to sing. Song is a good means for etching details in our mind, and it tends to be more effective than rote memorization. Second, Miriam attributes praise and majesty to God. Third, she recalls God's salvation of his people: "He has thrown both horse and rider into the sea" (Exodus 15:21)(NLT). Miriam gave God's people a lasting reminder of their miraculous rescue from certain destruction.
Following the Example
Do you have a gift, perhaps in music or poetry, or special ability in speaking or dancing that could inspire others to worship? Remember that God calls all of us to worship Him with our abilities, regardless of how prominent our gifts are among others. Choose an event from your life or from the collective life of your church, and praise God for what he did in the situation. Focus on God's greatness, and praise him for his character.
Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper