Arcana Coelestia # 8340
8340. 'And Miriam responded to them' means a reciprocation. This is clear from the meaning of 'responding', when the subject is the ascription of glory to the Lord by means of a song, as a reciprocation. Among the ancients it was also customary in sacred worship to sing in choirs, in order - that is to say - that there would be one or any number of persons who could respond to the others, which represented a reciprocation and response, like that of the Church from heaven, and of heaven from the Lord. Such is the meaning in Hosea,
I will respond and sing to Him. Hosea 14:8.
And in Moses,
Then Israel sang this song, Rise up, O spring! Respond over it. Numbers 21:17.
Exodus 15:26
26
and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."
