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.