Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Miryam in Exodus 15:21?
A: Miryam (Miriam) is the sister of Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). She was a prophetess who led the women in song and dance after the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea, as described in this verse. According to Rashi, she took a timbrel (tambourine) in her hand, showing her faith that Hashem would perform miracles for Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: Why did Miryam sing 'Sing to the Lord' in Exodus 15:21?
A: Miryam sang this song to express gratitude to Hashem for the great miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh's army. The Midrash teaches that this was a spontaneous outpouring of praise, showing that true gratitude comes from recognizing Hashem's kindness in our lives. The phrase 'כי־גאה גאה' ('for He has triumphed gloriously') emphasizes Hashem's absolute power over nature and human enemies.
Q: What is the significance of 'the horse and his rider' in Exodus 15:21?
A: The phrase 'the horse and his rider' symbolizes the complete destruction of Pharaoh's mighty army, which pursued Bnei Yisrael with chariots and horsemen. Rashi explains that the horse represents the animal's natural strength, and the rider represents human power—yet both were helpless against Hashem's will. This teaches that no force can oppose divine intervention.
Q: Why is Miryam's song important in Jewish tradition?
A: Miryam's song is significant because it represents the first recorded instance of women taking an active role in public praise of Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 30b) notes that both men and women sang after the miracle, but Miryam led the women separately with musical instruments. This highlights the importance of gratitude, communal celebration, and the unique spiritual role of women in Judaism.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Miryam's song today?
A: Miryam's song teaches us to recognize and celebrate Hashem's miracles in our lives, both big and small. Just as she took a timbrel in faith before the miracle even happened (as the Midrash explains), we should cultivate trust in Hashem and express gratitude for His kindness. Additionally, her leadership reminds us of the importance of communal joy and the spiritual contributions of women in Jewish life.
The Role of Miriam in the Song of the Sea
The verse (Shemot 15:21) describes Miriam leading the women in song after the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea. Rashi explains that the phrase "וַתַּעַן לָהֶם מִרְיָם" ("And Miriam answered them") indicates that she responded to the men's song (led by Moshe in the previous verses) by organizing the women to sing as well. This demonstrates the unique role of righteous women in recognizing and celebrating divine miracles.
Why Miriam Specifically?
The Midrash (Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael) highlights that Miriam was chosen to lead because of her earlier prophecy about the redemption. As a child, she foresaw that her brother Moshe would be the redeemer (Shemot 2:4-8). Thus, her leadership in song was a fulfillment of her spiritual stature.
The Meaning of "כִּי־גָאֹה גָּאָה"
The phrase "כִּי־גָאֹה גָּאָה" ("for He has triumphed gloriously") emphasizes Hashem's absolute and exalted victory. The doubling of the root גאה (to rise up, to triumph) signifies the completeness of the miracle—both in the drowning of the Egyptians and the salvation of Israel (Ibn Ezra). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim) notes that such language reflects the incomprehensible greatness of divine intervention.
"סוּס וְרֹכְבוֹ רָמָה בַיָּם" – The Horse and Its Rider
The imagery of the horse and rider being cast into the sea symbolizes the total defeat of Egypt's military might. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) teaches that this was not merely a natural disaster but a targeted divine judgment—the very instruments of oppression (the chariots and horsemen who pursued Israel) were destroyed in the waters they arrogantly trusted.
Miriam’s Timbrels and the Faith of the Women
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 23:8) notes that the women had prepared timbrels in advance, demonstrating their unwavering faith that Hashem would perform miracles. Unlike the men, who sang spontaneously, the women had anticipated redemption—a testament to their greater spiritual clarity (as seen in the Exodus narrative).