Following the Song by Moses and the Children of Israel after Crossing the Red Sea, the Torah relates:

“Miriam the Prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the tambourine in her hand, and the women followed her with tambourines and cymbals. Miriam said to them: Sing to G-d, the Exalted...” [Exodus 15:20]

Why does the Torah refer to Miriam as a prophetess?

The Talmud explains the historical background, going back to the time when Miriam was the sister of (only) Aaron before Moses was born. Miriam had then boldly declared with prophetic vision, “My mother will give birth to a son who will redeem Israel...”

But why is Miriam mentioned by her special “prophetess” title only here, but not in other places the Torah?

And why does the Torah find it necessary to single out Miriam’s song from the rest of Israel? Isn’t she already included as part of all the Jewish people?

To better appreciate Miriam’s major contribution to the Exodus and the Redemption, let us review the details of Miriam’s personal background.

The word ‘Miriam’ is derived from the Hebrew word meaning ‘bitter,’ relating to the bitter times when she was born and raised.

Pressured by Pharoah’s decree to kill all firstborn boys, Jewish families began to break apart, and Miriam’s own parents Amram and Yocheved divorced.

Amid all this despair and hopelessness, Miriam announced a Divine prophecy: “My mother will give birth to a son who will save Israel.” Inspired by their daughter’s prophecy, Amram and Yocheved remarried. When the baby was born, the house was filled with light, and Amram kissed Miriam on the head, exclaiming: “My daughter! Your prophecy has come true!”

But three months later, when little Moses had to be hidden in the river among the reeds, her father tapped her on the head, demanding; “My daughter! Where is your prophecy?!”

This is why Miriam stood among the reeds “from afar to know.” Watching and looking forward to the realization of G-d’s promise, she remained firm in the veracity of her prophecy...” (Midrash)

Miriam’s pronouncement of the forthcoming Redemption at first excited the Jews suffering in Egyptian bondage.

When the son was born, “the house was filled with light.” Moses was just a newborn baby, but Amram, his father, could already see the glimmer of prophecy in its infancy.

But this great excitement was followed by great disappointment. Moses was placed in the river to avoid being caught by Pharaoh’s soldiers who hunted down the Jewish baby boys.

Was it all over now? Miriam’s prophecy apparently went down the drain, and the Redemption was now impossible. All hope seemed lost as Moses, the intended redeemer of Israel was doomed.

Miriam’s Vision
But Miriam refused to change her stance. “She remains firm and strengthens herself in her prophecy.” She knew that she didn’t fabricate this prediction. These were Divine and holy words, and she faithfully clung to her prophecy: “My mother will give birth to a son who will save Israel.”

Imagine Miriam’s predicament in those trying times. The young girl was surely the target of angry questions and doubts, teased and taunted, “where is your prophecy now?”

Miriam’s song, years later, was a powerful vindication and triumph over many years of doom and gloom. Miriam rejoiced and was thankful that her prophecy was proven right.

Tambourines
The Torah considers it noteworthy that Miriam and the women did not only sing orally, but that their singing was accompanied by tambourines. Where did these tambourines come from? An instrument of gaiety and celebration, tambourines seem out of place during those dark and gloomy years of Egyptian oppression.

The Midrash states that the Jewish women had great vision and foresight, creating and designing tambourines as they prepared for the Exodus.

“The Jewish women of that generation were confident of Divine miracles, so they took along their tambourines from Egypt.”

Even during the darkest Exile, the righteous women knew that the Divine promise would be fulfilled, and they would eventually be redeemed.

Moreover, those faithful women translated the hope in their hearts into action. Rather than vague wishful thinking, their belief in the Redemption was real and tangible, (as in the folksaying: “When praying for rain, carry an umbrella!”)

Miriam knew with certainty, that regardless of how unrealistic the prospects for Redemption may have looked at the time, the Exodus was actually “right around the corner.”

Miriam and the women were fully ready and prepared for this great and auspicious moment.

Having strengthened and encouraged Israel’s faith during the hard depressing times, these women deserved to herald the redemption, leaving Egypt with a song in their heart and tambourines in their hands.

Miriam’s song was indeed different and it therefore stands out in a class by itself! Miriam’s song was not inspired after the fact, as was the singing by the rest of Israel. Rather than being a result and effect of the miracle, her song of faith was the cause and reason for the miracle and its very cause.

When celebrating the holidays, we declare in our prayers: “In those days...in our time.” May Miriam’s song and her tambourine continue to inspire us to this very day, and may it strengthen our faith as we look forward to the coming of Moshiach, very soon.