Exodus 15:20 - Women's song of redemption

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Hebrew Text

וַתִּקַּח מִרְיָם הַנְּבִיאָה אֲחוֹת אַהֲרֹן אֶת־הַתֹּף בְּיָדָהּ וַתֵּצֶאןָ כָל־הַנָּשִׁים אַחֲרֶיהָ בְּתֻפִּים וּבִמְחֹלֹת׃

English Translation

And Miryam the prophetess, the sister of Aharon, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Transliteration

Vatikakh Miriam han'vi'ah akhot Aharon et-hatof b'yadah vateitze'na khol-hanashim achareha b'tupim uvimcholot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּקַּח֩ מִרְיָ֨ם הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה אֲח֧וֹת אַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת־הַתֹּ֖ף בְּיָדָ֑הּ וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ כׇֽל־הַנָּשִׁים֙ אַחֲרֶ֔יהָ בְּתֻפִּ֖ים וּבִמְחֹלֹֽת׃

Parasha Commentary

The Role of Miriam as a Prophetess

Rashi (Exodus 15:20) explains that Miriam is referred to as "the sister of Aharon" to highlight her prophetic role even before Moshe was born. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13) teaches that she prophesied about Moshe's birth, declaring that her mother would bear the savior of Israel. This establishes her as a leader among women, guiding them in song and dance after the splitting of the sea.

The Significance of the Timbrel (תֹּף)

The Talmud (Sotah 30b) notes that the righteous women of Israel were so certain of Hashem's miracles that they prepared timbrels in advance while still in Egypt. Rambam (Hilchos Taaniyos 5:14) derives from this that musical instruments are an appropriate means of expressing gratitude to Hashem. The timbrels symbolize both faith in future redemption and joyous celebration of deliverance.

Women's Leadership in Song

The phrase "all the women went out after her" demonstrates Miriam's leadership. The Mechilta (Beshalach 6) emphasizes that the women followed her example with unity. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Beshalach 15:68) explains that the women's song was separate from the men's to maintain modesty, yet equally significant in praising Hashem.

The Dance as Divine Service

The Kli Yakar (Exodus 15:20) explains that the dance was not mere celebration but a form of divine service, paralleling the Levites' musical service in the Temple. The Sforno adds that their movements were orderly and purposeful, reflecting the disciplined joy of serving Hashem.

Faith in Action: The women's preparation of instruments in Egypt shows complete trust in redemption (Rashi, Sotah 11b).
Prophetic Leadership: Miriam's role models how prophecy can guide communal response to miracles (Ramban, Exodus 15:20).
Modest Celebration: The separate women's procession maintains dignity while allowing full expression of joy (Talmud, Sotah 30b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 30b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the righteous women of that generation who trusted in God and therefore took timbrels out of Egypt, illustrating their faith and joy during the Exodus.

📖 Megillah 14a

Miryam is mentioned as one of the seven prophetesses in Israel, and this verse is cited as evidence of her prophetic status and leadership among the women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Miryam the prophetess mentioned in Exodus 15:20?
A: Miryam (Miriam) was the sister of Aharon (Aaron) and Moshe (Moses), and a prophetess in her own right. According to Rashi and the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13), she prophesied even before Moshe's birth that her mother would give birth to the savior of the Jewish people. She is called 'the sister of Aharon' here to highlight her righteousness from a young age, even before Moshe was born.

Q: Why did Miryam take a timbrel (tambourine) after crossing the Red Sea?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 10) explains that the righteous women of Israel were so certain that Hashem would perform miracles for them that they prepared tambourines in advance while still in Egypt. Miryam led the women in song and dance to express their gratitude to Hashem for the miracle of the splitting of the sea. This teaches us the importance of preparing for and anticipating future miracles with faith.

Q: What is the significance of the women singing and dancing separately in Exodus 15:20?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 30b) explains that men and women celebrated separately to maintain modesty (tzniut). Miryam led the women in their own celebration with musical instruments and dances. This shows how Jewish tradition values both communal celebration and proper boundaries between men and women in public gatherings.

Q: Why is Miryam called a prophetess in this verse?
A: Miryam is called a prophetess because she had the gift of prophecy. The Talmud (Megillah 14a) lists her among the seven major prophetesses of Israel. According to Rashi (on Exodus 15:20), her prophecy related to the future redemption and the miracles Hashem would perform. Her leadership in song after the splitting of the sea demonstrated her spiritual stature.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Miryam's leadership in this verse?
A: Miryam teaches us the importance of joyful gratitude to Hashem and inspiring others in divine service. The Rambam (Hilchos Taaniyos 5:14) derives from this verse that musical instruments are appropriate for praising Hashem in times of salvation. Miryam's leadership also shows how women play a vital role in Jewish spirituality and communal celebration.