Miriam's Timbrels Readied in Faith Before the Miracle

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 253:5

"And Miriam the prophetess took the timbrel in her hand" (Exodus 15:20). Now from where did Israel have timbrels and dances in the wilderness? Rather, the righteous were confident and knew that the Holy One, blessed be He, would perform for them miracles and mighty deeds at the going out from Egypt, so they prepared for themselves timbrels and dances. "And Miriam answered them" (Exodus 15:21). Scripture tells that just as Moses recited the song to the men, so Miriam recited the song to the women, as it is said, "Sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously" (Exodus 15:21).

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