There are some questions concerning the Shira which Miriam sang with the women immediately following the Shira which Moshe sang with the men. The posuk alludes to a question that was asked by the women, as it says: “And Miriam answered them”. What was the question? Secondly, if Miriam is responding to the women, then the Torah should have used the word “ivk” which is the female gender rather than its male counterpart “ovk”? Finally, why of the various acclamations of Hashem’s might and glory, does Miriam specifically choose the verse of “The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea”?
It is possible that a profound dialogue took place between Miriam and the women who sang Shira. The Egyptian enslavement, with the culminating Exodus was primarily a preparation for the ultimate goal of the giving of the Torah on Har Sinai. The Exodus from Egypt served as the vestibule to the inner sanctuary which was Har Sinai. It was there that the Jewish people would achieve their destiny as the Torah Nation. Miriam proposed to the Jewish women that they go out with musical instruments to sing and laud Hashem for the great miracles. The wise women questioned her judgement. Since women are exempt from Torah study, and this miracle is but a preamble to the giving of the Torah, they should rightfully be exempt from Shira. Miriam in her wisdom responded: Not only were the riders drowned, but the horses who “supported” these riders also perished! If the punishment for an animal who merely supports the rider is so great then how great should be the reward for the one who supports and sustains one who is performing a mitzvah! Therefore “ovk ig,u”, she answered “them” in the male gender – referring to the men who are assisted and encouraged in Torah study by their wives. Your reward is as great as theirs, since your dedication and devotion plays a most vital role in the continuity of Torah study and the survival of our people.
