Why does the Pasuk refer to Miriam as, "Miriam ha'Nevi'ah"?
Rashi: Because she prophesied the birth of Moshe. 1
Rashbam: Because someone who rebukes or someone who sings the praises of Hashem is also called a prophet.
Why is Miriam called "the sister of Aharon"?
Rashi #1: Because it was when she was the sister only of Aharon, before Moshe was born, that she prophesied. 1
Rashi #2: Her name is connected to that of Aharon, who was Moser Nefesh on her behalf when she was later stricken with Tzara'as. 2
Ramban #1: Since Moshe and Miriam are mentioned in the Shirah, but not Aharon, the Torah calls Miriam "Achos Aharon," in order to mention his name too."
Ramban #2 and Rashbam: It is the way of Tanach 3 to connect a person to his older brother (the Bechor - Rashbam). 4
Hadar Zekenim (in Pasuk 19): It is normal to attribute a woman to her older brother.
See Bamidbar 12:11.
See for example, Divrei Hayamim I 2:42 (Ramban). Refer also to Bereishis 28:9:2:2*.
And it did so in a way that was a Kavod for him, in that he was Miriam's older brother and that Miriam his sister was a prophetess, seeing as he too, was a Navi and a Kedosh Hashem (Ramban).
What is the definition of "Tupim u'Mecholos"?
Rashi (in Eruvin 3b): 'Drums and dances.'
Targum Yonasan: 'Drums and flutes.' 1
See Na'ar Yonasan in Shemos 32:19.
Why did the women take musical instruments with them into the desert?
Rashi: The righteous women of that generation took musical instruments out of Egypt with them, in anticipation of the miracles that they were convinced Hashem would perform with them.
Tiferes Yonasan and Ma'ayanah Shel Torah: So that the men should not hear them singing - due to the principle 'Kol b'Ishah Ervah.'
