The answer is: Miriam

Ex 15:20 - His bother was Aaron

Miriam, the sister of Moses, played a surprisingly powerful role in the biblical narrative. While most people often think of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt or parting the Red Sea, Miriam's contributions are no less vital. You might be surprised to learn that she is often celebrated as one of the first female prophets mentioned in the Bible!

In Exodus 15:20, after the heart-stopping events of the Exodus, Miriam grabs a tambourine and leads the women of Israel in song and dance to celebrate their deliverance from Pharaoh’s grip. Talk about the ultimate celebration squad! This indicates that not only did she support her brothers, but she also played an active role in leading the people both spiritually and socially.

If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find references to another prophetess named Deborah in the book of Judges. Like Miriam, Deborah took charge during challenging times, showing a pattern of women taking leadership roles in ancient Israel. Some scholars speculated over how examples like Miriam's evolve in the context of community and family, illustrating the importance of feminine voices that resonated in a male-dominated patriarchal environment.

So next time you think about Moses, Aaron, and the Exodus, don't forget about Miriam – the tambourine-toting sister who championed the faith of a nation, making her a plucky hero of the eternal story!