"Miriam the prophet, Aaron`s sister" A Prophetess? A Priestess?

In Exodus 15:20, Miriam is mentioned by name for the first time in the Bible, and is introduced as "Miriam the prophet, Aaron`s sister". Miriam joins Moses in leading the celebrations for the God of Israel after the crossing the Red Sea and the victory over Egypt. Miriam is the earliest female figure known as a prophetess. However, there is no description of her dedication to prophecy, and no evidence of her prophetic role. Consequently, from early interpretations to contemporary commentaries the question arises as to what characteristics entitle her to be designated as prophetess? Despite the small number of references in the biblical text to Miriam (seven only), she is presented as a public figure with an important social and leadership status alongside Moses and Aaron as demonstrated by the prophet Micah (6: 4).

Miriam is also described as "Aaron`s sister". This designation poses a number of questions: Why is Mirian not portrayed as Moses` sister? Why is Aaron not mentioned in the descriptions of the festivities? What is her status and role alongside Moses and Aaron?

I argue that the designation "Aaron`s sister" has significance beyond biological/familial affinity. I will attempt to show that it is related to Miriam`s public activities. I suggest that the designation "Aaron`s sister" is important for the understanding of her role and status in the leadership hierarchy alongside Moses and Aaron. The issue of hierarchy of the leaders` triumvirate in Exodus 15, connects the events that occur after the conversation between Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12. In jointly reading the two texts, Miriams designation as "Aaron`s sister" in Exodus 15, is given a special emphasis, meaning and significance in Numbers 12. I intend to show that "Aarons sister" is an essential key element for the understanding of Miriam`s role, not only by examining the ocurrences of the term `sister` in the Bible. I will also compare it with references of the term `sister` in narratives describing female figures in the literature of the cultures of the ancient Near East.