In Beshalach we find a bizarre praise of Hashem. In Miriam’s song by the sea she exclaims “Sing to HaShem for he is exalted above the arrogant, having hurled horse with its rider into the sea” (Exodus 15:21)
Out of all the praises Miriam could have come up with she chooses to point out that HaShem threw the poor horses to their deaths – what did they do?.
There are many explanations but I want to focus on one explanation brought in the Medrash. Miriam chose to sing these words to the women in order to answer a question that they had.
The women were worried because only the men have the Mitzva to study Torah; and they were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to guarantee for themselves a place in the World to Come? Miriam answered them: “having hurled horse with its rider into the sea”
Just as the horse who took the Egyptians after the Jewish people followed them into the sea, we learn a lesson in the reverse – The Jewish women who encourage their husbands and children to study Torah will follow them into the World to Come.
