Miriam
“Possibly 'Rebellion' or 'Bitterness'”
Summary
The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who led Israel's women in worship and later was struck with leprosy for opposing Moses.
☩Protecting Baby Moses
When Moses was placed in a basket on the Nile, 'his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him' (Exodus 2:4). When Pharaoh's daughter found him, Miriam cleverly offered to find a Hebrew nurse—their own mother. Her quick thinking preserved Moses for his destiny.
☩Prophetess and Worship Leader
After the Red Sea crossing, 'Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously' (Exodus 15:20-21). She led Israel's women in celebrating God's deliverance.
☩Rebellion and Leprosy
Miriam and Aaron 'spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married... And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?' (Numbers 12:1-2). God vindicated Moses: 'With him will I speak mouth to mouth... wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?' Miriam was struck with leprosy, 'white as snow' (Numbers 12:8-10).
☩Restoration and Death
Moses interceded for Miriam, and after seven days outside the camp, her leprosy was healed (Numbers 12:13-15). She died at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin and was buried there (Numbers 20:1). Micah later commemorated her alongside Moses and Aaron: 'I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam' (Micah 6:4).
