Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is first mentioned in Exodus 2:4–8 as the unnamed sister who watched over the baby Moses as he floated in the Nile. When Pharaoh’s daughter found him, Miriam approached and offered to find a Hebrew nurse, leading to Moses’ own mother nursing him. This shows her early courage, wisdom, and family loyalty.
Miriam is later identified as a prophetess in Exodus 15:20. After God parted the Red Sea and delivered Israel from Egypt, Miriam led the women in worship with timbrels and dancing, saying, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Exodus 15:21). Her leadership in this moment reflects her prominent spiritual role among the people.
However, Miriam also erred. In Numbers 12, she and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married. They questioned his exclusive role as God’s spokesman, saying, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” (Numbers 12:2). The Lord responded by affirming Moses’ unique position and struck Miriam with leprosy. Aaron pleaded with Moses, and Moses interceded for her. God healed her, but she was shut out of the camp for seven days as a sign of her wrongdoing (Numbers 12:15).
Miriam later died in the wilderness at Kadesh and was buried there (Numbers 20:1). Her death is noted quietly, marking the end of her service alongside her brothers.
Miriam’s life demonstrates bold faith and leadership, especially in worship and deliverance. However, it also warns against pride and rebellion. Though a prophetess, she was not above correction. Her life reveals God’s justice and mercy, and her legacy as a leading woman in Israel remains significant in the narrative of God’s people.
