Miriam played a significant role in Israel’s history as a prophetess, a leader among the women, and a supporter in God’s plan to deliver His people. She first appears in Exodus 2 as the sister who watched over baby Moses after he was placed in the Nile by their mother, Jochebed.
Exodus 2:4 and 7–8 state:
“And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him… Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?’ And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Go.’ So the maiden went and called the child’s mother.”
Through Miriam’s quick thinking and boldness, Moses was reunited with his mother during his early years, which helped preserve his Hebrew identity.
Later, Miriam is mentioned as a prophetess and a leader of the women after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 15:20–21, she led the women in worship after the crossing of the Red Sea:
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!’”
Miriam’s leadership and worship encouraged the nation to celebrate God’s mighty victory. However, her later challenge to Moses’ authority in Numbers 12 shows her human weakness and the seriousness of opposing God’s appointed leader.
Miriam’s life teaches that women have a vital role in God’s redemptive plan, that leadership requires humility, and that worship is essential in acknowledging God’s deliverance. She is remembered as a courageous sister, a prophetess, and an example of both faith and caution.
