Miriam
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Levi · Exodus & Wilderness · Old Testament
- Name means
- Bitterness (commonly given)
- Role
- Prophetess; sister of Moses and Aaron
- When
- c. 1500-1400 BC (traditional)
What they did
Led the women in song and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea. When she spoke against Moses she was struck with leprosy and healed after Moses prayed.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God sent her with Moses and Aaron to lead Israel (Micah 6:4); her song gave Israel praise for the LORD's victory.
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Exodus 15:21 (KJV)
Bible references
And 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; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Exodus 15:20-21 (KJV)
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. Numbers 12:1 (KJV)
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. Numbers 12:10 (KJV)
Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. Numbers 20:1 (KJV)
For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Micah 6:4 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Amram
- Mother
- Jochebed
- Brothers / sisters
- Aaron, Moses
Died at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1).