MIRIAM

Scripture references:  Exodus 2:1–10; 15:20, 21; Numbers 12:1–15; 20:1;

Deuteronomy 24:9

Date:  About 1520–1420 b.c.

Name:  Miriam [MER-eh-um: “loved by Yahweh”)

Greatest contribution:  Miriam played a vital role as the protective sister of baby Moses, and later as a prophetess partner of the adult Moses in delivering the Israelites from Egypt.

Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, the two men who play the most prominent roles in the grand adventure of the Israelites as God won their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Miriam herself played a significant role in three incidents described in Exodus and Numbers. As a child she was Moses’ sisterly protector. As an adult prophetess she led the delivered slaves in praising God. And as an unhappy woman she challenged Moses’ special relationship with God.

Exodus 15:20, 21 tells us four important things about Miriam’s role in the redeemed community.

Miriam was a prophetess (Ex. 15:20).

The Old Testament prophets were God’s spokespersons. They spoke as His mouthpieces, delivering messages that were not their own but that had the authority of the divine Word. While Moses himself was the premier prophet of the day, and indeed the prototype prophet for the future, it is significant that he was not the only prophet in the Israelite camp. Miriam, like Moses, had the prophetic gift and calling. Continue Reading Here