Why is miriam important

It is a mark of her status that, despite being so prominently punished for her insubordination, the Israelites do not continue on their journey until Miriam is healed. Her death is recorded in the first verse of Numbers 20, at the site of Kadesh in the wilderness.

Like her siblings, she does not see the promised land. Less than a handful of episodes, yet Miriam is said by the prophet Micah to have been sent along with Moses and Aaron to redeem Israel from Egypt. Despite there being no mention of her having any children in the Bible, the tradition makes her the ancestor of both Bezalel , the architect of the Tabernacle , and of King David. Because she was labeled as a prophet, there are stories about her predicting that Moses would save Israel.

On the other hand, she is a portrait of the effects of gossip and words that tear others down. She was described as a prophetess, and, in fact, is one of the seven major female prophets in the Bible. We are first introduced to Miriam as she and her younger brother, Aaron, welcome a new baby boy to the family.

His name was Moses. Unfortunately, Moses was born during a time that a decree was in effect demanding that all Hebrew baby boys be killed. Miriam had parents with strong faith, however and trusted God.

She found a papyrus basket or him and coated it with tar and pitch to make it waterproof. She then placed Moses in the basket and hid it in the reeds along the bank of the Nile river. Big sister Miriam stood by and watched to see what would become of her baby brother.

When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Once she opened the basket and saw baby Moses, she immediately fell in love with him and decided to keep him and raise him as her own.

Miriam, who stood watching, courageously stepped forward and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for Bithiah.

You can find everything that you are looking for about Women of the Bible: Unintentional Mentors , in this post as well as in-depth studies on each of the 8 women we cover Deborah, Elizabeth, Miriam, Rahab, Sarah and more but you may also wish to purchase the ebook for your convenience. It includes tons of videos and additional downloads.

Your choice, read it here or have it forever. By this time, Moses, had been living in Midian and had a wife and two sons. So, with instructions from God, Moses returns to Egypt. His brother Aaron is to be his spokesman. Miriam witnessed the great miracles God performed through Moses. She was also part of the huge throng of people to cross the parted Red Sea.

The Israelites were finally free from brutal captivity and it was a time to rejoice! Exodus 15 gives us the first song recorded in the Bible, which was penned by Moses. It is a song of praise from a freed people. This song, known as The Song of Moses and Miriam , was written in praise and worship to God for redeeming the Israelites. It is found in Exodus Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.

The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.

You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia.

The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall on them. Doubtless she was repentant, but her strength was broken and the gift of prophecy had left her.

One also wonders what the thoughts of Moses' wife were during that lonely week as she thought of her sister-in-law punished and excluded because she condemned Moses for making her his wife. Further, had the confidence of Moses in Aaron and Miriam been so shaken as to make him walk alone?

Restored to divine favor we would fain believe Miriam was noble and submissive through the rest of her days, even though we do not hear again of her until her death. Alexander Whyte reckons that Miriam did not live long after that dread week, that she died not because of her old age, or the dregs of the leprosy, but of a broken heart.

The Bible is silent as to any further service she rendered once the camp moved on. Had her sorrow crushed her song, and her presumption silenced her prophetic voice? Tradition has it that she was given a costly funeral and buried on the mountain of Zin, and mourned for some 30 days. But her last resting place, like that of her great brother, Moses, is one of the secrets of God.

First of all, we should learn to avoid the temptation to wield power at the expense of losing influence. Miriam had great influence in her sphere as prophetess and leader of the praises of Israel, but she was not content.

She coveted equal power with Moses. Then is it not folly in trying to add to our prestige and dictating to others, as Miriam and Aaron when they gave vent to their feelings against Moses?

The most impressive lesson to learn from Miriam is that it is injurious to our character to be discontented with our own distinction, and to jealously desire the higher place of honor which another holds.

My soul, never forget that it was envy that crucified the Lord who personified humility! The best value in digital Bible study. No software to install. Try it FREE. Font Size Font Size. Miriam No. Jehovah has triumphed,—His people are free!

Sing—for the pride of the tyrant is broken; His chariots, his horsemen, all splendid and brave,— How vain was their boasting! Praise to the Conqueror, praise to the Lord! His word was our arrow, His breath was our sword. Who shall return to tell Egypt the story Of those she sent forth in the shew of her pride? For the Lord hath looked out from His pillar of glory, And all her brave thousands are dashed in the tide.

Jehovah has triumphed—His people are free! Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name! She took a chance by asking the princess if she could find a Hebrew nurse to nurse the baby.

The daughter of Pharaoh agreed, and Miriam went and brought her mother who ended up taking care of Moses through the rest of his infancy. Exodus Not only was she a prophetess, but she grew to be a charismatic leader.

Shortly after the Hebrew people were delivered from Egypt, she led the Hebrew women in song and dance. The Song of Miriam is one of the few poems that survived from the ancient world. Decades after her first act of bravery on the banks of the Nile River, Miriam displayed leadership skills as she led alongside her brother, Moses. A life of slavery has not extinguished her faith and spirit.

She used her gift of leadership to sing the praises of the Lord, to celebrate and rejoice in Him.