Miriam
Miriam was the daughter of Amram and Jochebed and the sister of Aaron and Moses. She was probably the oldest of the three. When Pharaoh's daughter found baby Moses in a basket cradle floating in the Nile River she let Miriam, who was most likely keeping watch, find a nurse for the child. She, of course, brought her mother. After the crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus and the drowning of the Egyptian Army, Miriam led the women in dancing and singing to praise God for the victory. She was called "Miriam the prophetess" and was an important leader sent by God to guide Israel. When Miriam criticized Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman and showed her jealousy of Moses' leadership she was struck by leprosy. Moses interceded for her with the Lord and she was cured. When Miriam died she was buried in Kadesh-barnea in the wilderness.
Lessons from the life of Miriam:
- Before we criticize someone, we need to think about our own motives.
- When we see God do great things we need to joyfully praise Him.
- God is more than willing to use women as prophets, writers, and spiritual leaders.
Miriam's story is told in Exodus 2; 15; and Numbers 12; and 20. She is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 24:9; 1 Chronicles 6:3; and Micah 6:4.
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