Miriam מִרְיָם
Moses' sister, a prophetess who led women in worship.
Biography
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and a prominent figure in the Exodus narrative. She first appears in Exo.15.20-21, where she is described as a prophetess who led the women of Israel in worship and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea. This event highlights her leadership role among the women and her musical abilities.
However, Miriam's life was not without controversy. In Num.12.1-15, she and Aaron criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman and challenged his authority as God's chosen leader. As a result, God punished Miriam with leprosy, but she was healed after Moses interceded on her behalf. This incident serves as a warning against questioning God's appointed leaders.
Miriam's death is recorded in Num.20.1, which takes place near the end of the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Her significance in Israel's history is further emphasized in Mic.6.4, where she is mentioned alongside Moses and Aaron as one of the leaders God sent to guide the people out of Egypt.
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In Scripture
5 biblical books ; 3 with study contentExodus 2 verses
- Exodus 15:20
"Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances."
Study Exodus → - Exodus 15:21
"Miriam answered them, “Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”"
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Numbers 5 verses
- Numbers 12:1
"Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman."
- Numbers 12:4
"Yahweh spoke suddenly to Moses, to Aaron, and to Miriam, “You three come out to the Tent of Meeting!” The three of them came out."
- Numbers 12:5
"Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward."
- Numbers 12:10
"The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous."
- Numbers 12:15
"Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days, and the people didn’t travel until Miriam was brought in again."
Deuteronomy 1 verse
- Deuteronomy 24:9
"Remember what Yahweh your God did to Miriam, by the way as you came out of Egypt."
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 6:3
"The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar."
Micah 1 verse
- Micah 6:4
"For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."
Study Micah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִרְיָם | H4813G |