Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Miriam is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for her role as a prophetess and leader among the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. She is the sister of Moses and Aaron, and her account is primarily found in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.Early Life and Role in Moses' Survival Miriam first appears in the biblical narrative in Exodus 2:1-10. Although not named in this passage, she is traditionally identified as the sister who watches over the infant Moses after he is placed in a basket on the Nile River. When Pharaoh's daughter discovers the child, Miriam courageously approaches her and offers to find a Hebrew nurse for the baby, thus ensuring that Moses' own mother is able to care for him during his early years. Prophetess and Leader Miriam is explicitly called a prophetess in Exodus 15:20. After the Israelites cross the Red Sea and witness the destruction of the Egyptian army, Miriam leads the women in a song of triumph and praise to God. This event highlights her role as a spiritual leader and her gift of prophecy. The passage states: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing" (Exodus 15:20). Rebellion and Consequences Miriam's leadership is further illustrated in Numbers 12, where she and Aaron speak against Moses because of his Cushite wife. The text suggests that Miriam is the instigator of this challenge to Moses' authority. As a result, God punishes her with leprosy, causing her to be isolated from the camp for seven days. This incident underscores the seriousness of challenging God's appointed leaders and serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience. Numbers 12:10-15 describes this event, noting that "the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow" (Numbers 12:10). Death and Legacy Miriam's death is recorded in Numbers 20:1, which states, "In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried" (Numbers 20:1). Her passing marks the end of an era for the Israelites, as she was a key figure during their journey from slavery to the brink of the Promised Land. Miriam's legacy is one of faith, leadership, and the complexities of human nature. She is remembered as a woman of strength and influence, whose life and actions had a significant impact on the history of Israel. Her account serves as an example of both the blessings and challenges that come with leadership and the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MiriamSmith's Bible Dictionary Miriam(rebellion), the sister of Moses, was the eldest of that sacred family; and she first appears, probably as a young girl, watching her infant brother's cradle in the Nile, (Exodus 2:4) and suggesting her mother as a nurse. ver. 7. After the crossing of the Red Sea "Miriam the prophetess" is her acknowledged title. ch. (Exodus 15:20) The prophetic power showed itself in her under the same form as that which it assumed in the days of Samuel and David, --poetry, accompanied with music and processions. ch. (Exodus 15:1-19) She took the lead, with Aaron, in the complaint against Moses for his marriage with a Cushite, (Numbers 12:1,2) and for this was attacked with leprosy. This stroke and its removal, which took place at Hazeroth, form the last public event of Miriam's life. ch. (Numbers 12:1-15) She died toward the close of the wanderings at Kadesh, and was buried there. ch. (Numbers 20:1) (B.C. about 1452.) ATS Bible Dictionary MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, probably the one who watched over Moses in the ark of bulrushes, Exodus 2:4,5 Numbers 26 59 Micah 6 4. As a prophetess, she led the women of Israel in their song of worship and thanksgiving to God on the drowning of the Egyptians, Exodus 15:20,21. Her jealous murmurs against Moses and his Cushite wife were punished by a temporary leprosy, Numbers 12:1-16 De 24:9; but she was forgiven and restored, and near the close of the wandering of Israel, died at Kadwshbarnea, Numbers 20:1. Easton's Bible Dictionary Their rebellion. (1.) The sister of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 2:4-10; 1 Chronicles 6:3). Her name is prominent in the history of the Exodus. She is called "the prophetess" (Exodus 15:20). She took the lead in the song of triumph after the passage of the Red Sea. She died at Kadesh during the second encampment at that place, toward the close of the wanderings in the wilderness, and was buried there (Numbers 20:1). (see AARON; MOSES.) (2.) 1 Chronicles 4:17, one of the descendants of Judah. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIRIAMmir'-i-am (miryam; Septuagint and the New Testament Mariam; English Versions of the Bible of the New Testament "Mary"): Greek 3137. Maria -- Mary, the name of several Christian women ... Noun, Feminine; Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Maria or Mariam Phonetic Spelling: (mar-ee'-ah) Short Definition: Mary, Miriam Definition: Mary ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3137.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4813. Miryam -- a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah... 4812, 4813. Miryam. 4814 . a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah. Transliteration: Miryam Phonetic Spelling: (meer-yawm') Short Definition: Miriam. ... Miriam. ... /hebrew/4813.htm - 6k Library The Lady Miriam Song of Moses and Miriam Whom the Lady Miriam Sent Miriam But Besides Other Things the Action of Miriam the Prophetess Also ... Shame on Account of God's Displeasure. The Child Moses. Philip and the Desposyni Philip at Antioch The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River Thesaurus Miriam (13 Occurrences)... (2.) 1 Chronicles 4:17, one of the descendants of Judah. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MIRIAM. ... John A. Lees. Multi-Version Concordance Miriam (13 Occurrences ... /m/miriam.htm - 12k Amram (14 Occurrences) Ethiopian (11 Occurrences) Kidron (11 Occurrences) Jochebed (2 Occurrences) Withdrawn (28 Occurrences) Travel (25 Occurrences) March (41 Occurrences) Prophetess (8 Occurrences) Confined (18 Occurrences) Resources Dance in worship - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses' mother? | GotQuestions.org Who was Moses' wife? Did Moses have more than one wife? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Miriam (13 Occurrences)Exodus 15:20 Exodus 15:21 Numbers 12:1 Numbers 12:4 Numbers 12:5 Numbers 12:10 Numbers 12:15 Numbers 20:1 Numbers 26:59 Deuteronomy 24:9 1 Chronicles 4:17 1 Chronicles 6:3 Micah 6:4 Subtopics Epic: (Heroic Poetry): Miriam's Song Miriam: Died and is Buried at Kadesh Miriam: Jealous of Moses, Stricken With Leprosy, Healed on Account of the Intercession of Moses Miriam: Song of, After the Destruction of Pharaoh and his Army Miriam: Watched Over Moses when he Was in the Little Basket Related Terms |