Miriam, a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known for her role in the early life of Moses, her younger brother. She is introduced in the Book of Exodus, where she plays a crucial part in the preservation of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Miriam's early involvement is found in Exodus 2:1-10. During a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys be cast into the Nile River, Moses' mother, Jochebed, sought to save her son. She placed him in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Miriam, though unnamed in this passage, is described as the sister who watched over the basket from a distance to see what would happen to her brother.

Exodus 2:4 states, "And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him." This act of vigilance and courage highlights Miriam's protective nature and her pivotal role in God's providential plan for Moses.

When Pharaoh's daughter discovered the basket and opened it, she found the crying infant and felt compassion for him. At this critical moment, Miriam approached the princess with a suggestion that would ensure Moses' survival and connection to his Hebrew heritage. She offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child, and with Pharaoh's daughter's consent, she brought Jochebed, Moses' own mother, to care for him.

Exodus 2:7-8 records this interaction: "Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, 'Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?' 'Go ahead,' Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother."

Role and Significance

Miriam's actions demonstrate her resourcefulness and bravery. By ensuring that Moses was nursed by his own mother, she not only preserved his life but also maintained his connection to his Hebrew roots during his formative years. This connection would later be crucial as Moses grew to become the leader of the Israelites.

Miriam's role in this narrative is often seen as an example of God's providence working through human agency. Her quick thinking and courage were instrumental in the unfolding of God's plan for the deliverance of His people from Egypt.

Later Life and Legacy

Miriam's significance extends beyond her early life involvement with Moses. She later emerges as a prophetess and leader in her own right, playing a vital role in the Exodus journey. Her account is a testament to the important roles women played in the biblical narrative and in the history of Israel.

Throughout the Scriptures, Miriam is remembered as a figure of faith and courage, whose early actions had a profound impact on the history of the Israelites. Her account serves as an enduring example of how God can use individuals, regardless of their age or status, to fulfill His divine purposes.Exodus 2:4-8
And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
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