Topical Bible: Prophets: Miriam

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Topical Encyclopedia

Miriam, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is recognized as a prophetess and a leader among the Israelites during their 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, where she plays a crucial role in the survival of her infant brother, Moses. When Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Moses' mother placed him in a basket along the Nile River. Miriam watched over him from a distance and, when Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child, Miriam courageously approached her. She offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby, thus reuniting Moses with his biological mother until he was weaned.

Prophetess and Leader

Miriam is explicitly referred to as a prophetess in Exodus 15:20-21. After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army, Miriam led the women of Israel in a song of triumph and praise to the LORD: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang back to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'" (Exodus 15:20-21). This passage highlights her role as a spiritual leader and her gift of prophecy, as she led the people in worship and celebration.

Rebellion and Consequences

Despite her leadership, Miriam's account also includes a moment of rebellion against Moses. In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife and questioned his unique position as God's chosen leader. The LORD responded by affirming Moses' special relationship with Him and punishing Miriam with leprosy. Numbers 12:9-10 states, "So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departed. As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow." . Aaron pleaded with Moses, who interceded for Miriam, and after seven days outside the camp, she was healed and restored to the community.

Death and Legacy

Miriam's death is recorded in Numbers 20:1: "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." . Her passing marked the end of an era, as she was a key figure in the journey from slavery to the brink of the Promised Land.

Miriam's legacy is one of faith, leadership, and the complexities of human nature. As a prophetess, she played a vital role in the spiritual life of Israel, and her account serves as a reminder of both the power of faith and the consequences of pride and rebellion. Her life is celebrated for her courage, her prophetic voice, and her contribution to the history of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 15:20
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... was swept into transports of beatification; how the men became prophets and the ... and
glancing at the foremost, recognized her immediately as the Lady Miriam. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvi whom the lady.htm

Reference Table
... Creation Job XXXVIII 4 The Exodus 43 III The Song of Moses and Miriam Exodus XV
1 ... LX 1 Isaiah 49 X Isaiah: Doom of Babylon Isaiah XIII 2 Minor Prophets 147 XI ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/reference table.htm

Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament.
... 498] And, after that Moses had finished [499] singing praises, then Miriam, the
sister ... find that Elisha and Gehazi and the sons of the prophets lived together ...
/.../chapter xiv examples of circumspect behaviour.htm

Ahaz
... Tender were the pleadings of the prophets; and as they stood before the people ... out
of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... The law did not prohibit women being prophets or prophesying. See Deborah,
in Judges 4:4-14. Miriam, Ex.15:20. Anna, Luke 2:36. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

The Natural Invisibility of the Father, and the visibility of the ...
... patriarchs are said to have seen God (as Abraham and Jacob), and the prophets (as,
for ... days of His flesh, in the way that He says to Aaron and Miriam, "And if ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xiv the natural invisibility of.htm

The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ...
... Let each of the prophets be examined, and not one will be found who does ... he relates
the wicked murmuring of his brother Aaron, and his sister Miriam (Numb.12:1 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 the credibility of.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... of choral worship and the chanting of hymns"eg, of Moses and Miriam, and Hannah ... 4.
The reading of the law and the prophets was now set in order; and not only ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... Here at this time happened three important events; (1) Miriam died and was buried ...
not believe that divine relations were limited to seers and prophets of their ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Feast of the Lord
... We are in our privileges superior to patriarchs, and kings, and prophets. ... and lame,
but the "lame man shall leap like the hart," and like Miriam, she shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the feast of the lord.htm