Miriam
femaleExodusMeaning: “Rebellion; perhaps "beloved"”
The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who led Israel’s women in song after the Red Sea crossing.
Biography
Miriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron and the first woman called a prophetess in Scripture (Exodus 15:20).
Watching over Moses
As a girl she watched over the basket holding the infant Moses and arranged for their mother to nurse him (Exodus 2:4–8) — a quick-witted act that helped preserve Israel's deliverer.
Song of triumph
After the Red Sea crossing, "Miriam the prophetess… took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances," singing, "Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously" (Exodus 15:20–21).
Rebellion and restoration
Miriam and Aaron once spoke against Moses, and Miriam was struck with leprosy; Moses interceded, and after seven days outside the camp she was restored (Numbers 12). The prophet Micah nonetheless honors her among Israel's leaders: "I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam" (Micah 6:4). She died at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1).
Life Timeline
Watches over the infant Moses on the Nile
Leads the women in song after the Red Sea crossing
Struck with leprosy for opposing Moses, then restored
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Miriam
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Miriam appears.
Places in their story
Things in their story
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 3 booksExodus2 verses
Exodus 2:4
And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Numbers3 verses
Numbers 12:1
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
Numbers 12:10
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Numbers 20:1
Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
Micah1 verse
Micah 6:4
For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
Frequently asked about Miriam
Who was Miriam in the Bible?
The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who led Israel’s women in song after the Red Sea crossing.
What does the name Miriam mean?
The name Miriam means “Rebellion; perhaps "beloved"”.
What did Miriam do in the Bible?
Miriam served as prophetess, worship leader, of the tribe of Levi.
Who were Miriam's parents?
Miriam was the child of Amram, Jochebed.
Where does Miriam appear in the Bible?
Miriam is mentioned 6 times across 3 books: Exodus, Numbers, Micah.
What can we learn from Miriam?
The story of Miriam touches on themes of miriam, aaron, judgments, abib — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Miriam's life.
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