MIRIAM

Who was Miriam?

In Numbers 26:59, we are told that Miriam was the daughter of Amram and Jochebed (therefore the granddaughter of Levi). The first time Miriam is mentioned in the Bible is in Exodus 2:1-9, where she volunteers to provide a wet nurse for the baby Moses, her brother.

Here, we see God's plan working through her for the redemption of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Miriam was only a young girl yet she was concerned about the baby Moses and indeed her fate is tied up with Moses for the rest of her life. A family build on spiritual bonds.

Many years later Miriam appears again on the scene as an older woman in Exodus 15:20-21. This

time we know that she is called a Prophetess. Miriam is leading the Hebrew women in dance after the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptian army when crossing the Red Sea.

Miriam plays a leading role among God's people and sings praises to God. She is a woman with spiritual gifts and personality among her people. What a tremendous family Amram and Jochebed

raised-Aaron the High Priest, Miriam the Prophetess and Moses the great leader of God's people.

God delights in such families whose service and dedication are an example in the Church. Through

such people the Church can prosper and move on spiritually.

The next time Miriam appears in the Scriptures is in Numbers 12:1-16. A very different Miriam-

the Rebel. Many years have gone by wandering in the wilderness and maybe the effect of this showed in her personality and character. Has the weariness set in and the zeal gone out? Has disappointment over not reaching the promised land quickly evaporated her hopes? Does it speak of our own Christian lives?

Listen to the accusations against Moses, 'Has the Lord indeed only spoken through Moses?' Paul,

the Apostle, writing to the Corinthian Church warns, 'If I have all the gifts and lack love, I am.....'

The accusation sounds like the one in the Garden of Eden voiced by the serpent to Eve.

The accusation by an older sister against a younger sibling. However, God will not tolerate such

things against people He has chosen to lead His flock. It amounts to doubts cast against a person

anointed by God. Leadership carries an extra responsibility in the eyes of the God who calls people.  It is God we have to give an account to in the final analysis. 

Miriam should have known better than challenge God's leader. It was outright rebellion. (Read the words of Samuel the Prophet when he confronted Saul, the King, 1 Samuel 15:22-23. about his disobedience which amounted to rebellion.)

What was the problem? Moses had married an Ethiopian woman.  What caused Miriam's displeasure and rebellion? God did not seem to object to the marriage. Was it a case of jealousy? Colour prejudice? We are not told the exact reasons but Miriam was at fault. God would not tolerate this kind of behaviour. He spoke to Moses face to face, it was His choice to do so whether Miriam was loaded with gifts or not. Judgement came upon Miriam fast and hard but Aaron was of a softer character. God looks upon the heart and weighs the actions. Was she filled with bitterness?

The episode ends and we hear no more of Miriam till in Numbers 20:1. A plain statement that Miriam died and was buried. No lament, nothing. What a sad end to a great woman, the sister of

of the great Moses. Her final years, since the rebellion, passed without anything of significance in her life. She was certainly left out of the Promised Land, the reward for those who rebel against God.