Miriam
Exodus 2:1-10 and 15:1-21, Numbers 12 and 20:1-2
In the narrative of Moses leading Israel out of captivity to the Egyptians and into the wilderness in search of the promised land, Miriam plays a subtle yet important role. As sister to Moses and Aaron, she receives the role of prophetess, a title only seven women in total would formally hold throughout the old testament. Though there isn’t nearly as much written about her as opposed to her brothers, the impact she has on Israel and the role she plays in the red sea event is worth diving into and an excellent example of how God uses women in powerful ways.
When Moses was a child, Miriam watched her brother be placed in a basket and floated down the stream to the custody of Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10). Initially, reading commentators speak about Miriam in this event as the ‘compassionate older sister’ felt like a stretch. I don’t know about you, but I’m slow to hop on the hype train when more conceptual statements arise from other people’s reading of the bible, especially given the little mention we have of Miriam in this episode. Was she just curious or generally interested to see how this plan goes? We could get subjective and speculative if we’d like. However, looking at her role in the liberation and wilderness events, we start to see the greatness of Miriam’s role and responsibility over Israel take shape.
In the first act of corporate worship to the Lord, Exodus 15 lays out what is titled in my bible as “The Song of Moses and Miriam.” This is a big deal, not just for the narrative of the bible but for the culture of the people of Israel. Miriam takes initiative to make ensure the women of Israel worship their God for the miracle unfolding before their eyes as a unit. Not only does she take the initiative to do so, but the women follow her in doing so, worshiping with her (v.20). Furthermore, this is where we see her first having the title of Prophetess, working closely with alongside her brothers to direct and care for God’s people, their nation, who is now set out for the promised land.
Over time, Aaron and Miriam begin to grumble and fall victim to the temptations of bitterness and pride. Frustrated with Moses’s leadership and their circling in the desert, they begin to attack his character and (in their eyes) unruly marriage with a Canaanite woman (Numbers 12:1-2). God asks the three of them to step outside the tent of meeting real quick and exposes their sin. Recalling the general flow of things, being on the receiving end of God’s wrath upon sinning while in the role of prophet or prophetess historically doesn’t go well. In seemingly an instant, God strikes Miriam with leprosy, causing Aaron to turn to Moses, urging him to intercede for their sister, which he does. God answers by asking Miriam to step outside the camp for a week. Once this happens, she is healed and comes back to join the camp. Following this instance, the 30+ remaining years of her life record no such event happening again, but rather conclude with an honorable death. She is willing to be disciplined by the Lord, and immediately comes back to an Israel, waiting for her to serve in the same capacity as before (v.15). She held responsibility for the people, just like Aaron and Moses, responsibility her people felt. Furthermore, her death and absence of leadership cause a water crisis.
Needless to say, Miriam is an important example of how God uses women to advance His will and kingdom in the world. Through her initiative, we see the women of Israel praising the Lord collectively after watching Him fulfill His promise. By the impact of God disciplining her and her death, we know she carried weight in caring for Israel. A leader they all valued greatly, refusing to move on without her. Though there is little about her recorded in the Exodus and Numbers narratives, her contribution is felt and is a testament to God’s goodness.
