Miriam in the Bible

Exodus 2:1-10, 15:20-21, Numbers 12:1-15

A woman of many talents, Mariam was brave even as a girl when she followed her baby brother Moses’s basket, then dared approach the Pharaoh’s daughter. Did she care that much for the infant or was she an obedient daughter, doing as her mother commanded? Either way, she had courage.

In the text, she’s called a prophet. She led the women in singing her poetic praise song and even in dancing for joy after they passed through the sea on dry ground.
But then pride or prejudice struck. She turned against her dear brother, possibly looking down on him because of the race of his wife. Not nice! Or maybe it was jealousy over his position or a recent decision she didn’t agree with.

Surprising turn—she and Aaron grumbled, Has the Lord spoken only through Moses, hasn’t he spoken through us? Struck with leprosy, she was sent to solitary confinement outside the camp for seven days. Probably they were lonely, scary days, waiting and wondering, pondering her guilt, feeling shame. And the dark, lonely nights were likely sleepless. Her skin must have looked and smelled terrible too, and as a woman, I would be devastated by that. I mean, we hate getting a big pimple, but leprosy….yikes.

But then God healed her, as He heals us from our ugly sins. Praise Him!

What are your thoughts on Miriam?

Hope you have a good week, and let me know if I can pray for you!
Blessings,
Janet