Old Testament · Exodus
Miriam
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.”Exodus 15:20
Biography
Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron, and a prophetess. As a young girl, she watched over baby Moses in a basket on the Nile and arranged for his mother to nurse him. After Israel crossed the Red Sea, she led the women of Israel in worship with tambourines and song. She later sinned by challenging Moses' authority alongside Aaron and was struck with leprosy, then healed after Moses interceded for her.
Spiritual Lesson
Miriam's life holds both triumph and warning. Her courage as a child and her joy in leading worship after the Exodus show the power of faith and praise. Her later fall into jealousy reminds us that spiritual gifts and a history with God do not immunize us against pride. The fact that God healed her after judgment shows that His mercy is always available to those who humble themselves.