WHO WAS MIRIAM? She was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is the first woman in the Bible called a prophetess. What did she do? As a prophetess, she had a role in relating God’s messages. She enjoyed a prominent position in Israel and shared with the men in a victory .—Exodus 15:1, 20, 21. She first saved her baby brother Moses from being killed by pharaoh's men and who was adopted by Pharaoh's own daughter and Miriam cleverly arranged for the the baby's real mother to be the wet nurse for him. Sometime later, Miriam and Aaron spoke critically of Moses. They were evidently motivated by pride and jealousy. God “was listening,” and he strongly counseled both Miriam and Aaron. (Numbers 12:1-9) God then struck Miriam with leprosy, apparently because she had instigated the critical talk. When Moses pleaded with God on her behalf, God healed her. After a seven-day quarantine, she was allowed to rejoin the camp of Israel.—Numbers 12:10-15. The Bible indicates that Miriam accepted the correction. Centuries later, God referred to her unique privilege when he reminded the Israelites: “I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”—Micah 6:4.' What can we learn from Miriam? Miriam’s story reveals that God pays attention to what his worshippers say to or about one another. We also learn that to please God, we must avoid undue pride and jealousy—traits that may cause us to smear the good reputation of others. The Song of Miriam Exodus 15:19-21 Miriam’s role as a leader of the Hebrew women was obviously more extensive than is shown in the biblical text. Despite her personal charisma and power, her story has to a large extent been subsumed into the story of her brother Moses. Rulers in the ancient world led through force of arms and military might. Miriam model of leadership, She led by example served her people rather than ruled them did what she believed God wanted rather than serving her own ends.
