Miriam

AI summary: Miriam matters because the cross references present her as both leader and warning within Israel's formative generation. She watches over the infant Moses, leads the women in song after the sea crossing, and is later disciplined in the episode of opposition against Moses. Her death at Kadesh marks the passing of a major wilderness figure. Taken together, the material presents Miriam as a prophetic and influential woman whose story includes praise, leadership, family tension, and divine correction.¹

The sister of Moses and Aaron (Ex. 2:4-10; 1 Chr. 6:3). Her name is prominent in the history of the Exodus. She is called “the prophetess” (Ex. 15:20). She took the lead in the song of triumph after the passage of the Red Sea. She died at Kadesh during the second encampment at that place, toward the close of the wanderings in the wilderness, and was buried there (Num. 20:1). (See AARON; MOSES.) ³