Miriam, sister of Moses

Monday 23 August 2021

Miriam, sister of Moses

Who will find a worthy woman ? Proverbs 31:10

Among all the women the Bible tells us about, let us try to identify some lessons from the story of Miriam, the older sister of Moses. Teachings valid for sisters... and brothers !

As a baby, Miriam lovingly watches over her little brother's cradle, floating on the waters of the Nile (Exodus 2:4). It is easy to imagine his anxiety at the turn of events. This teenage girl is certainly far from thinking that, by her presence of mind before Pharaoh's daughter, she is participating in the fulfillment of God’s plan for his people. It is an encouragement for all young believers : a word spoken by faith allows one to collaborate in the plans of God !

Many years later, the liberated people of Israel gaze upon their deliverance on the shore of the Red Sea. He sings the song of Moses. Miriam the prophetess, tambourine in hand, leads female dance choirs to celebrate the passage of the Red Sea, a praise that echoes that of men (Exodus 15:20,21). What a joy to sing together, men and women, to the glory of Him who saved us !

The long journey of the sons of Israel into the desert continues with fatigue and complaints. Miriam and Aaron, her brother, give in to a movement of jealousy. They use the origin of the wife of Moses as a pretext to question the authority that the Lord has given her and to rebel against him (Numbers 12:1,2). God then takes the defense of his servant Moses. Leprosy hits Miriam, Moses intercedes for her, God heals her. This punishment imposes a halt to the entire people until Miriam returns to the camp.

It is not correct to speak against a servant of God. The apostle Peter urges to reject all wickedness, fraud, hypocrisies, envy and backbiting of all kinds (1 Peter 2:1). These critical and negative attitudes only slow down the walk of the children of God.

Last step : the people have arrived at the borders of the promised country. Miriam, whose service comes to an end, dies in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1). The voice that sang deliverance and prophesied was killed on earth. Miriam is now waiting for the glorious day of resurrection.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)