1. Miriam was the sister of Aaron and Moses (Exodus 15:20; Numbers 26:59; 1 Chronicles 6:3). Miriam first appears in Scripture as a young girl given the task of watching her infant brothers cradle hidden in the reeds of the Nile River (Exodus 2:4). Hiding baby Moses was the scheme conceived by her parents (Hebrews 11:23) in order to escape the pharaohs edict that all Hebrew boys be drowned at birth (Exodus 1:22). Miriam reveals not only courage and concern but also displays a certain wisdom when her brother is discovered by the Egyptian princess (2:5-6). Taking the initiative, she offers to find a nurse for the child. When this plan is accepted, she gets her mother (Exodus 2:7-8).
Miriam first appears by name after the Israelites have left Egypt and miraculously crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20). She is given the title of prophetess and is, with her brothers, appointed a leader in the nation (Micah 6:4). Following the death of the Egyptian armies in the Red Sea, she leads the women of Israel in a song of praise with dancing and instrumental music (Exodus 15:21).
Miriam appears in disgrace after her jealousy of and rebellion against Moses. With Aaron, she murmurs against their brother Moses because of his superior influence in the nation and because of his marriage to a Cushite (foreign) woman (Numbers 12:1-2). For this attack against Gods chosen spokesman, she is struck with leprosy (12:10). Moses, however, prays to God and intercedes on her behalf (12:9-13). She was restored after seven shameful days spent outside the camp, while Israel waited to resume its march (12:14-15). This sad incident is the last recorded event in Miriams public life. She died near the close of the wilderness wanderings at Kadesh and was buried there (20:1).
2. Miriam was also a child of Mered, descended from Ezra of Judahs tribe (1 Chronicles 4:17).