OT Characters: Miriam

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Hebrew words:Miryam (Mir-yam), Miriam, appears 13x in the Bible.The name was very popular, and several women in the NT are named after the Miriam of the OT. The form of the name usually appears as Maria, though also occasionally as Mariam. In particular, Luke calls the mother of Jesus Mariam.Further study:Passages the podcast covered or referred to:Exodus 15:1-21Numbers 12:1-16Numbers 20:1, Deuteronomy 24:8f, Micah 6:4Further study: Compare the three lepers of Numbers 12, 2 Kings 5, and 2 Chronicles 26.AdvancedAs various Bibles mention in foot notes, "leprosy" may not necessarily be leprosy (Hansen's Disease). "Snow" may refer to the color of the skin, or perhaps to the texture -- the scaliness of various dermatological conditions. For more on this, click here.The Qur'an is hopelessly confused about Miriam. In surah (chapter) 19 of the Muslim scriptures, Maryam is confused with Mary (the mother of Jesus). And yet they lived at least 1300 years apart!Listen to the podcast The Leprosy of Miriam in the CLEAN series.Some things we learn about God:God encourages us to rejoice in spiritual victories. Miriam led the women of Israel in song. Such expressiveness is not only natural, but healthy. That's because we relate to God not only intellectually, but on the emotional level.Back in the days of inspiration, the Lord spoke through men and women alike. (Miriam isn't the only prophetess in the OT or NT.) Anyone can speak for God (even if we are not inspired, or miraculous guided).God does not exempt leaders from the rules. There's one standard for everybody! In fact, in the Bible the standard for leaders is higher, if anything. Even under the old system (clergy/laity), all were expected to be holy, to be righteous.When a leader sins publicly, and repents publicly, all the people of God know about it. Before this process has been completed, the people of God cannot "move on."For kids (devotional -- best for three or more children):Talk about the talents/gifts the three children of Amram had. Moses was a great leader; Aaron was a great speaker, as well as a priest; Miriam was talented musically, in addition to being a prophetess. Also, she is probably the one who helped Pharaoh's daughter to locate Moses' mother.Talk about the various personal gifts in your own family (among your children, perhaps including mother and father, and even your own families of origin if this seems appropriate or interesting).Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses (Numbers 12).Have a talk about family jealousy.Does jealousy ever bring us closer to one another?Have you ever been jealous? When? Why?(For older children) explain the difference between jealousy (which is fiercely possessive and unwilling to share) and envy (which wants what the other guy has).God punished Miriam. If we are jealous, God will oppose us -- just as he opposes the proud (James 4:6 etc).Key verses:Exodus 15:21 -- Miriam's musical celebration after the ExodusNumbers 12:1ff -- her criticism of MosesNumbers 20:1 -- Miriam's deathNext lesson: Balaam