When it comes to Miriam’s prophetic identity, there’s a few key details to keep in mind. When she’s first introduced as a prophetess in Exodus 15:20-21, it’s immediately followed by her breaking out in song. This occurs right after her brother, the prophet Moses, had also sang about God’s salvation (Ex. 15:1-18), and it seems that prophetic singing is very characteristic of the Hebrew Scriptures (cf. Deut. 32, the Psalms, etc.) By the time we get to Numbers 11-12, the prophetic ministry is described in more detail. When a young man complained to Moses that there were others in the camp prophesying, Moses’ response was his wish that “all the Lord’s people were prophets” (Num. 11:29), a sentiment later echoed by the minor prophets (Joel 2:28). Right after this, in Numbers 12, we’re fittingly given a story surrounding some of these other prophets, and Miriam is at the center of it. Her and Aaron affirm that the Lord has “spoken through us also” (Num. 12:2), not just Moses, and they use this to try and challenge Moses’ unique standing with God.
Holy Prophetess Miriam
Holy Prophetess Miriam
Holy Prophetess Miriam
When it comes to Miriam’s prophetic identity, there’s a few key details to keep in mind. When she’s first introduced as a prophetess in Exodus 15:20-21, it’s immediately followed by her breaking out in song. This occurs right after her brother, the prophet Moses, had also sang about God’s salvation (Ex. 15:1-18), and it seems that prophetic singing is very characteristic of the Hebrew Scriptures (cf. Deut. 32, the Psalms, etc.) By the time we get to Numbers 11-12, the prophetic ministry is described in more detail. When a young man complained to Moses that there were others in the camp prophesying, Moses’ response was his wish that “all the Lord’s people were prophets” (Num. 11:29), a sentiment later echoed by the minor prophets (Joel 2:28). Right after this, in Numbers 12, we’re fittingly given a story surrounding some of these other prophets, and Miriam is at the center of it. Her and Aaron affirm that the Lord has “spoken through us also” (Num. 12:2), not just Moses, and they use this to try and challenge Moses’ unique standing with God.