These influential women of the Bible impacted not only the nation of Israel but also eternal history. Some were saints; some were scoundrels. A few were queens, but most were commoners. All played a key role in the spectacular Bible story. Each woman brought her unique character to bear on her situation, and for this, we still remember her centuries later.
Miriam: Sister of Moses
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Miriam, Moses’ sister, played an important role in the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, but her pride got her in trouble. When her baby brother floated down the Nile River in a basket to escape death from the Egyptians, Miriam intervened with Pharaoh’s daughter, offering Jochebed as his wet nurse.
Many years later, after the Jews crossed the Red Sea, Miriam was there, leading them in celebration. However, her role as prophet led her to complain about Moses’ Cushite wife. God cursed her with leprosy but healed her after Moses’ prayers.
