Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
MIRIAM
Older sister of Moses and Aaron. When Moses was born, his mother laid him in a basket and set it free on a river because of Pharaoh's edict dooming all Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:22). The resourceful Miriam managed to have Moses' own mother, Jochebed, assigned to care for him (Exodus 2:2-10). Later in life she was not as fortunate or as well advised. When Moses married Zipporah, both Miriam and Aaron thought he had demeaned himself by marrying a Midianite. When they criticized him, Yahweh came to his rescue and punished Miriam by inflicting her with leprosy. For a week she was forced out of the camp, until Moses interceded and begged Yahweh to heal her (Numbers 12:1-15). Years later she died and was buried in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1).
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
