We first are introduced to Miriam in Exodus 2:4 Her mother has asked Miriam to follow the little reed basket which was hiding her little brother from the decree of death placed on all the Hebrew sons by Pharaoh. Her mother had placed him in the river Nile knowing that God’s plan would keep her son safe. Her faith in God and she placed her trust in Him.

And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. Then the daughter of pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river’s side and maidens walked along the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the reeds. She sent her maid to get it and when she had opened it, she saw the child, and behold the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrew’s children. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her “Go” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother.
Exodus 2:4-8

Miriam's forthright courage, her faith and her ability to think and take decisive action, even as a youth, help us to understand why God chose her, along with her brothers, Moses and Aaron to lead Israel out of Egypt. This incident illustrated two of Miriam’s qualities that stayed with her through her adult life. Boldness and intelligence. I thought about her boldness to act as if she was one of the maidens of the Pharaoh’s daughter, as she must have had many who served her every need. It doesn’t say if she was one of the real maidens but nevertheless she blended in to accomplish her task. She also had a very protective spirit and love for her little brother. I believe so much so because the Lord’s plan to get His children out of Egypt through this baby boy. Miriam was intent to say the least.

History from the Judaicaplus: According to Judaicaplus, Amram, Miriam’s father acted on his daughter's advice when Pharaoh decreed "Every son who is born you shall cast into the Nile." Exodus 1:22 He rose and divorced his wife and all of Israel followed his example. "Father," said his daughter, “your decree is harsher than Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh’s decree is directed only against the males, where as yours by preventing the birth of new children is directed against the males and the females” (Sotah 12a) Miriam was six years old at the time. Yet her father heard her words, he brought her before the Sanhedrin. They said to him, “Amram, it is you who forbids marriage, and it is you who must permit it.” “What do you advise?” asked Amram. “Shall we remarry quietly?” They replied, “Then who will make it know to all Israel?” (Pesikta Rabbati 43:27) Miriam parents remarried and it is shown that Miriam and Aaron danced before the Lord, happy that the savior of Israel would be born to their mother (Sotah 12a, Bava Kama 120a)

Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang to them, "Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider, He has hurled into the sea."
Exodus 15:20-21

Years later, at the time of the Exodus, after crossing the sea when Pharaoh’s chariots were destroyed in the waters, Miriam had developed her leadership qualities as prophetess and leader of songs. According to Judaicaplus.com (Megillah 14a) She prophesied and said “My mother is destined to bear a son who will redeem Israel”

According to Josephus, Miriam was married to Calev from the tribe of Judah he was the one of the one’s who help up Moses arms in Israel’s battle with the Amalekites (See Exodus 17:11)

Miriam’s Disobedience to Authority

As a part of this powerful family, Miriam was there when Moses, Aaron, Calev and various other family members discussed Israel’s problems, and developed strategies to solve them. As a prophetess and the oldest member of the three, her opinion was valued. She was accustomed to being approached for her advice.

Compared to some other ancient cultures, women in early Israelites history enjoyed many freedoms. A woman whether married or single could appear without a veil. She could travel about alone, and meet and talk with men publicly.

Yet in spite of her prominence, Miriam, and her brother Aaron, both began to fear their influence was loosing strength. Out of jealousy, they began to gossip about Moses’ marriage to an Ehtiopian woman: "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he also spoken through us?" Numbers 12:2

The Bible says that God heard what Miriam and her brother said about Moses, and God was not pleased. Was the marriage to this woman the problem or was it envy of their younger brother’s authority over them, or the root cause of their criticism? Miriam did not fear the reprisal; Moses was a very tolerant man and did not try to defend himself against reproaches. He listened to this whole nation of wanderers. He was long-suffering and a very humble man. He had seen the face of God

“Come out to the tent of Meeting, all three of you”
Numbers 12:4

God did not view their actions the same way that Miriam and Aaron did. He saw clearly their presumptuous attack, at Miriam’s leading, against her chosen leader. If they wanted God’s attention they now had it. God reminded Miriam of his special relationship with Moses.

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