Miriam The Prophetess

Miriam The Prophetess – SOLD

2014 oil and collage on canvas 24″ x 48″© Jo Jayson 2014
(click on image for larger version)

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Miriam (ancient Hebrew name Maryam/Miryam) has a few meanings – bitterness, rebellion and strong waters. All of these meanings bear witness to Miriam’s character and story. Sister of Moses and Aaron, and the sole person responsible for the saving of Moses from certain death and consequently the death of the people of Israel.
Miriam at an early age, prophesied that her own mother would give birth to a son who would lead and redeem Israel out of slavery in the land of Egypt. This prophecy was what gave her and her family, courage and faith to hide Moses in the bushes of the Nile, knowing in this full faith, that he would be found, rescued and treasured by the Pharaoh’s daughter.
Miriam’s unflinching conviction that this was a fated and destined scenario, allowed her to have and to give eternal hope in the future of her seemingly doomed people. Together with her two brothers, she led the Jewish people out of the land of Egypt and the shackles of slavery, into the Promised Land……Israel.
Moses was the first teacher of the Torah, Aaron was the first high priest of the Jewish people and Miriam became known as the leader and teacher of the women and a source of strength and hope for them. It was through her leadership, intuitive insight and her eternal hope, that the women of Israel were able to move through their despair, darkness and fear of genocide, into a place of hope, trust and joy. The presence of Miriam’s famous ‘well of water’, in the long trek through the arid desert became symbolic of eternal life and hope.
Miriam is also best known for her tambourine (or ancient drum) and her beloved ‘song of the sea”. When Pharaoh’s army were defeated in the waters of the Red Sea….Miriam encouraged and instructed the women of Israel to take out their tambourines and chant in joy and praise “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; horse and driver He has hurled into the sea” .
Miriam the Prophetess has become for the modern jewish woman, a leader and example of strength, hope, joy and faith, which has led to her become the symbolic leader of sisterhood and women’s communities and circles around the globe.