The Lord showed him a tree

Following the Song of Moses, Miriam leads the women in a refrain of praise. One should not rush to make Miriam, or any of the other prophetesses in Scripture, out to be a role model for women in public ministry.

Following this great season of praise, fickle Israel complains against Moses when they can find no water. God shows Moses a tree with which to sweeten the bitter waters of Marah. So like Israel are we. One moment we are praising God and the next bitterly complaining. God's response is to show us a healing tree. Believers look to Christ crucified to make bitter waters sweet.