Miriam is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, recognized as the sister of Moses and Aaron. Her account is primarily found in the books of Exodus and Numbers. Miriam is first introduced in Exodus 2:4, where she watches over her baby brother Moses as he is placed in a basket on the Nile River. Her quick thinking and courage lead to Moses being nursed by their own mother under the protection of Pharaoh's daughter.

Miriam is also noted for her role in the Exodus narrative. After the Israelites cross the Red Sea, she leads the women in song and dance, celebrating the deliverance from Egypt. This event is recorded in Exodus 15:20-21: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang back to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'"

Despite her leadership and prophetic role, Miriam faces consequences for her actions in Numbers 12. She, along with Aaron, speaks against Moses because of his Cushite wife, questioning his unique relationship with God. As a result, Miriam is struck with leprosy, but after Moses intercedes, she is healed and restored after seven days outside the camp.

Miriam's death is recorded in Numbers 20:1, where it states, "In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel came to the Desert of Zin, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried." Her life and legacy are remembered as a testament to her faith, leadership, and the challenges she faced.

Shammai

Shammai is a less prominent figure in the Bible, mentioned in genealogical records. He is noted in 1 Chronicles 2:28 as a descendant of Judah, specifically from the line of Jerahmeel. The passage states: "The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur."

Shammai's mention in the genealogies highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. While there is limited information about his life and deeds, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the continuity of God's covenant with the people of Israel through the tribe of Judah.

Ishbah

Ishbah is another figure mentioned briefly in the genealogical records of the Bible. He is identified in 1 Chronicles 4:17 as a descendant of Judah. The passage reads: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And these were the sons of Bithiah, daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had married: She bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa."

Ishbah is noted as the father of Eshtemoa, a town in the territory of Judah. His mention, like many in the genealogies, serves to trace the lineage and territorial claims of the tribes of Israel. The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israel's tribal identities.

In summary, while Miriam is a well-documented leader and prophetess, Shammai and Ishbah are primarily known through their genealogical connections, reflecting the broader narrative of God's covenantal relationship with Israel.