Miriam's Well and the Three Sustainers of Israel

"And there was no water for the congregation" (Numbers 20:2). Because three sustainers stood up for Israel when they went out of Egypt, as it is said, "And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam" (Micah 6:4). Miriam — by her merit the well was given to them; and the manna was given to them by the merit of Moses; and the clouds of glory by the merit of Aaron. When Miriam died, the well was removed; therefore there was no water for the congregation.