Read Numbers 12:1-54
Highlights:
Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses; Miriam stricken with leprosy; Moses prays; 12 spies sent to Canaan; their report.
Miriam was the sister of Moses and of Aaron the high priest. She was honored above all the women of Israel, had a prophetic anointing, and was gifted in music and singing (Exodus 15:20; Micah 6:4).
Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian (Cushite) woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath He not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it (Numbers 12:1-2).
Suddenly, the Lord demanded to meet with Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Miriam may have been delighted, thinking that God was just as displeased with Moses as she was, and would agree with her criticism. Undoubtedly, she experienced an overwhelming shock when God said to her: With him will I speak mouth to mouth . . . wherefore (why) then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . . and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned (12:8-11).
Covetousness and pride are never satisfied. Even the possession of spiritual gifts can lead to pride which, in turn, can lead to jealousy if others with similar spiritual gifts appear to be competitors. When someone we have known as less qualified is promoted above us in our office or given recognition, we may be tempted to fall into Miriam's sin of criticizing. Pride reveals itself in many forms. It may be based on physical beauty, wealth, education, or talents; but pride is a self-destructive and self-deceptive sin.
Miriam succeeded, as many others have, in making it appear that her concern came from a “spiritual” motive. But God saw through her jealousy, envy, pride, and hurt feelings. It was the God-ordained leadership of Moses, not his choice of a wife or what he was teaching, that was being questioned. God has clearly declared: Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm (1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15).
Thought For The Day:
Those who condemn another believer will be condemned by God.
Word Studies:
12:8 in dark speeches, difficult to understand proverbs; similitude, visible form, which does not imply likeness; 13:20 fat or lean, fertile or barren.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who was very meek (humble), above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). Jesus said: I am meek (gentle, mild) and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29).
Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Isaiah 42:16).
Optional Reading: Luke 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:15
