Scripture
By Brother Doug Smith
We see in today’s lesson that people often argue over minor disagreements, leaving the real issue untouched. Such was the case when Miriam and Aaron came to Moses with the complaint. The real issue was their growing jealousy of Moses’ position and influence. Since they could not find fault with the way Moses was leading the people, they chose to criticize his wife. Rather than face the problem squarely by dealing with their envy and pride, they chose to create a diversion from the real issue.
In the related scripture Numbers:5:1-4, refers to God speaking to Moses and commanding him to speak to the children of Israel, concerning the reasons that one should be put out of the camp. In II Chronicles 26:16-21, we see Uzziah’s disobedience and consequently was stricken with leprosy by the Lord. He would not listen to the rebuke and warning from the priests, so he was put out and was cut off from the house of the Lord. Deuteronomy 34:5-12, refers to the death of Moses in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord. Moses’ prayer was answered and Joshua became the new leader for the children of Israel.
Exodus 33:12-23 refers to how Moses prays and draws near to God. God answers Moses’ prayer, giving the promise of His Presence. God placed him in the cleft of a rock, shielding him until He had passed yet allowing Moses view his glory from behind, not God Himself. We see in Hebrews 3:1-6, Christ being greater than Moses. He was faithful to the one who had appointed him, as Moses was faithful in all of his house as a servant.
Synopsis
By Brother Marshal Arnwine
In our lesson text Numbers 12:1-2, Miriam and Aaron take issue with Moses’ second wife because of her ethnic background as an Ethiopian woman. They condemn his marriage and question why they too should not be considered prophets, equal in status before God similar to their brother Moses. Numbers 12:3 shows the Lord heard what Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses. Next, Numbers 12:4 explains that God made His appearance in spectacular fashion in the Shekinah glory cloud at the entrance of the tabernacle and told Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to come out into His presence.
Numbers 12:5-8 explains that God then descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. God then spoke directly to them and confirmed to them that He speaks directly to Moses and does not have to do so in the form of dreams, visions or riddles. Numbers 12:9 describes that the Lord was angered with Aaron and Miriam. When the cloud moved away from the tabernacle, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased with leprosy, white as snow.
Numbers 12:11-16 describes Moses’ intercession for Miriam to be healed. Aaron asked Moses to intercede on behalf of Miriam, so that her skin would not become like a stillborn, whose flesh is half consumed when it comes out of its mother’s womb. Moses cried unto the Lord and pleaded to God to heal Miriam, which the Lord graciously answered Moses’ prayer. However, Miriam would still have to suffer the consequence of leprosy for seven days, during which time she would be banished outside the camp. During those seven days while Miriam remained outside the camp, the people did not move on and remained until she could rejoin.
Practical Application
By Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
Envy, a feeling of discontent and resentment based on someone else’s possessions, abilities or status is what we hear in the criticism Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses in Numbers 12:2. The LORD heard it and His anger was kindled against them. James 3:15, notes envy as earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom. If left unchecked envy becomes a malignant cancer that infects the whole body and kills relationships! We are to beware of comparing oneself to other members in the ministry, because God has set the members in the body, as it hath pleased Him (1Corinthians 12:18).
Our lesson records the unique relationship between the LORD and Moses in Numbers 12:7-8. Given Moses’ colossal assignment as the Deliverer of Israel, we see why such an intimate bond existed. In John 15:9-10, Jesus, the Saviour of the world, reveals His abiding love relationship with the Father and invites us into this secret place. God is looking for meek and faithful servants to submit to His chosen leaders! How can one lead if one cannot follow?
Leprosy was Miriam’s punishment for leading the insurrection against Moses, which showed an outward display of her inward heart. Aaron, upon seeing Miriam’s punishment, repented of their foolish sin and begged Moses not to let her die. Moses, cried to the LORD, who even in His anger remembered mercy, saying, “Let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.” (Numbers 12:14b) Repentance restores fellowship with God but does not remove the consequences of sin!
