SCRIPTURE: NUMBERS 12
BIBLE VERSES:
“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” ( Numbers 12:3)
“When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous[a]—it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, and he said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!” (Numbers 12:10-13)
MIRIAM AND AARON OPPOSE MOSES (vs. 1-16)
Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses because he married a Cushite as his wife. But Moses was a humble man. He did not retaliate nor talk back. God was angry and admonished Aaron and Miriam for speaking against His servant Moses. The anger of the Lord burned against them and Miriam contacted leprosy. Aaron begged Moses not to hold their sins against them. So Moses cried out tot he Lord: “O Lord please heal her” (v. 13). The Lord wanted Miriam to be disgrace for 7 days for she was confined outside the camp for 7 days and the people did not move till she was brought back. Then the people left Hazzeroth and cncamped in the Desert of Paran.
THOUGHTS:
Moses was a leader but he was criticized by members of his own family. Moses did not defend himself nor did he fight them. Instead, he left his cause in the hands of God. If you are in a place of leadership, expect criticisms. Just wait for God to defend for you.
In his meekness, Moses did not rejoice at his sister’s punishment. Instead, he prayed for her. Moses showed us an example of how to handle those who criticized him,.
Because Miriam was infected with leprosy, she was confined outside the camp for 7 days. Her sin held up the march of the camp for 7 days. It is a serious thing when spiritual leaders sin, because their sins will affect the whole congregation.