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Summary

Numbers 12:1–9 – Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses

What happens: Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because of a Cushite woman and question his unique role. The Lord calls the three to the tent of meeting and explains that He speaks to prophets by vision, but to Moses face to face. God declares Moses faithful in all His house and asks why they are not afraid to speak against him.

What it means: God defends the leaders He appoints. Slander and envy threaten God’s order and harm the community. God is just and holy, and He honors humility and faithfulness.

Numbers 12:10–16 – Miriam’s leprosy and restoration

What happens: Miriam becomes leprous like snow. Aaron pleads with Moses, and Moses prays for her healing. God commands that she be shut outside the camp seven days, and the people do not journey until she returns.

What it means: God disciplines to restore, not to destroy. Intercession and patience accompany repentance and healing. Holiness protects the camp, and mercy welcomes the repentant back.

Application

  • Guard your heart from jealousy and careless speech.
  • Pray for those who sin and seek their restoration.
  • Wait on God’s timing when discipline and healing are at work.

Bible

1And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

2And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.

10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

11And 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.

12Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.

13And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

16And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

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