Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses

Numbers 12:1–16
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Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were a team sent by God to help the nation of Israel (Micah 6:4).  Everybody in Israel knew that these three team mates were God’s chosen servants, but that Moses was the leader. Miriam, sister of Moses, was a leader as prophetess and Aaron, Moses’ brother, as high priest, was a spiritual leader of the entire nation. Now, in envy Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses (v. 1). All evidence points to the fact that Miriam was the leader in this family rebellion. She didn’t begin her attack by accusing Moses of usurping authority but suggested that he had committed a questionable act by marrying a Cushite woman (v. 1), possibly from Egypt.

It was probably after the death of his first wife Zipporah that Moses had married this Cushite woman. It is important to know that in itself this marriage was not wrong, in light of God’s command which only forbade the Israelites to marry the daughters of Canaan (Ex. 34:11-16). When Miriam got around to her real complaint, it was that Moses was the only spokesperson for God (v. 2). Weak willed Aaron gave in to the evil suggestion of his sister. Moses didn’t try to vindicate himself but left his defense to the Lord, which He did by inflicting leprosy on Miriam. When Aaron saw what had happened to her, he said to Moses, “Sir, please don’t punish us for doing such a foolish thing. Don’t let Miriam’s flesh rot away like a child born dead” (vv. 11-12)! Moses prayed, “LORD God, please heal her” (v. 13). But the LORD replied, “ Miriam will be disgraced for seven days (v. 14).

Application

It is a serious thing to be a spiritual leader, and the greater the honor the greater the responsibility. It is important how I respond to those over me in leadership because they watch for my soul and must give an account (Heb. 13:17).