Numbers 12: When Prejudice Divides and Grace Restores
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian 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.
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
And 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.
And 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.
And 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.
My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
With 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?
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.
And 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.
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.
Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.
And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
And 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.
And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 12 recounts a troubling episode in the wilderness journey, one that exposes the insidious nature of prejudice and the importance of God-ordained leadership. It serves as a stark reminder that even within a community chosen by God, sin can manifest in destructive ways. This chapter also highlights God’s unwavering commitment to justice and His willingness to extend grace when repentance is genuine.
Criticism Rooted in Prejudice (Numbers 12:1-2)
The chapter opens with Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ own siblings, speaking against him. The stated reason is Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman. Cush was a region corresponding to modern-day Ethiopia, making her a woman of African descent, a descendant of Noah’s son Ham (Genesis 10:6). While the Bible doesn't explicitly condemn interracial marriage, Miriam and Aaron clearly found her ethnicity objectionable.
This was likely a racially motivated attack, fueled by jealousy and a desire for greater influence. Perhaps they resented Moses' singular leadership role and saw his marriage as a vulnerable point to exploit. They questioned his unique authority, asking, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" (Numbers 12:2). Their challenge wasn't just about Moses' wife; it was a challenge to God's chosen leader and the divinely appointed order.
Moses: A Humble Leader (Numbers 12:3-8)
Verse 3 offers a crucial insight into Moses' character: "Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." This humility wasn't weakness, but a strength that allowed him to submit to God's will and be a faithful servant.
The LORD heard their complaints and summoned Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tent of meeting. God then affirmed Moses' unique relationship with Him. He distinguished Moses from other prophets, declaring, "With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD" (Numbers 12:8). God emphasized Moses' faithfulness and the intimacy of their communication, highlighting the gravity of Miriam and Aaron's rebellion. Moses' faithfulness made him trustworthy and gave God confidence in him.
Divine Justice and the Consequences of Prejudice (Numbers 12:9-10)
God's anger burned against Miriam and Aaron for their disrespect and prejudice. The LORD’s departure was immediately followed by Miriam being struck with leprosy, her skin becoming "white as snow" (Numbers 12:10). This punishment was particularly fitting, as Miriam's criticism was based on the color of Moses' wife's skin. The consequence mirrored the sin, a powerful visual lesson about the ugliness of prejudice in God's eyes.
Intercession, Forgiveness, and Restoration (Numbers 12:11-16)
Aaron, realizing the severity of their sin and the justice of God’s judgment, pleaded with Moses on Miriam's behalf. He acknowledged their foolishness and begged Moses not to hold their sin against them (Numbers 12:11). Moses, in his characteristic humility and compassion, cried out to God for Miriam's healing (Numbers 12:13).
God heard Moses' prayer, but Miriam was required to endure a humiliating seven-day period of isolation outside the camp. This period of exile served as a time for reflection and repentance. After the seven days, she was restored to the community (Numbers 12:15). The journey of the Israelites was paused until Miriam was brought back into the camp.
Lessons for Today
Numbers 12 offers several timeless lessons:
- Racism is a Sin: Judging people based on ethnicity or skin color is a direct violation of God's image in every person. All people are descendants of Adam and Eve, and prejudice has no place among God's people. The cross of Jesus Christ breaks down the dividing walls of hostility and creates a new community where differences are embraced within a shared commitment to Christ (Ephesians 2:11-17). Marriage should be rooted in shared faith, not race. Christians are called to marry "in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39), seeking partners who share their faith in Jesus Christ.
- Respect God-Ordained Leadership: Challenging legitimate authority, especially when motivated by jealousy or prejudice, is a serious offense against God.
- Humility is a Virtue: Moses' humility was a key to his effectiveness as a leader and his close relationship with God.
- Intercession and Forgiveness: Aaron's plea for Miriam and Moses' intercession demonstrate the power of forgiveness and the importance of praying for one another.
- Restoration is Possible: Even after serious sin, repentance and God's grace can lead to restoration and renewed fellowship.
Numbers 12 serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice and reconciliation must be a continuous effort within the Christian community. By embracing the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome prejudice and build a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. We are called to become part of a new family comprised of every tribe, language, and nation, united by our common faith and love for God.
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian 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.
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
And 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.
And 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.
And 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.
My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
With 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?
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.
And 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.
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.
Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.
And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
And 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.
And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 12 recounts a troubling episode in the wilderness journey, one that exposes the insidious nature of prejudice and the importance of God-ordained leadership. It serves as a stark reminder that even within a community chosen by God, sin can manifest in destructive ways. This chapter also highlights God’s unwavering commitment to justice and His willingness to extend grace when repentance is genuine.
Criticism Rooted in Prejudice (Numbers 12:1-2)
The chapter opens with Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ own siblings, speaking against him. The stated reason is Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman. Cush was a region corresponding to modern-day Ethiopia, making her a woman of African descent, a descendant of Noah’s son Ham (Genesis 10:6). While the Bible doesn't explicitly condemn interracial marriage, Miriam and Aaron clearly found her ethnicity objectionable.
This was likely a racially motivated attack, fueled by jealousy and a desire for greater influence. Perhaps they resented Moses' singular leadership role and saw his marriage as a vulnerable point to exploit. They questioned his unique authority, asking, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" (Numbers 12:2). Their challenge wasn't just about Moses' wife; it was a challenge to God's chosen leader and the divinely appointed order.
Moses: A Humble Leader (Numbers 12:3-8)
Verse 3 offers a crucial insight into Moses' character: "Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." This humility wasn't weakness, but a strength that allowed him to submit to God's will and be a faithful servant.
The LORD heard their complaints and summoned Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tent of meeting. God then affirmed Moses' unique relationship with Him. He distinguished Moses from other prophets, declaring, "With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD" (Numbers 12:8). God emphasized Moses' faithfulness and the intimacy of their communication, highlighting the gravity of Miriam and Aaron's rebellion. Moses' faithfulness made him trustworthy and gave God confidence in him.
Divine Justice and the Consequences of Prejudice (Numbers 12:9-10)
God's anger burned against Miriam and Aaron for their disrespect and prejudice. The LORD’s departure was immediately followed by Miriam being struck with leprosy, her skin becoming "white as snow" (Numbers 12:10). This punishment was particularly fitting, as Miriam's criticism was based on the color of Moses' wife's skin. The consequence mirrored the sin, a powerful visual lesson about the ugliness of prejudice in God's eyes.
Intercession, Forgiveness, and Restoration (Numbers 12:11-16)
Aaron, realizing the severity of their sin and the justice of God’s judgment, pleaded with Moses on Miriam's behalf. He acknowledged their foolishness and begged Moses not to hold their sin against them (Numbers 12:11). Moses, in his characteristic humility and compassion, cried out to God for Miriam's healing (Numbers 12:13).
God heard Moses' prayer, but Miriam was required to endure a humiliating seven-day period of isolation outside the camp. This period of exile served as a time for reflection and repentance. After the seven days, she was restored to the community (Numbers 12:15). The journey of the Israelites was paused until Miriam was brought back into the camp.
Lessons for Today
Numbers 12 offers several timeless lessons:
- Racism is a Sin: Judging people based on ethnicity or skin color is a direct violation of God's image in every person. All people are descendants of Adam and Eve, and prejudice has no place among God's people. The cross of Jesus Christ breaks down the dividing walls of hostility and creates a new community where differences are embraced within a shared commitment to Christ (Ephesians 2:11-17). Marriage should be rooted in shared faith, not race. Christians are called to marry "in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39), seeking partners who share their faith in Jesus Christ.
- Respect God-Ordained Leadership: Challenging legitimate authority, especially when motivated by jealousy or prejudice, is a serious offense against God.
- Humility is a Virtue: Moses' humility was a key to his effectiveness as a leader and his close relationship with God.
- Intercession and Forgiveness: Aaron's plea for Miriam and Moses' intercession demonstrate the power of forgiveness and the importance of praying for one another.
- Restoration is Possible: Even after serious sin, repentance and God's grace can lead to restoration and renewed fellowship.
Numbers 12 serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice and reconciliation must be a continuous effort within the Christian community. By embracing the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome prejudice and build a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ. We are called to become part of a new family comprised of every tribe, language, and nation, united by our common faith and love for God.