Numbers 12 - The Complaints of Miriam and Aaron

Chapter 12 is really short; it only has 16 verses, but it is powerful in how it highlights the close relationship of God and Moses. The Israelites were now in a place called Hazeroth. While there, Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. However, the Lord heard them. God’s immediate response demonstrates the respect He has for Moses. Knowing that Moses was more humble than any other person on earth, the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!” And the three of them went out. Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam!” He called, and they stepped forward (Notice the exclamation marks; God is not happy). And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to me! Even with prophets, I the Lord communicate by visions and dreams. But that is not how I communicate with my servant Moses. He is entrusted with my entire house. I speak to him face to face, directly and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. Should you not be afraid to criticize him?” (Numbers 12:4-8)

Oh my goodness! “If God is for us, who can ever be against us???” (Romans 8:31) That’s what I’m talking about! All you (we) need to do is draw close to God, and He will draw close to you!

God departed, and verse 10 indicates, “As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, Miriam suddenly became white as snow with leprosy.” Aaron began to plead with Moses for the sin they had committed, so Moses asked the Lord to heal her. God replied, “If her father had spit in her face, wouldn’t she have been defiled for seven days? Banish her from the camp for seven days, and after that she may return” (Numbers 12:14).

Wow...don’t play with God’s people! How much personal growth do we need to make to have this level of favor from God? I guess a place we can all start is being humble like Moses.

Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to be humble and draw closer to you. We love you!

“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.