민수기 Chapter 12

Translation: ESV

1

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.

Key Message

We must examine the real motive hidden behind openly stated criticism; unjust criticism of a leader is a challenge to the order of authority.

▸Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, using his marriage to a Cushite woman as the pretext.

Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, using his marriage to a Cushite woman as the pretext. However, the deeper motive behind this surface reason — jealousy over Moses' leadership — is revealed in verse 2. The criticism of the marriage to a Cushite (Ethiopian) woman may also involve racial and ethnic prejudice.

2

and they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" And the LORD heard it.

Key Message

Challenging without justification the leader God has appointed is a challenge to God's own order of authority; God does not overlook this.

▸The real grievance of Miriam and Aaron is revealed.

3

Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

Key Message

A true leader does not try to defend their own authority but entrusts it to God; God personally defends the meek leader.

▸This brief description of Moses' character plays an important role in the whole story.

10

When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Key Message

Unjust slander against the leader God has appointed is a challenge to God himself, and its consequences inevitably come back.

▸The fact that God's judgment falls on Miriam alone and not Aaron implies that Miriam was the instigator of this criticism.

13

And Moses cried to the LORD, "O God, please heal her—please."

Key Message

Praying for those who have attacked us is true meekness; forgiveness and intercession are the deepest expression of a Christ-like leader.

▸Moses offers a short and earnest prayer for Miriam who had slandered him.