Moses
cried to Yahweh, saying, “Heal her, God, I beg you!”
Numbers 12:13
The three of them came out. Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. He said, “Now hear my words. If there is a prophet among you, I, Yahweh, will make myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so. He is faithful in all my house. With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Yahweh’s form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?” Yahweh’s anger burned against them; and he departed.
Numbers 12 [10.] The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.
Numbers 12 [11.] Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned. Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”
Numbers 12 [13.] Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “Heal her, God, I beg you!”
Numbers 12 [14.] Yahweh said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn’t she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.”Numbers 12 [15.] Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days, and the people didn’t travel until Miriam was brought in again. Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran.
Meaning:
- Divine Judgment:
Yahweh's anger burned against them, and he departed: In response to the murmuring and challenge against Moses, God's anger flares up. The departure of God's presence, symbolized by the cloud, marks a moment of divine judgment.
- Leprosy as a Consequence:
The cloud departed from over the Tent, and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: The consequence of their actions is immediate and severe. Miriam is afflicted with leprosy, a condition often associated with ritual impurity and separation.
- Aaron's Plea and Moses' Intercession:
Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. Aaron said to Moses, 'Oh, my lord, please don't count this sin against us...': Aaron, recognizing the gravity of the situation, pleads with Moses not to hold their sin against them. He acknowledges their foolishness and sin, seeking mercy.
- Moses' Intercession for Healing:
Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, 'Heal her, God, I beg you!': Despite the challenge to his authority, Moses demonstrates compassion and intercedes on Miriam's behalf, pleading for her healing.
- Significance:
Divine Consequences: The passage underscores the seriousness of challenging God's chosen leader. The immediate manifestation of leprosy serves as a tangible consequence, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect in relationships, especially within the community of faith.
Intercession and Mercy: Aaron's plea and Moses' intercession highlight the mercy of God. Even in the face of divine judgment, there is room for repentance, forgiveness, and intercession on behalf of the one who has transgressed.
Relevance for Today:
Respecting Spiritual Leadership: This passage encourages believers to respect and honor spiritual leadership within the community. It serves as a reminder that challenging God-appointed leaders can have serious consequences.
The Power of Intercession: Moses' intercession exemplifies the power of prayer and intercession for those who have fallen short. It encourages believers to pray for the restoration and healing of individuals who may have erred.
Cross-References:
Exodus 4:6-7: "Yahweh said furthermore to him, 'Now put your hand inside your cloak.' He put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow." A similar manifestation of leprosy is seen in the context of Moses' call, emphasizing God's power over health and disease.
Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Jesus emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, aligning with the plea for forgiveness in Aaron's words.
In Our Daily Lives: As we navigate relationships and community life, Numbers 12:9-13 prompts us to cultivate humility, respect, and a willingness to seek forgiveness when needed. It also underscores the transformative power of intercession and the mercy of God in the face of repentance.
humble
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible