As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, As the cloud lifted from above the TentThe "cloud" here refers to the divine presence of God, often depicted as a cloud in the Old Testament, symbolizing His guidance and protection. The "Tent" is the Tent of Meeting, where God would communicate with Moses. The lifting of the cloud signifies God's departure, indicating a shift from divine communion to divine judgment. In Hebrew, the word for cloud is "עָנָן" (anan), which often represents God's glory and presence. The lifting of the cloud marks a transition from God's presence to His judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. suddenly Miriam became leprous
The word "suddenly" underscores the immediacy and unexpected nature of God's judgment. Miriam's leprosy is a direct consequence of her actions, highlighting the swift justice of God. In Hebrew, "leprous" is "צָרַעַת" (tzara'at), which refers to a skin disease that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. This affliction is not just physical but also spiritual, as it separates the individual from the community and the worship of God. The sudden onset of leprosy serves as a divine rebuke for Miriam's challenge to Moses' authority. white as snow
The phrase "white as snow" describes the severity of Miriam's condition. In the ancient Near East, leprosy was a feared disease, and the whiteness indicates a severe form of it. The comparison to snow, which is pure and unblemished, contrasts with the impurity and defilement associated with leprosy. This imagery serves to highlight the starkness of her punishment and the seriousness of her sin. The Hebrew word for snow is "שֶׁלֶג" (sheleg), often used in Scripture to symbolize purity, but here it underscores the complete and visible nature of her affliction. Aaron turned toward her
Aaron's turning toward Miriam signifies his immediate recognition of her condition and the gravity of the situation. It reflects a moment of realization and concern, as Aaron sees the consequences of their actions. The Hebrew verb "פָּנָה" (panah) means to turn or face, indicating a change in focus or attention. Aaron's turning is both literal and metaphorical, as he must now confront the reality of divine judgment upon his sister. saw that she was leprous
The act of seeing here is significant, as it confirms the reality of Miriam's condition. Aaron's observation is not just physical but also spiritual, as he witnesses the manifestation of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means to see or perceive, often implying understanding or insight. Aaron's seeing is a moment of recognition of the seriousness of their rebellion against Moses and, by extension, against God. This acknowledgment is the first step toward repentance and seeking God's mercy. Persons / Places / Events 1. MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who played a significant role in the Exodus. In this passage, she is struck with leprosy as a consequence of speaking against Moses. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, the first high priest of Israel. He also participated in speaking against Moses but was not struck with leprosy. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is the central figure in the account, and his unique relationship with God is defended by God Himself. 4. The Tent of MeetingA sacred place where God communicated with Moses. The cloud lifting from the Tent signifies God's presence and His response to the situation. 5. LeprosyA severe skin disease that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. In this context, it serves as a divine punishment and a sign of God's displeasure. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinMiriam's leprosy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin, particularly the sin of speaking against God's appointed leaders. It highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and slander. God's Justice and MercyWhile Miriam is punished, the account also shows God's mercy. Her leprosy is temporary, and she is eventually healed, demonstrating that while God is just, He is also compassionate and willing to restore those who repent. The Importance of HumilityAaron and Miriam's challenge to Moses' authority stemmed from pride. This passage teaches the importance of humility and submission to God's will and His chosen leaders. Intercession and ForgivenessMoses' response to pray for Miriam's healing shows the power of intercession and the importance of forgiving those who wrong us, even when they speak against us. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Miriam's punishment teach us about the seriousness of speaking against God's chosen leaders, and how can we apply this lesson in our interactions with church leadership today? 2. How does the lifting of the cloud from the Tent of Meeting symbolize God's presence and His response to sin? What does this teach us about God's awareness of our actions? 3. In what ways does Moses' intercession for Miriam reflect Christ's intercession for us, and how can we emulate this in our prayer life? 4. How can we guard against pride and cultivate humility in our relationships with others, especially within the church community? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy after a period of discipline. How did this experience shape your understanding of His justice and compassion? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:6-7This passage describes Moses' hand becoming leprous and then being healed, demonstrating God's power over disease and His ability to use it as a sign. Deuteronomy 24:9This verse reminds the Israelites of what happened to Miriam, serving as a warning against rebellion and speaking against God's chosen leaders. 2 Chronicles 26:19-21King Uzziah is struck with leprosy for his pride and disobedience, illustrating the seriousness of sin and the consequences of challenging God's authority. People Aaron, Miriam, MosesPlaces Hazeroth, Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Aside, Behold, Cloud, Departed, Leper, Leprosy, Leprous, Lifted, Miriam, Moved, Removed, Snow, Stood, Straight, Tabernacle, Tent, Towards, Turneth, WithdrawnDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 12:10 1416 miracles, nature of
4805 clouds
4849 snow
5136 body
5297 disease Numbers 12:1-11 8756 folly, examples Numbers 12:1-15 5550 speech, negative
5737 sisters Numbers 12:5-10 1454 theophany Numbers 12:10-11 5182 skin
5436 pain Numbers 12:10-12 6227 regret Numbers 12:10-15 5298 doctors
5390 leprosy
8614 prayer, answers Library Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaNinth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ and the Christian's Citizenship in Heaven.
Text: Philippians 3, 17-21. 17 Brethren, be ye imitators [followers] together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship [conversation] is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
The arrangements of the synagogue, as hitherto described, combined in a remarkable manner fixedness of order with liberty of the individual. Alike the seasons and the time of public services, their order, the prayers to be offered, and the portions of the law to be read were fixed. On the other hand, between the eighteen "benedictions" said on ordinary days, and the seven repeated on the Sabbaths, free prayer might be inserted; the selection from the prophets, with which the public reading concluded--the …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 12:10 NIVNumbers 12:10 NLTNumbers 12:10 ESVNumbers 12:10 NASBNumbers 12:10 KJV
Numbers 12:10 Commentaries
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