Numbers 12:1–11, 13–15

Bible Studies for Life 
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

Redeemed from a Critical Spirit

Numbers 12:1–11, 13–15

A critical spirit can arise when we compare ourselves to others. (1–3)

Numbers 11 recounts a complaint by the children of Israel followed by a complaint by the Israelites and Moses. Now a personal complaint is lodged against Moses by members of his inner circle: Miriam and Aaron. Not only are these two fellow leaders under Moses, but also they are Moses’ sister and brother.

The Cushite wife of whom Miriam complains is probably Zipporah, a Midianite with links to Cushan. Habakkuk 3:7 and other passages suggest that Cushan is a synonym for Midian, which is located in the northwest Arabian Peninsula. Verse 2 reveals that the concern about Moses having a Cushite wife is a smokescreen for the real issue. Miriam and Aaron are envious of the special status held by Moses in his leadership of the people and, more significantly, Moses’ primary role in speaking to them on God’s behalf. Miriam is the instigator, as her name stands first and the verb “began to talk” is feminine. Miriam is a prophetess and Aaron is the high priest. Here, then, is an alliance of priest and prophet challenging Moses’ prophetic position as sole revelatory mediator between God and Israel.

God rejects a critical spirit. (4–11)

In his humility, Moses probably would have let this challenge go unanswered. However, the Lord interjects Himself into the dispute suddenly and awesomely. The Lord contrasts Moses with other prophets. The Holy One speaks to the prophets in visions, dreams or riddles. However, Moses is entrusted with all God’s house (i.e. not the tabernacle but the house of Israel). Moses speaks face to face with the Lord, and he “sees the form of the Lord” as an outward manifestation, which is superior to a vision or theophany.

Calling Moses “My servant” places him in a limited category of persons in biblical history. The Lord refers to Abraham the founding patriarch as “My servant,” and He imparts the title to Caleb, the fearless leader devoted to fulfilling God’s call to inherit the Promised Land.

The nature of Miriam’s skin disease is not certain. Most suggest that it was not leprosy but rather a condition that could turn into chronic leprosy. Whatever the actual disease, Miriam would become an outcast of society, forced to live outside the holy camp of Israel. Aaron pleads for his sister, apologizing to Moses and addressing him as “my lord.” The Hebrew phrase at the beginning of verse 12 literally reads, “Please do not let her be like the dead.” Aaron realizes that if Miriam continues in this state, she might die. In his humility, Moses, whose unique relationship to God she questioned, intercedes on her behalf as well.

God’s discipline is intended for restoration. (13–15)

Seven days was the initial period of exclusion for one with an infectious skin disease and then the infected person would have to stay outside his or her tent for seven more days. By the Lord’s mercy, Miriam survives the ordeal. Chronic leprosy would have resulted in her being banished from the community for life. Banishment from the camp for seven days is equal to that which she would have experienced if her father had spat in her face in contempt. Miriam’s isolation delays the departure of the people from Hazeroth. Thus the seriousness of the rebellion of one of Israel’s leaders is magnified. The consequences of that leader’s act has affected the whole community.