Recently, I learned a valuable moral from studying the opposing attitudes and behaviors of Mariam and Aaron towards Moses and the consequences that followed. I hope that this lesson blesses you as well.

 

In Numbers 12 of the Bible, Mariam and Aaron began to criticize Moses because of his Cushite wife, as he had married a Cushite woman. The Lord heard their complaints and summoned all three of them to the tent of meeting. Mariam and Aaron questioned Moses' authority, asking if the Lord had only spoken through him and not through them.

 

It is worth noting that Aaron, Mariam, and Moses were siblings who all played significant roles in the history of the Israelites. Aaron, as the older brother, was appointed as the first high priest of Israel, while Mariam was their sister and a prophetess. Moses, the youngest of the three, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land.

 

Perhaps Aaron and Mariam felt entitled to criticize and judge Moses due to their own significant roles. However, God heard their complaints and summoned all three to the tent of meeting. As they came forward, God spoke to them, stating that He reveals Himself to prophets through visions and dreams, but with Moses, He speaks face to face, clearly and without riddles. God questioned why Aaron and Mariam were not afraid to speak against His servant Moses.

 

God's anger was evident, and when the cloud lifted from above the tent, Mariam's skin became leprous and as white as snow. Aaron witnessed this and immediately pleaded with Moses for her healing. Moses, being humble, cried out to the Lord on behalf of his sister.

 

In response, the Lord said to Moses, "If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days, and then she can be brought back." Thus, Mariam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the Israelites did not continue their journey until she was brought back.

 

My takeaway from this story is the following:

 

Lessons to learn from Moses:

1. The Bible does not mention that Moses reported Aaron and Mariam's complaints to God. Instead, God fought Moses' battle for him.

2. God recognized and considered Moses because of his faithfulness and reliability in leading His people.

 

Lessons to learn from Aaron and Mariam's behavior:

1. As believers, we are called to a position of glory. Let us not allow unnecessary battles or criticisms to push us into shame or disgrace.