Observations and Interpretations:
(1) From feminine pronouns with the Hebrew word, "spoke," Miriam was the main person who spoke against Moses in v.1. Scriptures did not say more about what was wrong about what Moses did to marry a Cushite woman. That was probably an excuse Miriam used to expose her long term deeper problem with Moses.
optional readings: (NET) The text does not say when Moses married this woman, or what Miriam’s problem with her was. It is clear that it was a racial issue, by virtue of the use of “Cushite.” Whether she was of darker skin than the Hebrews would be hard to say, since the Bible gives no further detail. Neither does it say if this is a second wife, or a woman Moses married since Zipporah went home (Exod 18:2). These do not seem to be the issues the text wishes to elaborate on; it is simply stating that this woman was the occasion for a deeper challenge
Then Aaron joined her in v.2 and "they said,"Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not also spoken through us?” They see themselves as equal with Moses, but God made it clear that that was not the case. They might be the prophets v.6, but Moses was the servant v.7-8. They needed to be afraid to speak against God's servant v.8b.
Application: After the sins of the Israelites as a whole in ch 11, we see problems even in the family of Moses in ch 12. Why? When you get closer to the leader, you think you can be the leader. God gave Aaron and his descendants the privilege to be the priests, but that was not enough to him. Miriam might think that being the older sister of Moses and saved his life when he was an infant gave her some authority over Moses. Are we like them? When we got the praise for doing something good we are so proud and want to get all the credits for ourselves?
(2) Moses did not say a word after their complaints towards him v.1-2, but God spoke up for him immediately v.4. Then, God refused Moses' request to heal Miriam right away, but let her be disgraced for 7 days v.13-14. Everyone knew about Miriam's situation and they held their journey until she was back v.15.
Application: When we work under God, He is our protection and He speaks up for us. When someone sins publicly, God let them have the disgrace publicly. Can we trust Him?
Audrey
Comments