Numbers 12:1-12 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. 2 They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them. 3 (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)4 So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle,[a] all three of you!” So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. 5 Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle.[b] “Aaron and Miriam!” he called, and they stepped forward. 6 And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say:
“If there were prophets among you,
I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions.
I would speak to them in dreams.
7 But not with my servant Moses.
Of all my house, he is the one I trust.
8 I speak to him face to face,
clearly, and not in riddles!
He sees the Lord as he is.
So why were you not afraid
to criticize my servant Moses?”
9 The Lord was very angry with them, and he departed. 10 As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy.[c] When Aaron saw what had happened to her, 11 he cried out to Moses, “Oh, my master! Please don’t punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed. 12 Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.
Miriam got struck with leprosy, a physical sickness representing sin. She was immediately struck as she and Aaron usurped God's authority. Aaron is Moses' older brother. Miriam is Moses' older sister. Both Aaron and Miriam must humble themselves and submit to the authority of Moses even though he is younger than both of them. The bible says Moses was more humble than any other person on the earth and so he is placed in higher authority.
However, both Aaron and Miriam criticizes and challenges Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. On the surface, this does not look right nor proper as God's people are to marry within their own people. But how can the leader of God's people set this bad example, they must have questioned one another?
Aaron and Miriam said in verse two that God speaks to them also and not only to Moses. Aaron and Miriam took upon themselves authority over Moses because of their ability to hear God. They took authority over Moses because of their spiritual gifts. One's spiritual gifts and ability to hear God's voice does not necessarily give one authority over those in which God has placed in authority. This is a big problem even in today's church as many have placed themselves in authority, have challenged and criticized their leadership because they are able to hear God's voice and may possess spiritual gifts. Moreover, many such people are sick and being judged as Miriam was judged and struck.
Although Miriam is the prophetess and Aaron is the high priest God is asking in verse six if there were prophets among them. God may speak to some of us in dreams and visions but when HE speaks to us face to face is when HE fully can trust us. Do not think of yourself so highly because one may have dreams and visions. It is by His Grace.
God was advising Aaron and Miriam that Moses possesses a higher authority and as God has placed Moses in such authority they do not have the right to criticize him. Even if Moses was wrong, they do not have the authority to criticize God's servant. How do they know if Moses did not get permission from God or if it was God's will?
Just because you may hear God's voice or possess spiritual gifts do not give you the authority to judge God's other servants or your secular leaders. Be careful that you are not judged. Moses had to intercede on behalf of Miriam. Repent and if necessary apologize to those you may have criticized who are in higher authority so they may forgive and intercede.
Aaron was the high priest and Miriam was the prophetess. Do not think such offices are exempt from judgment or discipline. In fact, judgment may come more quickly and swiftly.
Psalm 38:1-4 O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath, neither chasten me in Your hot displeasure.2 For Your arrows have sunk into me and stick fast, and Your hand has come down upon me and pressed me sorely.3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; neither is there any health or rest in my bones because of MY SIN.4 For my iniquities have gone over my head [like waves of a flood]; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.
Fire of God Church
An International Holy Fire Ministry
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
Fremont, CA USA
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