Intercession: Answered: That Miriam's Leprosy Might be Healed
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In the biblical narrative, intercession is a powerful act of prayer or petition on behalf of another. One of the most poignant examples of intercession resulting in divine intervention is found in the account of Miriam's leprosy and her subsequent healing through the intercession of Moses.

Context and Background

The incident occurs in the Book of Numbers, chapter 12. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, along with Aaron, speaks against Moses because of his Cushite wife. Their criticism is not merely personal but challenges Moses' unique role as God's chosen leader. The Lord hears their complaints and descends in a pillar of cloud to address the issue directly.

Divine Judgment

God's response is swift and severe. He calls Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting and rebukes Aaron and Miriam for their presumption. The Lord emphasizes Moses' unique relationship with Him, stating, "With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD" (Numbers 12:8). As a consequence of her actions, Miriam is struck with leprosy, turning her skin white as snow.

Moses' Intercession

In a remarkable display of humility and compassion, Moses immediately intercedes for his sister. Despite her criticism, Moses cries out to the Lord, "O God, please heal her!" (Numbers 12:13). This brief yet fervent prayer highlights Moses' role as an intercessor and his deep love for his sister, even in the face of her wrongdoing.

God's Response

The Lord responds to Moses' plea, but He insists on a period of public shame and purification for Miriam. God instructs that she be confined outside the camp for seven days, after which she may be brought back. This period of isolation serves as both a punishment and a time for reflection and repentance.

Significance

This account underscores several key themes in the biblical understanding of intercession:

1. The Power of Intercession: Moses' prayer is a testament to the power of intercession. Despite the severity of Miriam's sin, God listens to Moses' plea and grants healing, demonstrating His mercy and the efficacy of righteous intercession.

2. The Role of the Intercessor: Moses exemplifies the role of an intercessor who stands in the gap for others, even those who have wronged him. His willingness to pray for Miriam reflects a Christ-like love and forgiveness.

3. Divine Justice and Mercy: While God is just in His punishment of Miriam, He is also merciful in His willingness to heal. The balance of justice and mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating God's righteous character.

4. Repentance and Restoration: Miriam's temporary exile serves as a period of purification, emphasizing the need for repentance before restoration. Her eventual healing and return to the camp symbolize God's readiness to restore those who turn back to Him.

The account of Miriam's leprosy and Moses' intercession remains a powerful example of the transformative power of prayer and the compassionate heart of a true intercessor.
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Numbers 12:13
And Moses cried to the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech you.
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Library

Homilies on the Statues.
... of no avail in, [1436]349; alms help us in, [1437]351; and mercy, [1438]355; without
benefit of others' intercession, [1439]427 ... Leprosy of Miriam, [1486]475. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Resources
What is intercessory prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is All Saints' Day? | GotQuestions.org

What are the satanic verses? | GotQuestions.org

Intercession: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Intercession

Intercession for Adonijah

Intercession for Solomon

Intercession of Christ

Intercession of Man With God

Intercession of Man With Man

Intercession: Abigail for Nabal

Intercession: Additional Instances of Abraham's Servant, in Behalf of his Master

Intercession: Additional Instances of Amos, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Asaph, for the Congregation

Intercession: Additional Instances of David, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Ezra, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Miriam

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Paul, by the Congregations

Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Abimelech

Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom

Intercession: Additional Instances of Jacob, in Behalf of his Children

Intercession: Additional Instances of Jeremiah, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Korah, for the Congregation

Intercession: Additional Instances of Moses, in Behalf of Pharaoh

Intercession: Additional Instances of Nehemiah, in Behalf of Judah and Jerusalem

Intercession: Additional Instances of Onesiphorus

Intercession: Additional Instances of Others, Who Sought Jesus in Behalf of Afflicted People

Intercession: Additional Instances of Parents, for Their Epileptic Son

Intercession: Additional Instances of Paul, for God's People

Intercession: Additional Instances of Solomon, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of The Disciples, in Behalf of Peter's Mother-In-Law

Intercession: Additional Instances of The Syro-Phoenician Woman, for Her Daughter

Intercession: Answered for the plague of darkness

Intercession: Answered for the plague of flies

Intercession: Answered for the plague of frogs to be abated

Intercession: Answered for the plague of locusts

Intercession: Answered for the plague of rain, thunder, and hail

Intercession: Answered in Behalf of Aaron, on Account of his Sin in Making the Golden Calf

Intercession: Answered of Elijah, for Raising the Son of the Hospitable Widow from the Dead

Intercession: Answered of Elisha, for Raising the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead

Intercession: Answered of Isaiah, in Behalf of Hezekiah and the People, to be Delivered from Sennacherib

Intercession: Answered of Samuel, for Deliverance from the Oppressions of the Philistines

Intercession: Answered: After the Complaining of the People

Intercession: Answered: After the Israelites had Made the Golden Calf

Intercession: Answered: During the Battle With the Amalekites

Intercession: Answered: That Miriam's Leprosy Might be Healed

Intercession: Answered: That the Plague of the Fiery Serpents Would Stop

Intercession: Answered: The Prophet of Israel, for the Restoration of Jeroboam's Withered Hand

Intercession: Answered: when the Fire of the Lord Consumed the People

Intercession: Answered: when the People Complained on Account of the Report of the Spies

Intercession: Ebed-Melech for Jeremiah

Intercession: Elisha offers to See the King for the Shunammite Woman

Intercession: Exemplified

Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous

Intercession: Joab for Absalom

Intercession: Jonathan for David

Intercession: Judah for Joseph

Intercession: Paul for Onesimus

Intercession: Pharaoh's Chief Baker for Joseph

Intercession: Reuben for Joseph

Intercession: Solicited by Daniel, of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego

Intercession: Solicited by Darius, of the Jews

Intercession: Solicited by Hezekiah, of Isaiah

Intercession: Solicited by Israel, of Samuel

Intercession: Solicited by Jeroboam, of a Prophet

Intercession: Solicited by Paul, of the Congregations

Intercession: Solicited by Pharaoh, of Moses

Intercession: Solicited by Simon Magus, of Peter

Intercession: Solicited by Zedekiah, of Jeremiah

Intercession: Solicited: And by Johanan

Intercession: Solicited: And by the Israelites

Intercession: The King of Syria for Naaman

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Makes (483 Occurrences)

Baggage (15 Occurrences)

Comforter (14 Occurrences)

Priest (500 Occurrences)

Mediation

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

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Mediator (7 Occurrences)

Priesthood (30 Occurrences)

Plead (64 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

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Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

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Uttered (60 Occurrences)

Uttermost (48 Occurrences)

Unutterable (3 Occurrences)

Onias

Joins (8 Occurrences)

Groanings (4 Occurrences)

Gracious (106 Occurrences)

Gemariah (5 Occurrences)

Groans (9 Occurrences)

Weakness (25 Occurrences)

Wot (10 Occurrences)

Weaknesses (7 Occurrences)

Infirmity (22 Occurrences)

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Intercede (12 Occurrences)

Intercedes (3 Occurrences)

Interceded (4 Occurrences)

Interceding (1 Occurrence)

Infirmities (17 Occurrences)

Forerunner (3 Occurrences)

Fitting (29 Occurrences)

Transgressors (19 Occurrences)

Thanksgiving (49 Occurrences)

Thanksgivings (6 Occurrences)

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Elnathan (5 Occurrences)

Express (13 Occurrences)

Entreaty (12 Occurrences)

Delaiah (7 Occurrences)

Miriam (13 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Pleaded (21 Occurrences)

Boon (4 Occurrences)

Bared (4 Occurrences)

Bela (14 Occurrences)

Consequently (2 Occurrences)

Condemneth (6 Occurrences)

Condemns (11 Occurrences)

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Advocate (7 Occurrences)

Aid (20 Occurrences)

Allot (8 Occurrences)

Searches (11 Occurrences)

Spirit's (6 Occurrences)

Sighs (3 Occurrences)

Searcheth (12 Occurrences)

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Assign (22 Occurrences)

Ten (234 Occurrences)

Knoweth (152 Occurrences)

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Elias (30 Occurrences)

Helpeth (9 Occurrences)

Lend (21 Occurrences)

Joab (128 Occurrences)

Saints (117 Occurrences)

Granted (102 Occurrences)

Itself (203 Occurrences)

Plea (35 Occurrences)

Intercession: Answered: During the Battle With the Amalekites
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