Topical Bible: Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward

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The account of Aaron and Miriam's jealousy toward Moses is a significant episode in the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. This incident highlights themes of leadership, divine authority, and the consequences of envy within the community of God's chosen people.

Biblical Context

The event is detailed in Numbers 12:1-15. At this point in the Israelites' journey, Moses had established himself as the divinely appointed leader, having led the people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, and having received the Law at Mount Sinai. Aaron, Moses' brother, served as the high priest, while Miriam, their sister, was recognized as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20).

The Incident

The narrative begins with Aaron and Miriam speaking against Moses because of his Cushite wife. Numbers 12:1 states, "Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife." While the text mentions the Cushite woman, the underlying issue appears to be one of jealousy and a challenge to Moses' unique position as God's chosen leader.

In Numbers 12:2 , Aaron and Miriam question Moses' exclusive claim to divine communication: "They said, 'Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has He not also spoken through us?' And the LORD heard this." This rhetorical question reveals their desire for equal recognition and authority, despite the distinct roles God had assigned to each of them.

Divine Response

God's response to this challenge is swift and decisive. He calls Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting, where He descends in a pillar of cloud. Numbers 12:6-8 records God's words: "He said, 'Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?'"

God's declaration underscores Moses' unique relationship with Him, emphasizing that Moses' leadership is divinely ordained and not to be questioned lightly. The Lord's anger is kindled against Aaron and Miriam, and as a consequence, Miriam is struck with leprosy, turning her skin white as snow (Numbers 12:9-10).

Intercession and Restoration

In a display of humility and compassion, Moses intercedes for Miriam, pleading with God to heal her. Numbers 12:13 records Moses' prayer: "So Moses cried out to the LORD, 'O God, please heal her!'"

God responds to Moses' intercession, but He insists that Miriam must bear the shame of her actions. She is to be confined outside the camp for seven days, after which she is healed and restored to the community (Numbers 12:14-15).

Theological Implications

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of jealousy and the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders. It illustrates the principle that God appoints individuals to specific roles within His divine plan, and challenges to this order can lead to serious consequences. The narrative also highlights the power of intercessory prayer and the mercy of God, who, despite His righteous anger, provides a path to restoration for those who repent.

The jealousy of Aaron and Miriam toward Moses is a cautionary tale for believers, emphasizing the need for humility, respect for divine authority, and the recognition of God's sovereign choices in leadership.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 12:1
And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Shame on Account of God's Displeasure.
... shows traces of a peculiarly feminine jealousy, was primarily ... partly because, in
her punishment, Aaron suffered a ... from his, impassioned appeal to Moses in her ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/shame on account of gods.htm

At the Well
... we go on to Tanis, where we shall join Moses and Aaron who lie ... the compelling sensations
of disappointment, rebuff, heart-hurt, jealousy, hopelessness, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Where is the Lord?
... deities, that were no gods; and provoked Jehovah to jealousy. ... Where is he that sent
us Moses and Aaron? ... He remembered the days of old, Moses and his people ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

The Promised Land
... But Moses loved him and found joy in his company ... Caleb and Aaron loved him because
he was godly, and Miriam ... he would look away, but there was no jealousy in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvii the promised land.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... yesterday?" [30] ?^11By reason of rivalry Aaron and Miriam ... Hades because they revolted
against Moses, God's servant. ... who by reason of wicked jealousy, not only ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Psalm 37:23,24). Did not Aaron fall; yea, and Moses himself? What shall we
say of Hezekiah and Jehosaphat? There are, therefore, falls ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm