Chapter 120 of 1163

NUMBERS 12

The leader denounced (1–3). If you are in a place of leadership, expect criticism, even from members of your family. It happened to Moses, David (2 Sam. 6:20–23), and the Lord Jesus (Mark 3:20–21). Moses’ wife was not the real reason for their criticism. Aaron and his sister were jealous of the authority God had given Moses, and they wanted him to share it. Perhaps they were reacting to what God did for the seventy elders (chap. 11).

The Lord displeased (4–10). Moses did not defend himself; he waited for God to act. If we defend ourselves, we may hinder the Lord from defending us. Next to death, becoming a leper was the worst thing that could have happened to Miriam.

The nation delayed (11–16). How often people turn for help to the very ones they have criticized! In his meekness, Moses did not rejoice at his sister’s punishment; instead, he prayed for her (Matt. 5:43–48). Because of their sin, Aaron and Miriam delayed the march of the nation for a whole week. The sin of criticism is far more serious than most people realize (Matt. 7:1–5; James 4:12).

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