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There are so many lessons in this chapter.
When jealousy enters the heart, it often manifests a different form in words and behavior. This was most definitely the case with Miriam and Aaron. They were ultimately jealous of Moses’ direct communication with God. But take notice of their initial complaint.
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman); [2] and they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?” And the LORD heard it.
Numbers 12:1-2 NASB
Look closely at the passage. They spoke against him because of his wife, yet, their main issue was a completely different accusation which Moses had little control over. They were upset because God had chosen to speak directly to Moses and not them. This was their first issue. Murmuring and complaining about the divine will of God will get us nowhere. In fact, the passage states the most sobering reality of this situation. The Lord heard it. He always does.
There was a lack of communication and a pride issue at hand. So, God illustrates exactly what we should do in situations like this. He calls all three siblings into his presence for a talk. Miriam was the primary instigator of this jealousy and so God allows her to feel the consequences of her actions. She is struck with leprosy. What I find so fascinating about this is that God allowed for the filth inside her heart to now be seen on the outside by everyone. She was exposed.
I wonder, what would that look like for us? What kind of thoughts and attitudes would God expose from our hearts and what would it look like to others? I’ve got to say, this is extremely convicting and unpleasant. However, it should be. God hates sin and will do whatever it takes to destroy it from our lives.
However, we must always remember that the grace of God is ever-present. The people waited 7 days for her! They waited for her punishment to run its course and welcomed her back with open arms. This illustrates the respect they had for Moses and his family as well as the amazing grace of God to not hold this sin against her.