Moses and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife. (Numbers 12:1)Moses enjoyed a special relationship with God, and others not only took notice of it, but became envious. Miriam (Moses' sister) is an important player in the exodus story: She saved Moses' life when he was just an infant, looked after him even after he was pulled from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter, and led the women in a song of deliverance on the heels of their Red Sea crossing.
Only someone we love can betray us, and such a betrayal is a painful wound. Miriam was apparently the impetus behind this attack on Moses, although his African wife was clearly not the real issue. The problem was that she felt like Moses was getting more of the attention than he deserved. She wanted to share the limelight. Notice how, rather than defending himself, Moses left the response to God.
After God schooled her about how Moses was no ordinary prophet, she was afflicted with leprosy. The fact that Aaron was not gives us a hint that Miriam was the ringleader of their little rebellion. Aaron pleaded with Moses to intercede for them (I wonder if he was sincerely thinking about his sister or worrying about his own potential punishment). Moses prayed for them and God answered his request.
Have you ever experienced the sting of betrayal? Did you exact your pound of flesh, or did you have the good grace to leave vengeance to God?
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