Miriam 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
helped save Moses’ life when he was 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 his own potential
punishment). Moses prayed for them and God answered his request.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Are you perhaps
experiencing the sting of betrayal? If so (and if not, just wait), what’s the
up side of leaving vengeance to God?
No comments:
Post a Comment