Aaron, High Priest in Israel Class #7 Dissension of Miriam and Aaron

Some Questions… From our Last Class. –Why if Aaron was faithful, why is he not found in Heb.11 Perhaps answering one question with another, why do we find in Heb.11:29 – Speaking of Moses the Children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. In the next verse – It describes the fall of Jericho. So Moses is listed in Heb.11 but what about Joshua, Caleb to say nothing of Jethro, Eleaser, Ithamar, Phinehas, Aaron or Miriam. My guess is that, the generation that was lost in the wilderness were so faithless in general that the record is deliberately void of them.

So Where are we… From our Last Class. –We looked at the death of Nadab and Abihu because they had offered strange fire. –We saw that Aaron had said nothing when God struck them dead. –But later when Aaron and his two remaining son did not eat of the sacrifice – Moses reprimanded them, Aaron stood up and explained their reasons. –Aaron I believed changed because of this event. –For Aaron this event was a pivotal event that was to stay with him for the rest of his life.

Punon Jericho Aaron’s Timeline

Setting the Stage Approximately two years after leaving Egypt the Children of Israel started their Wilderness Wanderings. For the next 38 years the record is almost empty of the details of this time. The Book of Numbers cover almost 39 years. The details that can be assigned to a time, occur at the beginning or the end of this period.

Setting the Stage Num.1 Census of Warriors – Only those older than 20 years. Num.2 Order of Worshippers – This was the order of the camp by Tribes. Num.3, 4 Service of Workers – This describes the Levites jobs including the Priesthood. Num.5-9 Various laws and process to be followed. Num.10 Starts the Wilderness Wanderings – Chronologically occurring after Exo.18.

Setting the Stage Num.11 Note how the very first verse starts… –“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” They continued to complained through to Vs. 16, where the 70 elders are appointed after the counsel of Jethro. The people wanted flesh and God gave them quail. So the people murmured – This has got to be one of the most contagious and destructive of human traits.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses So we come to Num.12 – We see Miriam and Aaron, influenced by the murmuring of the people – Challenge Moses’ authority. You will remember that as we come to the dissention of Miriam and Aaron – Consider their age: –Aaron would have been about 84 and Miriam I would guess would have been at the very least have been 86 to 88.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.” Note that Miriam is listed first before Aaron – From this point, I assume that Miriam was the instigator. Hebrew word for Miriam occurs 15x, in 13 verses, with exception of 3 times she occurs 2 nd or 3 rd in the narrative. Two of these times are in Exo.15 where she is referred to as a prophetess. Her name means rebellion – Certainly at this time she lives up to the name.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.” I believe the “Ethiopian woman” is referring to Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro or as we are told in Exo.18, Moses’ Father- in-law.

Chronology of Exo.18 Exo.19:1-3 - So in the 3rd month, 3rd day after they came out of Egypt. –This was about 48 days since leaving Egypt. –They had just arrived at Horeb. Exo.18:5 – They were already camped before Mount Horeb. Exo.18:13-16 – Moses complained of his responsibilities. Num.11:16-17 – 70 Elders are appointed as Jethro had suggested. Exo.18:16, – Jethro’s visit took place after the Law had been given, which was after they had camp before Mount Horeb. So Exo:18 occurs chronologically between Num.10:10 and Num.10:11.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.” Bro. Jim Cowie says ‘Moses' Midianitish wife, Zipporah, is styled a Cushite or an Ethiopian in Num.12:1, it calls her a Cushite or Ethiopian in that passage. In Eze.38:13, Sheba and Dedan can be identified with the Arab peoples, that's clear from history, and also with Cush. In Gen.25: 3 they are described as descendants of Abraham. Whilst in 1Chr.1:9 they are traced from Cush, so it appears that through the intermarriage of descendants of Abraham through Keturah with descendants of Cush, the line of descent became confused.’

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:2 “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.”

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:2 “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.” This was the second complaint against Moses 1 st was that Ethiopian woman 2 nd was that Moses was not the only one that Yahweh speaks through. Jealousy seems to be the motivation behind their complaints.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:2 “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.” This was true in a way: Exo.4:15; 7:1,2; 15:20,21; Mic.6:4 Miriam as a Prophetess Aaron as the High Priest Though both should have been subordinate to Moses.

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:2 “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.” This is one of those simple statements that I think would send a chill down our spine. A statement that Yahweh has noted and will act, cp. Num.11:1

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:3 “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” A parenthical statement This is a wonderful testimony to the character of that great man.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:4 “And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.”

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:4 “And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.” The Hebrew word for suddenly means suddenly in the sense of unexpected or by surprise. It was like Yahweh interrupted the complaining in the middle of their complaint.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:4 “And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.” Miriam and Aaron came to Moses alone but they were about to be made a public example.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:4 “And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.” This must have been a dramatic moment for Miriam and Aaron. Suddenly that were before all, alone, waiting for what, they knew not!

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” I think an interesting study would be to look at all the events that happen before the door of the tabernacle. Certainly it plays a big part of Aaron’s life.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Miriam and Aaron stand apart even more, bring them into prominence before all the people.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” If there was to be a Prophet among the people Yahweh would speak to them in a vision or a dream. As to the authenticity of a prophet they were to be subjected to a test as in Deu.18:20,21.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Moses was not like this, he was different. Servant means a bondservant but Paul quoting this in Heb.3:5. Using a Greek word meaning servant but it carries the idea of a loving devoted servant

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Mouth to mouth would suggest an open conversation perhaps allowing questions and discussion. Moses spoke to God through an angelic manifestation, which allowed a mouth to mouth or face to face communication.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Yahweh’s communication with Moses was not through dark sayings or a shadowy forms but direct, clear and respectful of Moses’ faithfulness.

The Vindication of Moses Num.12:5-8 “5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Yahweh asks Miriam and Aaron: Why if Moses held such an honoured position, did you presume to question his authority?

Miriam & Aaron Challenge Moses Num.12:9 “And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.” The phrase ‘kindled against them’ suggests that divine judgement was about to be exacted. Perhaps it was a shining, blinding light or thunderous noise as at other times but whatever it was Miriam and Aaron I am sure would have been fearful of their lives.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.”

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Behold, all of a sudden Miriam’s two brothers and the people saw with horror, that she leprous, white as snow! Like a living death Miriam stood, punished.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” What do you think was surging through the mind of Aaron. Am I also leprous? What have we done? What have I done? It is at times like these that mind is ever so sharp – I guess with the body filled with adrenaline – Things are so clear.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Interesting that under the Law of Moses, a leper had to go to the priest – When diagnosed or cleansed. Aaron being a participant in the crime, seeks Moses’ authority which they had just questioned. Seems to be justice that fits the crime.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Aaron in making this statement is acknowledging the superior status of his brother. Aaron calls his brother Adon = master or lord. Beseech = pray

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Note the pronouns: us, we and we. Publicly confessing his guilt in the matter with Miriam. It seems Aaron had allow himself to be drawn into a situation that was not right. He now seeks the mediatorship of his brother to cover the error.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Leprosy was considered a living death. They lived outside the community with no way of making an income – So having to rely on others. Flesh descengrates and falls away

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” Moses acts as the mediator between God and man. In this case between God and High Priest and Prophetess.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” The verse describes extreme contempt, Job.30:10; Isa.50:6. Miram should not have spoken against her brother as she did, as an Israelite or as a women. In doing so she had set an extremely bad example therefore the punishment was quick and harsh.

Miriam Smitten with Leprosy Num.12:10-15 “10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” As a leper she would have to be excluded from the came. She would after 7 days, go through the prescribed procedure to be pronounce clean by the priest. So for 7 days she suffered without the camp as a public example.

Summary Aaron again shows his weakness to go along with a group or another person. All to quickly he finds himself on the wrong side of the Father. Aaron is quick to recognise his guilt and to do what was needed start the reconciliation. Again we see Aaron in the wrong but not directly punished. I think the guilt would have weighted heavily on him thus punished just the same. We see Aaron’s character shaped and moulded for office of High Priest in Israel.