The Consequence of Having a Critical Attitude. (Numbers 12: 1-16)
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 11, the apostle Paul makes a rather startling statement. He suggests that because of the way the people he was writing to were behaving, some among them were weak, sick, and even dying.
This assertion may come as a surprise to many. Paul apparently teaches that sin can lead to sickness; however, please note, he does not imply that all sickness is caused by sin.
This raises two questions: What sin could cause such consequences, and what might the sickness look like?
Upon examining 1 Corinthians 11 carefully, it becomes evident that the sin Paul refers to is acting with an unloving attitude at the Lord's table.
Some it seems were indulging themselves while others went hungry, and some even became drunk at the Lords table.
Thus, the sin in question was having an unloving attitude toward others and as if to add insult to injury they were doing that around the celebration og communion.
But it must also be noted that beyond this specific sin, it's challenging to pinpoint other sins in the New Testament that could lead to sickness.
So, what might the sickness look like?
Well we find a clue in our study of the book of Numbers, particularly in Chapter 11, where the people complained about the food provided by God. Their complaint led to consequences, and they became sick, experiencing nausea due to their discontent.
Now, in Numbers Chapter 12, we encounter another instance of sin and its consequences, providing a second illustration of sin causing sickness.
The first instance, as seen in Chapter 11, involved complaining, which led to sickness.
Today we are going to look at the second illustration which involved looking at the consequences of having a critical attitude.
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So let's being at numbers chapter 12 verse one it says.
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
(Numbers 12: 1-3)
In this passage from Numbers, Miriam and Aaron are seen to be criticizing Moses.
The text specifically mentions Miriam first, leading some to speculate that she may have been the primary instigator of the criticism. Given Miriam's leadership role among the Israelites, her position in this incident carries weight.
The criticism revolves around Moses' marriage to an Ethiopian woman. Some interpretations suggest that this may have been Moses' second marriage, following the death of his first wife.
Considering Moses' age, around 80 years old at this point, it's not unreasonable to assume that he remarried after the death of his first wife. However, the exact reason for Miriam and Aaron's objection to this marriage remains somewhat ambiguous.
Verse 2 provides a clue, suggesting that Miriam and Aaron's criticism extended beyond Moses' marital choice. They question whether God speaks only through Moses, implying a desire for a share in leadership and perhaps hinting at jealousy or envy towards Moses' position of authority.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships, even among those who are closely related if they don’t share common goals. It highlights the potential for jealousy and resentment to surface, even among leaders chosen by God.
Ultimately, it underscores the importance of humility and unity among God's people.
The passage indeed portrays a complex interplay of dynamics within the leadership structure of the Israelites, particularly involving Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses. It's suggested that Miriam, possibly feeling threatened by Moses' new wife or perhaps by the increasing number of leaders among the Israelites, leads the challenge against Moses' leadership.
Their criticism may stem from a sense of jealousy or envy, as they question whether God speaks exclusively through Moses and express concern about their own roles in leadership.
This raises broader issues about human nature and the challenges that arise within leadership circles, even among those chosen by God.
The text's emphasis on the Lord hearing their criticism underscores the importance of accountability and the divine awareness of human actions and intentions. Additionally, the description of Moses as "humble" or "meek" raises questions about his character and authorship of the text. However, it's understood that Moses, as the writer under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, presents himself truthfully and without bias.
Ultimately, this passage offers insights into the complexities of leadership, human relationships, and the need for humility and accountability among God's chosen people.
Moses' portrayal of his own humility doesn't necessarily undermine his authorship of the book of Numbers. Instead, it serves to emphasize his character and innocence in the face of criticism from his own family.
This humility becomes crucial to the story's narrative, highlighting Moses' righteousness and the unjust nature of the accusations against him.
The criticism from Miriam and Aaron, especially in the context of Moses' recent challenges with leading the Israelites and facing repeated complaints from the children of Israel, would understandably have been deeply hurtful.
Matthew Henry's in his commentary makes an observation about the potential greater trial posed by the unkindness of friends compared to the malice of enemies resonates here.
Betrayal from within his own family and by his siblings likely carried significant emotional weight for Moses.
The subsequent response from the Lord, which we'll look at shortly, provides insight into the divine perspective on these events and further underscores Moses' innocence and righteousness in the situation.
So, let's pick up the story at verse 4 the text tells us
4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:
“When there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. 7 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”
9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.
(Numbers 12: 4-9)
The Lord's response to Miriam and Aaron's criticism begins with a surprising intervention. He speaks to them directly, summoning them to the pillar cloud, where His presence manifests.
The order in which their names are mentioned may carry significance, indicating Miriam's potential role as the instigator of the criticism, while also implicating Aaron in the matter.
In verse 6, the Lord's message is one of great importance, conveyed an urgency to listen attentively. He clarifies the nature of prophecy, stating that He communicates with prophets through direct revelation, which may come in the form of dreams and visions.
This passage serves as a fundamental biblical definition of prophecy, emphasizing the divine origin and supernatural nature of prophetic messages.
Understanding the concept of prophecy as receiving direct revelation from God in the form of visions and dreams provides clarity on the role of prophets, distinguishing them from those of us who are mere speakers or preachers.
This revelation underscores the seriousness of the situation and the divine authority behind the words spoken by Moses and other prophets throughout Scripture.
The Lord's words in verse 8 elevate Moses to a unique status among prophets. While prophets typically receive divine communication through dreams, visions, or intermediary angels, Moses converses with God directly, without the need for symbolic or veiled messages.
This direct communion with the divine is characterized by clarity and transparency, as God speaks to Moses plainly, without the use of obscure language or symbolism.
The mention of Moses seeing the form of the Lord presents a theological puzzle, as God is traditionally understood as ethereal and invisible. However, this description likely employs anthropomorphic language, depicting God in a human-like form to convey the intimacy of His relationship with Moses.
This figurative language emphasizes the special nature of Moses' interaction with God, highlighting his unparalleled closeness to the divine presence.
In verse 9, the anger of the Lord is aroused against Miriam and Aaron for their criticism of Moses. The departure of the Lord signifies His displeasure with their actions and underscores the seriousness of their offense.
The Lord's rebuke serves as a stern reminder of Moses' elevated status and the need to treat him with reverence and respect.
This passage illuminates the extraordinary relationship between Moses and God, emphasizing Moses' unique role as a direct recipient of divine revelation. It also underscores the importance of humility and reverence in relating to those who hold positions of spiritual authority.
10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous, it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, 11 and he said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.” 13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!” 14 The Lord replied to Moses, “If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back.” 15 So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on till she was brought back.
(Number s 12: 9-15)
The consequences of Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses are severe. Miriam is struck with leprosy by the Lord, a symbolic punishment for her sin.
Leprosy in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for sin, highlighting the spiritual impurity resulting from disobedience.
While Miriam is afflicted with leprosy, Aaron is spared from this punishment, though the reason for his exemption remains unclear. Some interpretations suggest that Aaron's involvement in the offense may have been less severe than Miriam's, but this is speculative.
In response to Miriam's affliction, Moses intercedes on her behalf, pleading with God to heal her. Aaron also acknowledges his own sin and seeks Moses' intervention, recognizing Moses' unique relationship with God and his power of intercession.
Miriam's plea for mercy is poignant, likening her condition to that of a stillborn infant, emphasizing the severity of her punishment.
Despite Moses' plea for Miriam's healing, God instructs that she be quarantined outside the camp for seven days as a consequence of her actions. This period of separation serves as a tangible reminder of the seriousness of Miriam's sin and the need for repentance. The interruption of the journey of the Israelites during Miriam's exile underscores the communal impact of sin, highlighting how one person's transgression can affect the entire community.
Ultimately, Miriam completes her period of quarantine, and upon her return, the journey of the Israelites resumes.
This passage therefore serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of humility, repentance, and intercession in seeking reconciliation with God.
Proper judgment involves three key elements:
1. Fairness and Objectivity: When making a judgment, it's essential to approach the situation with fairness and objectivity. This means considering all relevant factors without bias or prejudice. In the case of criticism, it's important to assess the situation impartially and avoid letting personal feelings cloud one's judgment.
2. Constructive Intent: Proper judgment aims to be constructive rather than destructive. It focuses on identifying areas for improvement or addressing concerns in a helpful and supportive manner. Constructive criticism seeks to uplift and encourage growth rather than tearing down or demoralizing the individual or situation being evaluated.
3. Respect and Empathy: Respect and empathy are vital components of proper judgment. It involves recognizing the dignity and humanity of the person or situation being judged and considering their perspective and feelings. Empathetic judgment acknowledges the complexities and challenges individuals may face and seeks to offer understanding and support rather than harsh condemnation.
Improper judgment, on the other hand, lacks these essential elements:
1. Bias and Prejudice: Improper judgment is often marred by bias, prejudice, or personal agendas. Instead of approaching the situation objectively, individuals may allow their preconceived notions or emotions to influence their assessment unfairly.
2. Destructive Intent: Unlike constructive criticism, improper judgment is driven by a desire to tear down or undermine rather than build up. It may involve harsh or hurtful language, focusing solely on faults or shortcomings without offering solutions or support.
3. Lack of Empathy: Improper judgment often reflects a lack of empathy or consideration for the feelings and perspectives of others. It may involve insensitivity or disregard for the impact of one's words or actions on the individual being judged.
In the context of leadership, understanding the distinction between proper and improper judgment is crucial for fostering a supportive and constructive environment.
Leaders must strive to offer feedback and criticism that is fair, empathetic, and aimed at promoting growth and development rather than causing harm or discord.
Proper judgment necessitates aligning these elements correctly and adhering to principles of fairness and truth.
Using the appropriate standard, ensuring access to all relevant facts, and holding a position of responsibility or authority to make a judgment are essential components of proper judgment.
It's crucial to base judgments on objective criteria and avoid imposing personal biases or opinions.
Improper judgment occurs when one lacks the correct standard, does not possess all the facts, or exceeds the bounds of their authority in passing judgment.
It often involves using arbitrary or subjective criteria and can lead to unfair or unwarranted criticism.
It's important to distinguish between biblical principles and cultural norms or personal preferences when making judgments.
The importance of humility, discernment, and adherence to biblical principles in our interactions with others always need to underpin all potential judgements .
I actually once heard a Christian woman say in my presence that there were two individuals a man and a woman in the church she thought they were having an affair.
I said to het how do you know that and she couldn't tell me and I pressed her and this is what she said.
“It's the way he looks at her, and that's how you concluded they were having an affair yeah!
That's judging that's not proper. There is a proper form of judgement but we need to hold it in the context of the scripture.
And there's an improper judgement .
There is a constructive criticism that can be helpful and there is our criticism that may just get you sick right.
And I want to tell you to make sure that you have the right standard all the facts and it's your position to make that decision in the 1st place.
So, get the fact, and apply the proper biblical standard. But finally only make the judgement if call has called upon you to make that judgement.