Deuteronomy 24:9

KJV

Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} what the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} did {H6213} unto Miriam {H4813} by the way {H1870}, after that ye were come forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember what ADONAI your God did to Miryam on the road after you left Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.

American Standard Version

Remember what Jehovah thy God did unto Miriam, by the way as ye came forth out of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 24:9 serves as a solemn and direct command for the Israelites to recall a specific incident of divine judgment against Miriam during their wilderness journey. Placed within a section of laws concerning *tzara'at* (often translated as leprosy), this verse underscores the severe consequences of challenging God's appointed authority and the importance of active remembrance for the nation's spiritual well-being and obedience. It functions as a powerful didactic warning, emphasizing the sanctity of divine order and the purity required of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy is structured as Moses' final address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. It is a re-statement and exposition of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing covenant faithfulness. Chapter 24, in particular, details a diverse array of civil and social laws, covering topics from divorce and pledges to fair treatment of the vulnerable. Verses 8-9, however, present a unique interjection of a historical narrative into this legal framework. Immediately preceding verse 9, verse 8 instructs the people to diligently observe the priests' instructions regarding *tzara'at*, a serious skin affliction. The inclusion of the Miriam incident, where she was struck with *tzara'at* for her rebellion, serves as a potent historical precedent and a vivid illustration of the spiritual ramifications tied to physical impurity and defiance of divine authority. This juxtaposition highlights that obedience to God's laws, even those concerning ritual purity, is not merely ceremonial but deeply connected to spiritual integrity and respect for His ordained order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "remember" points directly back to the events recorded in [Numbers 12](/numbers/12 "Numbers 12 - Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses"). This incident occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period marked by divine provision, testing, and frequent rebellion. Miriam, a prophetess and sister to Moses and Aaron, along with Aaron, spoke against Moses concerning his Cushite wife and, more significantly, questioned his unique prophetic authority, stating, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" ([Numbers 12:2](/numbers/12-2 "Numbers 12:2 - Miriam and Aaron question Moses' authority")). God Himself intervened, affirming Moses' unparalleled relationship with Him as one with whom He spoke "face to face" ([Numbers 12:8](/numbers/12-8 "Numbers 12:8 - God's unique relationship with Moses")). As a direct result of her defiance, Miriam was immediately struck with *tzara'at*, becoming "white as snow" ([Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam struck with tzara'at")). Culturally, *tzara'at* was not merely a physical disease but was often associated with divine judgment for sin, particularly sins of slander, pride, or rebellion against God or His anointed. The afflicted individual was considered ritually unclean and was isolated from the community, symbolizing a break in covenant relationship. Miriam's seven-day exclusion from the camp halted the entire nation's journey, emphasizing the gravity of her transgression and the profound impact of sin on the community.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully reinforces several major themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Leadership**. God's swift and direct intervention in Miriam's case unequivocally defends Moses' unique role as His chosen leader, demonstrating that challenging His anointed is tantamount to challenging God Himself. Second, the incident highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion and Slander**. Miriam's affliction serves as a stark warning against envy, gossip, and direct defiance of God's will or His representatives. The command to "remember" is a call to learn from this severe divine discipline. Third, the theme of **Remembrance (*Zachor*)** is central. The Hebrew word implies more than mere intellectual recall; it signifies an active, intentional, and transformative internalization of past events to shape present and future conduct. Israel was to remember God's faithfulness and His judgments to foster obedience. Finally, the connection to *tzara'at* links this historical warning to the broader themes of **Purity and Holiness**. The physical manifestation of *tzara'at* often symbolized spiritual impurity or rebellion, reinforcing the constant divine demand for Israel to maintain ceremonial and moral purity as a holy nation set apart for God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zachor'_):** This imperative verb is a foundational concept in Deuteronomy, appearing over 50 times. It means far more than simply recalling a past event; it implies an active, intentional, and ongoing process of internalizing, reflecting upon, and applying the lessons of God's past actions. For Israel, to "remember" God's acts of deliverance and judgment was to allow those historical realities to shape their present obedience and future faithfulness. It was a call to covenant fidelity, ensuring that the nation did not forget the character of God or the consequences of disobedience.
* **Miriam (Hebrew, _Miryam'_):** Miriam was a significant figure in Israel's history, a prophetess, and the elder sister of Moses and Aaron. Her prominence makes her transgression and subsequent judgment particularly impactful. Her challenge to Moses' authority was not merely a sibling dispute but a direct questioning of God's chosen leadership and the unique manner in which He communicated with Moses. Her name, potentially meaning "bitter" or "rebellious," ironically foreshadowed the bitter outcome of her rebellion.
* **by the way (Hebrew, _badderekh'_):** This phrase refers to the wilderness journey, the forty years of wandering after the Exodus from Egypt. It emphasizes that this incident occurred during a formative period of Israel's national identity, a time when God was teaching them dependence, obedience, and the consequences of sin. The lessons learned "by the way" were crucial for their survival and their preparation to enter the Promised Land. It signifies that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are part of His ongoing discipline and instruction for His people on their pilgrimage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam":** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic command to the entire Israelite community. The subject is "the LORD thy God," highlighting divine agency and sovereignty in the judgment. It underscores that the punishment of Miriam was not an arbitrary act by Moses or Aaron, but a direct, deliberate intervention by God Himself. The command to "remember" implies that this event holds enduring significance as a warning and a lesson for all generations.
* **"by the way":** This phrase specifies the setting of the incident – during their journey through the wilderness. It reminds the hearers that God's justice and discipline were active and evident throughout their formative years as a nation, not just at Sinai. It emphasizes that the lessons of obedience and the consequences of rebellion were learned through lived experience on their pilgrimage.
* **"after that ye were come forth out of Egypt":** This final clause firmly anchors the event in the post-Exodus period, connecting it to the generation that experienced God's mighty deliverance from bondage. It implies that despite witnessing God's power and faithfulness, some still harbored rebellion, necessitating divine discipline. This serves as a potent reminder that even those who have experienced profound salvation can fall into disobedience and face consequences if they disregard God's authority.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 24:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Foremost is **Historical Allusion**, where the verse directly references the well-known incident in [Numbers 12](/numbers/12 "Numbers 12 - Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses") without detailing it, assuming the audience's familiarity. This allows for a concise yet potent reminder of a significant divine judgment. The verse also functions as a **Didactic Narrative** in miniature, using a past event to teach a present and future lesson about the dangers of challenging divine authority and the importance of purity. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Remember") is a direct command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this instruction and its vital importance for the nation's spiritual health. Furthermore, the verse's placement immediately after laws concerning *tzara'at* creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, linking a physical affliction with a spiritual transgression, thereby illustrating the profound connection between ritual purity and moral/spiritual obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 24:9 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering defense of His chosen instruments. The incident with Miriam serves as a timeless testament to the gravity of challenging divinely appointed authority, whether in the spiritual or civil realm. It reveals God's intolerance for pride, envy, and slander, especially when directed against those He has set apart for leadership. The *tzara'at* inflicted upon Miriam, and the subsequent command to remember it, underscores the intrinsic link between spiritual rebellion and its tangible consequences, demonstrating that God's moral order is inextricably tied to the well-being and purity of His covenant community. This memory was to instill both fear of God's judgment and a deep respect for His established order, ensuring the nation's faithfulness as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

* [Numbers 12:1-15](/numbers/12-1 "Numbers 12:1-15 - The full account of Miriam's rebellion and judgment")
* [1 Corinthians 10:11](/1_corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Warnings from Israel's past are for us")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 24:9, though rooted in ancient history, carries profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's authority and a careful respect for those He has placed in positions of leadership, whether in the church, home, or civil society. Miriam's swift judgment serves as a powerful caution against the dangers of envy, slander, and critical speech, reminding us that words have consequences and can undermine God's work. We are exhorted to guard our tongues and cultivate a spirit of humility and submission to divine order. Furthermore, the command to "remember" challenges us to actively engage with biblical history, not merely as distant narratives, but as living lessons that shape our character and conduct. Just as Israel was to learn from their past, we are called to discern the patterns of God's faithfulness and judgment throughout Scripture, allowing these truths to inform our obedience and warn us against similar pitfalls. This verse ultimately calls us to a life of humble reverence, recognizing that true purity and spiritual health are inextricably linked to honoring God's authority and His chosen vessels.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to question or undermine authority, whether in the church, my family, or society?**
* **How does Miriam's judgment challenge my own use of speech, particularly concerning gossip, criticism, or slander?**
* **What specific historical accounts in Scripture has God used to teach me profound lessons about obedience or the consequences of sin?**
* **How can actively "remembering" God's past dealings with His people deepen my reverence and foster greater humility in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why is the Miriam incident mentioned here, specifically after laws about *tzara'at*?**

Answer: The placement of Deuteronomy 24:9 immediately after laws concerning *tzara'at* (a severe skin disease often associated with divine judgment) is highly significant. It serves as a concrete, historical example of how God's judgment for spiritual rebellion can manifest in physical affliction. Miriam was struck with *tzara'at* as a direct consequence of her challenging Moses' unique prophetic authority and speaking against him ([Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam struck with tzara'at")). By commanding Israel to "remember" this event, Moses connects the ritual purity laws concerning *tzara'at* with the spiritual purity required of God's people, emphasizing that defiance of God's authority is a serious transgression that can lead to severe consequences, including ritual impurity and exclusion from the community. It underscores that obedience to God's laws, both ceremonial and moral, is essential for maintaining a right relationship with Him.

**What was the nature of Miriam's sin that warranted such a severe punishment?**

Answer: Miriam's sin, alongside Aaron's, was multifaceted but primarily centered on challenging Moses' unique prophetic authority and leadership. While they initially spoke against his Cushite wife, the deeper issue was their claim to equal prophetic stature with Moses: "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" ([Numbers 12:2](/numbers/12-2 "Numbers 12:2 - Miriam and Aaron question Moses' authority")). This was not merely a family dispute but a direct affront to God's chosen leader and, by extension, to God Himself, who had uniquely set Moses apart for face-to-face communication ([Numbers 12:8](/numbers/12-8 "Numbers 12:8 - God's unique relationship with Moses")). Her sin was rooted in pride, envy, and a presumptuous challenge to divine order, which God swiftly and severely judged to uphold the sanctity of His appointed leadership and the integrity of His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 24:9, with its stark warning against rebellion and its emphasis on divine authority and purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The incident with Miriam highlights the severe consequences of challenging God's anointed leader; yet, in Christ, we encounter the ultimate Anointed One, the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh"), whose authority is absolute and unchallenged. He is the [prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet like Moses"), but infinitely greater, speaking directly from the Father and embodying divine truth ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known")). While Miriam's *tzara'at* was a physical manifestation of judgment for sin, Jesus, in His boundless compassion, touched and cleansed those afflicted with *tzara'at*, demonstrating His power over sin and its consequences ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus cleanses a leper")). Moreover, the purity demanded by the Law, symbolized by the exclusion of the unclean, is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's sinless life and His atoning sacrifice. He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate judgment for our rebellion and impurity, allowing us, through faith in Him, to be declared righteous and brought into fellowship with a holy God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Thus, the warning to remember Miriam's fate compels us to embrace the one true Authority, Jesus Christ, who not only embodies perfect obedience but also offers complete forgiveness and spiritual cleansing, transforming us from rebels into beloved children of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 12:10

¶ 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.

Numbers 12:15

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in [again].

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:6

¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

2 Kings 7:3

¶ And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

Numbers 5:2

Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:

2 Chronicles 26:20

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.