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.

And the cloud {H6051} departed {H5493} from off the tabernacle {H168}; and, behold, Miriam {H4813} became leprous {H6879}, white as snow {H7950}: and Aaron {H175} looked {H6437} upon Miriam {H4813}, and, behold, she was leprous {H6879}.

But when the cloud was removed from above the tent, Miryam had tzara'at, as white as snow. Aharon looked at Miryam, and she was as white as snow.

As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,

And the cloud removed from over the Tent; and, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Commentary

Numbers 12:10 describes the immediate and severe consequence of Miriam and Aaron's rebellion against Moses, God's chosen leader. Following God's direct confrontation of the siblings, the visible sign of His presence—the cloud—departs, revealing Miriam afflicted with a severe skin disease, described as "leprous, white as snow." Aaron, her brother and co-conspirator, witnesses her condition.

Context

This verse is the climax of a narrative detailing Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' authority and leadership. In Numbers 12:1-2, they questioned Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman and, more significantly, his unique prophetic standing, claiming God also spoke through them. God swiftly intervened, summoning all three to the Tabernacle. In Numbers 12:6-8, God unequivocally affirmed Moses' unparalleled relationship with Him, speaking to him "mouth to mouth." The departure of the cloud, which had previously covered the Tabernacle as a sign of God's presence and guidance, signaled God's displeasure and the withdrawal of His manifest favor.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequence: The immediate affliction of Miriam with leprosy serves as a clear, visible sign of God's righteous judgment against insubordination and disrespect for His appointed authority. It underscores the principle that sin, especially rebellion against divine order, carries severe consequences.
  • Vindication of God's Chosen Leader: God's swift action publicly vindicates Moses, demonstrating that His authority rests not on human approval but on divine appointment. This event solidifies Moses' unique position among the Israelites.
  • The Seriousness of Challenging Authority: The narrative highlights the gravity of speaking against those God has established in leadership. It's not merely a personal affront but an act against God Himself.
  • Leprosy as a Sign: In ancient Israel, "leprosy" (Hebrew: tsara'at) was a broad term for various severe skin afflictions, distinct from modern Hansen's disease. It rendered individuals ritually unclean and was often associated with divine judgment for sin, particularly pride or slander (e.g., Gehazi's leprosy in 2 Kings 5). Miriam's condition, "white as snow," indicated an advanced and unmistakable state of the disease, making her uncleanness undeniable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "leprous" is tsara'at (צָרַעַת), which encompasses a range of severe skin conditions outlined in Leviticus chapters 13 and 14. It was not merely a physical ailment but carried significant ritual and social implications, requiring isolation from the community. The phrase "white as snow" emphasizes the stark, undeniable visibility and severity of her affliction, signifying a complete and immediate manifestation of God's judgment.

Practical Application

This powerful account serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

  • Respect for God-Given Authority: It teaches the importance of respecting those God has placed in leadership, recognizing that challenging them can be seen as challenging God Himself. While accountability is necessary, it must be approached with humility and proper channels.
  • The Consequences of Sin: The immediate and severe judgment on Miriam underscores God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin, particularly envy, pride, and rebellion.
  • The Power of Intercession: Though not in this specific verse, the subsequent narrative (Numbers 12:13) shows Moses' immediate intercession for Miriam, highlighting the power of prayer and forgiveness even in the face of grave sin. Moses' humility and compassion led to Miriam's eventual healing after a period of isolation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 24:9

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

  • 2 Kings 5:27

    The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

  • 2 Kings 15:5

    And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land.

  • Exodus 4:6

    And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow.

  • Exodus 33:7

    ¶ And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, [that] every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which [was] without the camp.

  • Exodus 33:10

    And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand [at] the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man [in] his tent door.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:19

    Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.
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