Deuteronomy 24:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:9 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 24:9 serves as a potent historical reminder to the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Moses, reiterating God's laws and warnings, calls them to remember a specific divine act of judgment against Miriam.

Context of Deuteronomy 24:9

The book of Deuteronomy is essentially Moses' final address to the new generation of Israelites, a re-statement and exposition of the Law given at Mount Sinai, before they cross the Jordan River. Chapter 24 outlines various civil and social laws, touching on subjects like divorce, pledges, kidnapping, and fair treatment of laborers. Immediately preceding verse 9, verses 8 and 9 discuss the laws concerning leprosy (tzara'at), instructing the people to carefully observe the priests' instructions regarding this serious skin disease. The inclusion of the Miriam incident here is highly significant, connecting the physical manifestation of leprosy with the spiritual transgression of rebellion and disrespect for divine authority.

The Miriam Incident Explained

The verse commands, "Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt." This refers directly to the events chronicled in Numbers chapter 12. In that account, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses concerning his Cushite wife and, more significantly, questioned his unique prophetic authority. God Himself intervened, calling all three to the tabernacle. There, the LORD affirmed His direct and intimate communication with Moses as His chosen leader, distinct from other prophets.

As a direct consequence of her rebellion and speaking against God's anointed, Miriam was immediately struck with leprosy (tzara'at), becoming "white as snow." She was then shut out of the camp for seven days, during which time the entire Israelite encampment halted its journey. This vivid and severe divine discipline served as a powerful lesson to all Israel about the dangers of challenging God's authority and His appointed leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Leadership: The incident underscores God's unwavering defense of His chosen servants and the severe consequences of challenging His ordained authority. It highlights the sanctity of the office of leadership, especially when divinely appointed.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The command to "remember" is a clear warning against envy, slander, and direct defiance of God's will or His representatives. Miriam's swift punishment serves as a deterrent for similar transgressions.
  • The Importance of Remembrance: The Hebrew word for "remember," zachor (תִזֹכוּר), implies more than just recalling facts; it means to actively consider, internalize, and apply the lesson of the past to present and future conduct.
  • Purity and Holiness: The affliction of leprosy, often seen as a physical manifestation of spiritual impurity or rebellion, links this historical warning directly to the preceding laws about ceremonial cleanness and the priests' role in discerning and managing such diseases.

Linguistic Insight

The imperative "Remember" (Hebrew: zachor) is a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy. It is not merely a historical note but a command to internalize the lessons of God's past dealings, both His faithfulness and His judgments. This active remembrance is crucial for the nation's spiritual well-being and obedience.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 24:9 carries timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Authority: It calls for respect for those in spiritual and civic authority, recognizing that leadership, when exercised righteously, is instituted by God (Romans 13:1).
  • Guard Your Tongue: The verse serves as a powerful caution against gossip, slander, and critical speech, especially towards those God has placed in positions of influence.
  • Learn from History: Just as Israel was to learn from its past, believers are called to study biblical history and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience, allowing these lessons to shape their conduct (1 Corinthians 10:11).
  • Humility: It reminds us of the need for humility before God and His plans, avoiding the pride that leads to questioning or challenging His divine order.
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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

  • Numbers 12:10 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 7:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.