Num 12:10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.” But the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Leprosy was a disease where the body rotted and decayed. It was considered a “walking death” – and Miriam had an advanced case of leprosy (white as snow) instantly. At this moment, God caused her body to reflect her heart. (Guzik)
The cloud departed, and Miriam became leprous. When God goes, evil comes: expect no good when God departs. Her foul tongue, as Bishop Hall says, was justly punished with a foul face. Aaron, as priest, was judge of the leprosy. He could not pronounce her leprous without trembling, knowing himself to be equally guilty. But if she was thus punished for speaking against Moses, what will become of those who sin against Christ? Aaron, who joined his sister in speaking against Moses, is forced for himself and his sister, to beseech him, and to speak highly of him whom he had so lately blamed. Those who trample upon the saints and servants of God, will one day be glad to make court to them. It is well when rebukes produce confession of sin and repentance. Such offenders, though corrected and disgraced, shall be pardoned. Moses made it appear, that he forgave the injury done him. To this pattern of Moses, and that of our Saviour, who said, Father, forgive them, we must conform. A reason is given for Miriam’s being put out of the camp for seven days; because thus she ought to accept the punishment of her sin. When under the tokens of God’s displeasure for sin, it becomes us to take shame to ourselves. This hindered the people’s progress in their march forward towards Canaan. Many things oppose us, but nothing so hinders us in the way to heaven, as sin. (Henry)
What is it that causes us to grumble, whine, complain, and find fault?
- When our eyes are focused on ourselves and lose sight of God.
- When God’s Word is neglected.
- When we become complacent about the things of God.
- When pride and jealousy find root in our hearts.
- When we forget our own sinfulness.
- When feel we have been wronged and want justice.
- And a host of other non-God-honoring thoughts, actions, and words.
I have seen churches split and pastors removed because of the grumbling of those whose pride and self-worth speak out as if they are beyond reproach and as if God does not see or hear them. Don’t get e wrong. We all have had moments of “grumbling” and would be leprous as Miriam if God commuted judgment on us. The point is the want, need, and desire to be close to God and live with His Word always in our hearts and mind, with a single purpose in all of the days of our lives to honor and glorify Him in all of our thoughts, words, and actions. If this was our heart’s desire, then there would be no room for seeds of grumbling to root and take hold and grow into words and actions contrary to this purpose.
