Keeping The Standard Blended families

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 12:1–3

12:1–3. After Israel settled down at Hazeroth (11:35), Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ elder siblings, began to challenge his authority, ostensibly because he had married a Cushite woman. This challenge came either because he had married the woman and therefore in their eyes destroyed his credibility, or because they were disillusioned with his leadership for other reasons and used the marriage as an excuse. The marriage itself could not be criticized unless it were a case of bigamy (for which there is no evidence) for the Cushites were not among those whom Israelites might not marry (Ex. 34:11, 16). The Cushites were not necessarily a different color since people of that name existed in early times in Arabia as well as Cush proper (what is today southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia). Possibly Miriam, who apparently led this part of the challenge, saw in Moses’ new wife a threat to her own standing as the major female figure in Israel’s leadership.

Numbers 12:1–16 The Message

1 Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite woman). 2 They said, “Is it only through Moses that God speaks? Doesn’t he also speak through us?” God overheard their talk. 3 Now the man Moses was a quietly humble man, more so than anyone living on Earth. 4 God broke in suddenly on Moses and Aaron and Miriam saying, “Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting.” The three went out. 5 God descended in a Pillar of Cloud and stood at the entrance to the Tent. He called Aaron and Miriam to him. When they stepped out, 6 he said, Listen carefully to what I’m telling you. If there is a prophet of God among you, I make myself known to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. 7 But I don’t do it that way with my servant Moses; he has the run of my entire house; 8 I speak to him intimately, in person, in plain talk without riddles: He ponders the very form of God. So why did you show no reverence or respect in speaking against my servant, against Moses? 9 The anger of God blazed out against them. And then he left. 10 When the Cloud moved off from the Tent, oh! Miriam had turned leprous, her skin like snow. Aaron took one look at Miriam—a leper! 11 He said to Moses, “Please, my master, please don’t come down so hard on us for this foolish and thoughtless sin. 12 Please don’t make her like a stillborn baby coming out of its mother’s womb with half its body decomposed.” 13 And Moses prayed to God: Please, God, heal her, please heal her. 14 God answered Moses, “If her father had spat in her face, wouldn’t she be ostracized for seven days? Quarantine her outside the camp for seven days. Then she can be readmitted to the camp.” 15 So Miriam was in quarantine outside the camp for seven days. The people didn’t march on until she was readmitted. 16 Only then did the people march from Hazeroth and set up camp in the Wilderness of Paran.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 12:1–3

12:1–3. After Israel settled down at Hazeroth (11:35), Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ elder siblings, began to challenge his authority, ostensibly because he had married a Cushite woman. This challenge came either because he had married the woman and therefore in their eyes destroyed his credibility, or because they were disillusioned with his leadership for other reasons and used the marriage as an excuse. The marriage itself could not be criticized unless it were a case of bigamy (for which there is no evidence) for the Cushites were not among those whom Israelites might not marry (Ex. 34:11, 16). The Cushites were not necessarily a different color since people of that name existed in early times in Arabia as well as Cush proper (what is today southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia). Possibly Miriam, who apparently led this part of the challenge, saw in Moses’ new wife a threat to her own standing as the major female figure in Israel’s leadership.

Numbers 12:1-

It’s very Common to have siblings disapprove of who you choose to marry..

Miriam who was his big sister/mother was very involved in His life as a baby and was the one that followed him down the nile river.

Often older sister’s can’t see past your child hood status and want to continue to baby you, boss you and make decisions for you.. ( Even when their own personal life choices in men have been bad)

Some times the thought of loosing a brother or sister can cause us to act out, not knowing how to communicate feelings. We attack, Criticize & find fault.. ( that seems to make us feel better. )

Aaron: His right hand man, chosen by God too be Moses spokes person since Moses had a speech impediment, seemed to have issues with Moses and co-signed with his sisters confusion.. Aaron a struggle with Standing for what was right and was on the level of following the crowd.

Some times the fact that the eldest wasn’t chosen to do a certain thing, builds a little resentment towards the younger brother.

Their is a Fredo in every family, feels short sighted over looked, passed over.. What do they do challenge his little brothers authority

challenge his authority

The Second Thought is this.. Why attack his wife who he had been married to before he arrived back in Egypt and had two sons with.

i. Was it because Miriam was going to loose her major role in female leadership? The first Sister!!

ii. In Conflict you must pay attention to what a person is saying and what they are not saying.. Often the thing that makes people mad isn’t the real issue.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 12:1–3

Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?

Envy, perhaps simmering for a long time, now came to the surface.

Authorized Version Chapter 12

And the LORD heard it. 3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

God heard the slick talk & it’s noted that Moses was very Meek above all the men on earth.

Harper’s Bible Dictionary Meek

meek, the quality characteristic of humility when coupled with gentleness. The meek person not only does not threaten or challenge others but accepts others openly and confidently

3. The Lord himself intervened and took the defense of his servant.

But you might not have that type of favor and need to address the issue at hand..

Attacks against your spouse

What should You Do?

Who Should You address first?

The wimp or the instigator

Should it be done private or public