“Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”

Numbers 12:1 (NKJV)

I’ve heard it said that gossip defiles at least three people: the person who says it, the person whom it is about, and the person who hears it. Gossip is a consuming fire that burns and destroys relationships. But so many times it goes unchecked. Not so in the account before us today.

Miriam criticized her younger brother Moses because he married an Ethiopian. Aaron, rather than rebuking his older sister, joined in the gossip. But there was another motive lurking in the heart.

“So they said, ‘Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?’”

Numbers 12:2 (NKJV)

You see, they denied Moses his God-appointed role as a prophet. They thought that God spoke to them just as He spoke to Moses. In fact, they were jealous of Moses’ position. Jealousy often comes out as critical words against one’s rival. But in this case the LORD heard and called Miriam and Aaron to give an account. He rebuked them for not being afraid to speak against His servant Moses with whom He had a special and intimate relationship.

I see three valuable lessons from this passage:

• God is always listening, so be careful what you say about someone else. We will all give an account for our words.
• If you are the object of gossip, rather than returning evil for evil or even being your own defense, entrust the matter to the LORD.
• Give no place for jealousy in your heart. Respect the gift and calling God has given to another and be content with the gift and calling He has given you.

Both Miriam and Aaron were humiliated for their foolish words, and Miriam was struck with leprosy. But Moses interceded for his older sister until God healed her. Not only was Moses meek, but he was also forgiving. He leaves us a great example of what to do when others speak evil of us.

Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re here. 😊

Photo by Keira Burton