Remember Miriam
Janet Lundeen Neumann
"Remember the Sabbath day." God asking us to remember is important.
Miriam is the one woman in the Bible we are specifically asked, by name, to remember. Deuteronomy 24:8: "Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam."
Miriam’s role was vital in sparing Moses from Pharaoh’s death decree (Exodus 2:4). She was unafraid of the king's command (Hebrews 11:23). "Miriam's force of character had been early displayed . . . Her self-control and tact God had made instrumental in preserving the deliverer of His people" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 382).
Miriam is an adult in Exodus 15. Moses was God’s chosen leader but Miriam and Aaron occupied positions of high honor. Their prophesying aided Israel's deliverance.
But some in Israel regarded desert life as worse than Egyptian bondage. Almost immediately murmuring began. "There's no water," they cried. God gave water. "There’s no food." God gave manna. "We don't like manna. Give us meat."
“God gave the people that which was not for their highest good . . .Their rebellious desires were gratified, but they were left to suffer the result” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 382).
"Their murmuring was now rebellion, and as such it must receive prompt and signal punishment, if Israel was to be preserved from anarchy and ruin" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 379). God promptly punished the rebellion, but now a stranger murmuring was heard within leadership. The spirit that first brought discord to heaven had sprung to life in Miriam's heart. She wanted more.
Miriam became disaffected and infected others. "Aaron had been highly honored by God in the appointment of his family to the sacred office of the priesthood; yet even this now added to the desire for self-exaltation" (Ibid., p. 383). Miriam and Aaron were not consulted about the appointment of the seventy elders. "Jealousy was excited against Moses" (Ibid.). "Yielding to the spirit of dissatisfaction, Miriam found cause of complaint in events that God had especially overruled" (Ibid.).
Moses felt the importance of the work committed to him, realized his weakness, and made God his counselor. But Miriam and Aaron, blinded by jealous ambition, lost sight of the humility of Moses. They regarded themselves as entitled to the same position and authority as Moses. Their disloyalty was not only toward Moses, but to God.
The "seditious whisperers" were summoned to the tabernacle. "And Jehovah came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. God asked through Moses: 'Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?'" The anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and God departed.
Miriam became leprous---"white as snow." Why this punishment? Miriam was the instigator, the spreader of discontent. Her rebellion against Moses was the more reprehensible because she was already so highly honored in Israel. God withdrew His presence from Israel because of Miriam---because she wanted more. Leprosy meant banishment. Not until she was physically removed from the camp did the pillar of cloud, symbol of God's presence, return to shade the people. Seven days Miriam was in the desert alone. God absented Himself from the camp as a warning to all Israel, to check the spirit of discontent and insubordination.
Only thus were the pair humbled. Aaron confessed their sin and pleaded with God that Miriam might not die. But it was at the prayer of Moses, the leader and brother against whom she had murmured, that God healed her.
Long before Miriam, another lived a strangely parallel life, one who
- was given great responsibility early in life
- served just below the "chosen leader"
- led a massive choir
- became dissatisfied with his position
- began murmuring to others
- thought he should be elevated to the same position as the chosen leader
- was jealous not being consulted about significant plans
- was ultimately cast out
- chose never to return to God
Miriam and Lucifer: one repented; the other did not. "Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam" (Deuteronomy 24:9). Why the detailed record of Miriam's story?
"The murmurings of Aaron and Miriam are left on the record as a rebuke to all who will yield to jealousy, and complain of those upon whom God has laid the burden of His word" (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 20-21).
Thankfully, Miriam, unlike Lucifer, repented and was returned to the camp. Her murmurings ceased. Only sincere repentance could cause such change! After repentance came reconciliation and a new beginning. Miriam and Aaron worked harmoniously once again with God's chosen leadership. It can be done!
God says, "Remember the Sabbath day." We know it is important. He also says, "Remember Miriam"---an urgent message for this hour.