In Numbers 11:25, the Lord comes down in grace, and seventy chosen men are gifted to prophesy. Perhaps this was the trigger for Miriam and Aaron's jealousy. In chapter twelve, He comes down in judgment to address an accusation against His servant Moses. When our Lord Jesus Christ descended from heaven to earth, He came in both grace and judgment, even though He was the Perfect Servant of Jehovah. “My servant” was a title given to Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and Elijah.
When God called those two brothers and their sister to stand before the Tabernacle, the word would have spread quickly throughout the camp. When the cloud of God's presence descended right before those three and in front of the door, everyone would realize something serious had happened. God Himself stepped in to handle the situation. I learned from this that it is not a small matter to criticize a servant of God or to speak against any of His children. Their work is different from mine. Their calling may be entirely different from what I think it should be, but he or she is God's servant, just the same as I am. He is using them to fulfill their part of the responsibility in the mission He gave.
The silent listener understands what lies behind every word we say in any conversation. I learned from watching this scene from ancient history that I should avoid engaging with a backbiter. When God spoke to those three individuals, He used a poetic form to show that He was not just legally addressing them, but also expressing an emotional response toward Moses, the man He spoke to face to face. Moses previously showed his meekness in his attitude toward Eldad and Medad when they prophesied on their own. With his critical sister and brother, he became an intercessor and achieved victory through grace. There is a quiet, genuine dignity in meekness.
The inward spirit of Moses, the meekest man on all the earth, contrasted with the spirit of jealousy in Miriam and Aaron. Not only was he the greatest prophet, but God also spoke to him in a unique way, with special clarity—“face to face.” God spoke directly to Miriam and Aaron on behalf of Moses in a way they would never forget. The Lord had a direct and personal relationship with Moses that would not change. Moses’ spirit of forgiveness is genuine and very different from their spirit of jealousy.
There are consequences that follow criticism and opposition to God, but mercy also extends to restore. Leprosy that left Miriam standing there in the stark whiteness of a disease well advanced in its course struck a deep fear into Aaron and her. Whatever kind of leprosy it was, there was no question that God had judged. In humility rather than contempt, Moses became the intercessor for his sister and brother, even though he had been the real target of their attack against his wife. Aaron's words acknowledged Moses' divinely assigned position and his own jealousy. Sometimes we leave our own defense to God to handle in His way and His time.
The greatest punishment came when God withdrew from them. The effect of sin is immediate and separates us from God and His people. Miriam was unclean; there was no doubt about that, and she could not serve God or be among His people. Not only was her leprosy complete, but it was also in the advanced stages of the disease. As she walked out of the middle of the camp to a place of exile, over two million people learned a lesson they would not forget easily. “Be sure your sin will find you out!”
God is involved in the lives of individuals just as much as He is in the life of a church or a nation. God’s demand for righteousness is the same for every person and every nation, without partiality. He is also impartial when it comes to carrying out justice and judgment. The greatest demonstration of His infinite love and impartial justice was when our Lord Jesus Christ was on the cross. “God commended (demonstrated) His love to us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God.”
As I reflected on the seriousness of jealousy and how it operates indirectly, I was again reminded that God knows everything about the situation and what is behind it. Jealousy against a child of God and a servant of God actually questions God's own judgment and authority. It is God who places people where He wants them. In some cases, we must refrain from intervening and let God handle the situation. If disgrace and fear arise, accept God's decision without questioning whether jealousy is on one's own part. If one is the target of jealousy, remain silent and consistent. Let grace prevail and love remain strong—then continue onward on our journey toward the goal.
“Jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Trivial arguments, like children would have, include comments such as, “Why are you picking on your brother? Surely you are not that small that you don’t like her color?” This seems to be just a roundabout way of addressing the real cause of jealousy. “Is that really why you are so upset with Moses, or is there another reason, a darker side to this whole problem? You two sound like spoiled children.”
No, there was more going on in that situation than what was visible. It wasn’t just sibling rivalry. The accusation they were making against Moses was much deeper and darker. It’s important that we open our eyes and recognize what God has been working through others. When we take time to pray, observe, and intercede, we will see clearly who is truly meek. A meek person is one who keeps their power under control, or else many will notice their jealousy.
No fault could be found in Moses’ leadership of the people. There is no fault in his role of transmitting God’s mind and word as the mediator between the people and the Lord. There was no fault in executing the building of the Tabernacle. There was no fault in being an instrument in God’s hand. No, there was something far more sinister: plain, unadulterated, black, dark jealousy.
Eaten up by jealousy, their criticism intensifies. They can’t attack Moses directly because their jealousy would be obvious. Instead, they undermine his credibility by questioning his influence. Envy rears its ugly head, and pride follows closely behind. They create distractions like subtle enemies do – but remember, this was their brother. Pause and confront the real issue when these feelings arise – you desire his position.
Smoke screens darken the vision in homes, countries, and churches. Unjust criticisms become major problems, though they may start small when jealousy over the place, position, possessions, and influence of others hinder the work. Attacks on a person’s character are a fundamental problem that angers God. Watch out when you attack God’s appointed and God’s anointed. When God steps in to make corrections, serious things happen.
On the other hand, don’t take silly criticisms personally – there is another reason behind them. Remember, “The Lord heard it,” and He will act in His own time. This is no small matter when the Lord comes down to deal with people. To speak against one God has used as a spokesperson for Him is sin. God compares this act to the unthinkable – a father spitting in his daughter’s face. Repentance and true confession are the only ways back to fellowship – there are consequences for sins committed.