Aaron & Miriam spoke against Moses for marrying and Ethiopian woman. They also wondered aloud why Moses was the chosen leader, claiming that he was not the only only that God could speak through. However, God called them all to the entrance to the tabernacle and spoke in Moses’ favor. He also afflicted Miriam with leprosy. Moses interceded with God for her, and he healed her, but sentenced her to be kept outside the camp for 7 days.
After God re-established Moses’ leadership, He instructed him to send spies into the land of Canaan, one for each tribe of Israel. Moses sent them in to see what the land is like, the type of people who lived there, etc. They went in and found giant grapes, pomegranates, and figs. When they came back, they said that the land flowed with milk and honey. However, they said that they also saw strong people who live in fortified cities, descendents of Anak. Caleb spoke up and said that they could take the land. Other than Joshua, all the other spies said that they could not take the land because of the giants. Their final statement was this:
Numbers 13:33 (NKJV)
33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
The story of Aaron and Miriam demonstrates that God’s kingdom is a kingdom of order. The mutiny or coup that Miriam tried to effect was met with God’s disapproval and judgement. When God places leaders in the church, He intends other to follow their leadership and support the work of the ministry.
The spy story shows us the need to count the cost, but then to trust God’s promises. Although they had seen the giants, the Israelites had also heard God’s promise. When God promises, He will deliver. When God sends you into the enemy’s camp, He will give you the victory!
Devoted To You 