Post by MammaMel on Apr 24, 2020 8:58:32 GMT -6
REMEMBER Miriam. This is God's admonition to his people "Remember what the Lord thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt" (Deut. 24:9). There must be good reasons for remembering this woman. Consider her background. She lived during one of the major transition periods of history, and her work was to assist in the organization and building of the infant nation of Israel. The women we have studied so far lived during the patriarchal age, when God dealt directly with the head of each family. Miriam witnessed the transition from this family type religion to a national religion under the law of Moses.
Jacob and his descendants were the nucleus of the Hebrew nation. This race of people lived in Egypt because of providence. Joseph, who had been sold into slavery, arose to the second highest office in the land, next to Pharaoh. To avert his people's starvation, Joseph sent for them during the years of famine. In later years, however, they were oppressed and held in bondage by the Egyptian Pharaohs for over four hundred years, as prophesied in Gen 15 13, 14 Moses was appointed by God as the promised deliverer of his people. His task was to lead the Hebrew people from Egypt back to the land of Canaan. The Lord selected Aaron and Miriam, brother and sister of Moses, to. assist in this monumental task.
MIRIAM HAD NATURAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
We first see Miriam as a girl about fourteen years old, concerned solely at the time with the safety of her baby brother Moses. Pharaoh, fearing the power of the growing Hebrew population, decreed the death of all Hebrew baby boys (Ex. 1: 22). To save their son, Moses' parents hid him in an ark in the water and stationed Miriam nearby (Ex. 2:3-10). Her conduct revealed very admirable traits of character for one so young.
She was' dependable, for her mother did not hesitate to entrust the child to her care. Those who learn early in life to be reliable, trustworthy, and to assume responsibility are indeed blessed. Without these traits, success in any field is almost impossible, and how fortunate was Miriam that her parents had implanted these staunch principles of life.
She was quick to think, to size up a situation, and to discern the proper course of action. This trait is rare and valuable indeed, even for adults. Though her mother may have given certain instructions, she could have had no forewarning that it would be Pharaoh’s daughter who would discover the baby Moses. When she did, think how much was at stake as Miriam chose her words in this moment of decision. With poise and discernment, she said just enough but not too much to lead Pharaoh’s daughter to accept her suggestion: "Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" Her keen perception, coupled with divine providence, enabled Moses to be reared by his own mother and taught of the true God.
II THE FIRST CAREER WOMAN MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE
As far as the record states, Miriam never married. It seems that she spent her entire life in God's service. Surely the Lord understood her ability, for he appointed her to a special and important work: "For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam" (Mic. 6: 4). Without a family no doubt she could devote more time to the Lord's work, as suggested in I Cor. 7:34.
Miriam is portrayed as a leader in one of the most moving and dramatic events in sacred history. After the last Israelites had passed miraculously across the Red Sea, Miriam led the triumphant women of Israel in a song of victory (Ex. 15:20, 21). It must have been a majestic scene, a mighty chorus of women, for it was a nation of 600,000 men and their families. They had borne heart-breaking trials and heavy burdens in Egypt. The providential sparing of their firstborn from the death angel, their preservation in the midst of the Red Sea, their deliverance from their enemies- All this occasioned heart felt joy, a sudden burst of praise and gratitude. The first impulse of the redeemed is rejoicing. This is one of the sublimest moments of communion between creature and Creator. The women sang praises, attributing to God the victory: "Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and the rider hath he thrown into the sea." Chariots and horses had been the pride of Egypt and the terror of Israel, but Egypt's might was only folly when pitted against the God of heaven. Triumphantly they sang that God was their strength and their salvation. The Bible records many songs. The history of nations may be traced through songs, for in them the heart is bared and the keenest joys and sorrows revealed.
Career women of today, whether married or unmarried, have so many Opportunities to advance the Lord's work. Lydia, another career woman portrayed in the Bible, was a busy Christian merchant. It would have been easy for her to say: "I don't have time to work for the Lord." But she didn't say it. She and her household became the nucleus from which grew the powerful church in Philippi, and her home was a center of hospitality and encouragement for Paul and other workers in the Lord's vineyard.
We should seek out men and women with talent and leadership teach them the truth and encourage them to use their: ability for the Lord. They can find no channel of usefulness more lofty, no need more urgent. The world needs leaders who can lead in the right direction. The Miriams and the Lydias can do so much.
III THE SIN GOD WANTS US TO REMEMBER
The most important thing to remember about Miriam is the sin she committed. Read the entire account in Numbers 12. As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, "Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it" (Num. 12:1, 2).
She gave an excuse, not the real reason, for her opposition to Moses. The superficial objection was his marriage to a foreign woman, but a deeper reading reveals the real reason. It was resentment of her brother's superior authority, The objection she gave would arouse prejudice and incite discontent among the Israelites concerning their leader and could serve to weaken his power and strengthen Miriam's position.
In giving an excuse, Miriam was no different from most People today. In personal accusations, the actual reason is seldom given. Likewise, in justifying conduct, one seldom gives the real reason. For example, one who has quit attending church may attempt an explanation, such as: "The members are not friendly." "Someone hurt my feelings." "I don't like the preacher." If he were honest enough to give the true reason, it would more than likely be something like this: "I just don't want to put forth the effort to get up on Sunday morning." Or, "I have fallen back into the ways of the world, and going to church makes me uncomfortable." Or, "I've lost my love for the Lord and spiritual things; I just don't want to go."
Often those who refuse to become Christians, even though they know the truth, may say: "There are too many hypocrites in the church." Or, "I'm as good as so-and-so who poses as a Christian." Obviously, these are excuses and not the real reasons. So, Miriam did not have a monopoly on this sort of subterfuge; it is all too common on every hand.
Her sin was rebellion against God's constituted authority. In his rebuke, God made it plain that Moses was his primary spokesman and that Miriam and Aaron had sinned in questioning his authority. The Lord knew the motive. It is evident that Miriam was the leader in the rebellion, for it was she who was punished "And, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow" (Num. 12:8-10).
Her rebellion was rooted in envy. As mentioned in our previous lesson, envy may be defined "a feeling of pain or unhappiness at the success or accomplishment of another" Why did she envy Moses? Was Moses responsible? Had he done anything wrong? No. Those who do right and accomplish good will always be a target for the envious. "Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor" (EccI. 4:1). It has always been so.
The sin was in the heart of Miriam, not Moses, but she tried to accuse him in order to promote her own ambitious desires. It was the age-old evil of trying to elevate oneself by pulling another down. Envy works that way. Moses was Miriam's younger brother; and it is probable that for years she had nursed resentment over his superior position, feeling that her full worth was not properly appreciated.
Base Envy withers at Another’s joy
And hates that excellence it cannot reach.
--James Thomson
Finally the envy grew from bud to blossom, and this old woman who had spent a lifetime in God's service fell from her lofty position and committed a grievous sin "A sound heart is the life of the flesh but envy is the rottenness of the bones" (Prov 14:30). As cancer is to the flesh, so is envy to the heart. Nothing is more devastating. It destroys its possessor, while its object flourishes on. The envy destroyed Miriam, not Moses.
There is no sin more prevalent than envy. If you doubt this, start through the Bible and see how many people, were guilty - Cain, Joseph's brethren, Rachel, Leah, Saul, Jezebe!, the religious leaders who crucified Christ. The list could be multiplied, even to this present day.
IV REBELLION AGAINST GOD'S AGENT IS REBELLION AGAINST GOD
The gravity of Miriam's sin is apparent from the punishment which God meted out. He talked personally with her and Aaron: "Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow" (Num. 12:8-10). Why such severe punishment? God has always regarded a rejection of his appointed agents as rebellion against his own authority, and a flouting of the authority of God is one of the deadliest sins. When the Israelites rejected Samuel, the Lord's prophet, "The Lord said unto Samuel they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me" (I Sam. 8:7).
All authority belongs to God, but to maintain peace and order, he has delegated authority to certain ones civil powers over citizens (Rom 13:1-5); elders over the flock (Heb 13 17), husbands over wives (I Pet 3:1); parents over children (Eph 6 1-3), masters over servants, or employers over employees (Eph 6:5) A disregard for this authority is a disregard for God. Yet, all of these - civil powers, elders, husbands, parents, or masters – are themselves subject to God and are not free to use their authority indiscriminately at their own will. They are only servants of Higher Power; and if they should abuse their authority by requiring something contrary to God’s law, “we must obey God rather than men.”
V ONE’S SIN ALWAYS AFFECTS OTHERS
The sins of Miriam affected all Israel, and the activities of approximately 600,000 families were at a complete standstill for seven days A whole nation suffered, not the guilt, but the consequence of her folly.
No sinner harms only himself. "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself, so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Rom. 14:7-13). How often someone quips: "It's nobody's business what I do." Nothing could be more false. No person goes to heaven or hell alone; therefore, what each does is somebody else's business. This is a serious thought for everyone, and especially for parents who have tender young souls within their care.
Two young boys who were visiting a zoo stood before the cage of wild cats. One said: "I wonder what makes wild cats wild." To which the other replied: "That's easy. They're wild because their mother and daddy were wild cats." The influence of parents upon their children is an inescapable fact and a grave responsibility. Can a father say, "It's nobody's business if I want to live a worldly life," when he sees a young life following in his footsteps? Can a mother say, "It's nobody's business if I want to sleep late on Sunday morning," when little children are growing up with no spiritual training and guidance? No one sins to himself. If Miriam could visit with us personally today, no doubt this is one of the things she would tell us.
My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done.
Leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets the evening sun,
This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray; Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.
—Author Unknown
VI ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SINNER
Moses, the godly man who had been sinned against,: was too big for retaliation. Neither did he rejoice in Miriam's punishment, as some would have done if they had been the object of an envious uprising. Rather, he prayed in her behalf. Not half-heartedly, but genuinely, pleadingly: "Heal her now, 0 God, I beseech thee" (Num. 1?: 13). He was spiritually mature, able to "pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44-46).
After seven days, God healed Miriam and allowed her to return to the camp. Some of the most beautiful scriptures are those which show the Father's willingness to heal his erring children - not only willing, but begging and pleading for those in sin to return to him. God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Pet. 3:9). The healing is conditional, and repentance has been one of the conditions in every age. Man must first comply with the conditions; then God will forgive. "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings" (Jer. 3:20-23). The Bible is filled with such admonitions, of which one of the most appealing is the story of the Prodigal Son. The father in the story represents the God of heaven, who was joyful and grateful for his penitent child's return. Even the angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner repents and returns to the Father.
REVIEW EXERCISE -"
1. To what work did God appoint Miriam?
2. What did Pharaoh decree for Hebrew baby boys'
3. Miriam was approximately ---------------years of age when Moses was born.
4. What responsibility was given to Miriam by her Mother?
S What Miriam Say to Pharaoh’s daughter when she found the
baby Moses?
6. What did Miriam do after the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea?
7 Approximately how many families crossed the Red Sea?
8. What excuse did Miriam give for her opposition to Moses?
9. What was the real reason?-------------------------
------------ -----------------
10. What was Miriam's sin?
11. What was the punishment? - . .............
12 Name some to whom God has delegated special authority
13 How many people were affected by Miriam's sin? .....
14. What was Moses' reaction concerning Miriam's punishment?
15. After __days, God answered Moses' prayer and healed Miriam.
16. Evidently Miriam was penitent of her sin, for God has never
promised to heal the impenitent. ". .. :.. , ye backsliding
children, and I will your backslidings." Note that
God healing was conditional, dependent upon man's willingness to ...........
17. "For none of us .. ______to himself, and no man¬¬¬¬¬
it to himself."
FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION
1. Since everything we do influences others; shouldn't this be a strong motivating force to help us keep our words and deeds as they should be?
2. If we had been in Moses' place, would we have rejoiced over Miriam's punishment?
3. Give some additional excuses which some use to obscure the real reason for their conduct.
4. Think of some of the sins which hurt not only the sinner but also innocent people.
Jacob and his descendants were the nucleus of the Hebrew nation. This race of people lived in Egypt because of providence. Joseph, who had been sold into slavery, arose to the second highest office in the land, next to Pharaoh. To avert his people's starvation, Joseph sent for them during the years of famine. In later years, however, they were oppressed and held in bondage by the Egyptian Pharaohs for over four hundred years, as prophesied in Gen 15 13, 14 Moses was appointed by God as the promised deliverer of his people. His task was to lead the Hebrew people from Egypt back to the land of Canaan. The Lord selected Aaron and Miriam, brother and sister of Moses, to. assist in this monumental task.
MIRIAM HAD NATURAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
We first see Miriam as a girl about fourteen years old, concerned solely at the time with the safety of her baby brother Moses. Pharaoh, fearing the power of the growing Hebrew population, decreed the death of all Hebrew baby boys (Ex. 1: 22). To save their son, Moses' parents hid him in an ark in the water and stationed Miriam nearby (Ex. 2:3-10). Her conduct revealed very admirable traits of character for one so young.
She was' dependable, for her mother did not hesitate to entrust the child to her care. Those who learn early in life to be reliable, trustworthy, and to assume responsibility are indeed blessed. Without these traits, success in any field is almost impossible, and how fortunate was Miriam that her parents had implanted these staunch principles of life.
She was quick to think, to size up a situation, and to discern the proper course of action. This trait is rare and valuable indeed, even for adults. Though her mother may have given certain instructions, she could have had no forewarning that it would be Pharaoh’s daughter who would discover the baby Moses. When she did, think how much was at stake as Miriam chose her words in this moment of decision. With poise and discernment, she said just enough but not too much to lead Pharaoh’s daughter to accept her suggestion: "Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" Her keen perception, coupled with divine providence, enabled Moses to be reared by his own mother and taught of the true God.
II THE FIRST CAREER WOMAN MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE
As far as the record states, Miriam never married. It seems that she spent her entire life in God's service. Surely the Lord understood her ability, for he appointed her to a special and important work: "For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam" (Mic. 6: 4). Without a family no doubt she could devote more time to the Lord's work, as suggested in I Cor. 7:34.
Miriam is portrayed as a leader in one of the most moving and dramatic events in sacred history. After the last Israelites had passed miraculously across the Red Sea, Miriam led the triumphant women of Israel in a song of victory (Ex. 15:20, 21). It must have been a majestic scene, a mighty chorus of women, for it was a nation of 600,000 men and their families. They had borne heart-breaking trials and heavy burdens in Egypt. The providential sparing of their firstborn from the death angel, their preservation in the midst of the Red Sea, their deliverance from their enemies- All this occasioned heart felt joy, a sudden burst of praise and gratitude. The first impulse of the redeemed is rejoicing. This is one of the sublimest moments of communion between creature and Creator. The women sang praises, attributing to God the victory: "Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and the rider hath he thrown into the sea." Chariots and horses had been the pride of Egypt and the terror of Israel, but Egypt's might was only folly when pitted against the God of heaven. Triumphantly they sang that God was their strength and their salvation. The Bible records many songs. The history of nations may be traced through songs, for in them the heart is bared and the keenest joys and sorrows revealed.
Career women of today, whether married or unmarried, have so many Opportunities to advance the Lord's work. Lydia, another career woman portrayed in the Bible, was a busy Christian merchant. It would have been easy for her to say: "I don't have time to work for the Lord." But she didn't say it. She and her household became the nucleus from which grew the powerful church in Philippi, and her home was a center of hospitality and encouragement for Paul and other workers in the Lord's vineyard.
We should seek out men and women with talent and leadership teach them the truth and encourage them to use their: ability for the Lord. They can find no channel of usefulness more lofty, no need more urgent. The world needs leaders who can lead in the right direction. The Miriams and the Lydias can do so much.
III THE SIN GOD WANTS US TO REMEMBER
The most important thing to remember about Miriam is the sin she committed. Read the entire account in Numbers 12. As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, "Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it" (Num. 12:1, 2).
She gave an excuse, not the real reason, for her opposition to Moses. The superficial objection was his marriage to a foreign woman, but a deeper reading reveals the real reason. It was resentment of her brother's superior authority, The objection she gave would arouse prejudice and incite discontent among the Israelites concerning their leader and could serve to weaken his power and strengthen Miriam's position.
In giving an excuse, Miriam was no different from most People today. In personal accusations, the actual reason is seldom given. Likewise, in justifying conduct, one seldom gives the real reason. For example, one who has quit attending church may attempt an explanation, such as: "The members are not friendly." "Someone hurt my feelings." "I don't like the preacher." If he were honest enough to give the true reason, it would more than likely be something like this: "I just don't want to put forth the effort to get up on Sunday morning." Or, "I have fallen back into the ways of the world, and going to church makes me uncomfortable." Or, "I've lost my love for the Lord and spiritual things; I just don't want to go."
Often those who refuse to become Christians, even though they know the truth, may say: "There are too many hypocrites in the church." Or, "I'm as good as so-and-so who poses as a Christian." Obviously, these are excuses and not the real reasons. So, Miriam did not have a monopoly on this sort of subterfuge; it is all too common on every hand.
Her sin was rebellion against God's constituted authority. In his rebuke, God made it plain that Moses was his primary spokesman and that Miriam and Aaron had sinned in questioning his authority. The Lord knew the motive. It is evident that Miriam was the leader in the rebellion, for it was she who was punished "And, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow" (Num. 12:8-10).
Her rebellion was rooted in envy. As mentioned in our previous lesson, envy may be defined "a feeling of pain or unhappiness at the success or accomplishment of another" Why did she envy Moses? Was Moses responsible? Had he done anything wrong? No. Those who do right and accomplish good will always be a target for the envious. "Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor" (EccI. 4:1). It has always been so.
The sin was in the heart of Miriam, not Moses, but she tried to accuse him in order to promote her own ambitious desires. It was the age-old evil of trying to elevate oneself by pulling another down. Envy works that way. Moses was Miriam's younger brother; and it is probable that for years she had nursed resentment over his superior position, feeling that her full worth was not properly appreciated.
Base Envy withers at Another’s joy
And hates that excellence it cannot reach.
--James Thomson
Finally the envy grew from bud to blossom, and this old woman who had spent a lifetime in God's service fell from her lofty position and committed a grievous sin "A sound heart is the life of the flesh but envy is the rottenness of the bones" (Prov 14:30). As cancer is to the flesh, so is envy to the heart. Nothing is more devastating. It destroys its possessor, while its object flourishes on. The envy destroyed Miriam, not Moses.
There is no sin more prevalent than envy. If you doubt this, start through the Bible and see how many people, were guilty - Cain, Joseph's brethren, Rachel, Leah, Saul, Jezebe!, the religious leaders who crucified Christ. The list could be multiplied, even to this present day.
IV REBELLION AGAINST GOD'S AGENT IS REBELLION AGAINST GOD
The gravity of Miriam's sin is apparent from the punishment which God meted out. He talked personally with her and Aaron: "Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow" (Num. 12:8-10). Why such severe punishment? God has always regarded a rejection of his appointed agents as rebellion against his own authority, and a flouting of the authority of God is one of the deadliest sins. When the Israelites rejected Samuel, the Lord's prophet, "The Lord said unto Samuel they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me" (I Sam. 8:7).
All authority belongs to God, but to maintain peace and order, he has delegated authority to certain ones civil powers over citizens (Rom 13:1-5); elders over the flock (Heb 13 17), husbands over wives (I Pet 3:1); parents over children (Eph 6 1-3), masters over servants, or employers over employees (Eph 6:5) A disregard for this authority is a disregard for God. Yet, all of these - civil powers, elders, husbands, parents, or masters – are themselves subject to God and are not free to use their authority indiscriminately at their own will. They are only servants of Higher Power; and if they should abuse their authority by requiring something contrary to God’s law, “we must obey God rather than men.”
V ONE’S SIN ALWAYS AFFECTS OTHERS
The sins of Miriam affected all Israel, and the activities of approximately 600,000 families were at a complete standstill for seven days A whole nation suffered, not the guilt, but the consequence of her folly.
No sinner harms only himself. "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself, so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Rom. 14:7-13). How often someone quips: "It's nobody's business what I do." Nothing could be more false. No person goes to heaven or hell alone; therefore, what each does is somebody else's business. This is a serious thought for everyone, and especially for parents who have tender young souls within their care.
Two young boys who were visiting a zoo stood before the cage of wild cats. One said: "I wonder what makes wild cats wild." To which the other replied: "That's easy. They're wild because their mother and daddy were wild cats." The influence of parents upon their children is an inescapable fact and a grave responsibility. Can a father say, "It's nobody's business if I want to live a worldly life," when he sees a young life following in his footsteps? Can a mother say, "It's nobody's business if I want to sleep late on Sunday morning," when little children are growing up with no spiritual training and guidance? No one sins to himself. If Miriam could visit with us personally today, no doubt this is one of the things she would tell us.
My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done.
Leave countless marks for good or ill ere sets the evening sun,
This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray; Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.
—Author Unknown
VI ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SINNER
Moses, the godly man who had been sinned against,: was too big for retaliation. Neither did he rejoice in Miriam's punishment, as some would have done if they had been the object of an envious uprising. Rather, he prayed in her behalf. Not half-heartedly, but genuinely, pleadingly: "Heal her now, 0 God, I beseech thee" (Num. 1?: 13). He was spiritually mature, able to "pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44-46).
After seven days, God healed Miriam and allowed her to return to the camp. Some of the most beautiful scriptures are those which show the Father's willingness to heal his erring children - not only willing, but begging and pleading for those in sin to return to him. God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Pet. 3:9). The healing is conditional, and repentance has been one of the conditions in every age. Man must first comply with the conditions; then God will forgive. "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings" (Jer. 3:20-23). The Bible is filled with such admonitions, of which one of the most appealing is the story of the Prodigal Son. The father in the story represents the God of heaven, who was joyful and grateful for his penitent child's return. Even the angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner repents and returns to the Father.
REVIEW EXERCISE -"
1. To what work did God appoint Miriam?
2. What did Pharaoh decree for Hebrew baby boys'
3. Miriam was approximately ---------------years of age when Moses was born.
4. What responsibility was given to Miriam by her Mother?
S What Miriam Say to Pharaoh’s daughter when she found the
baby Moses?
6. What did Miriam do after the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea?
7 Approximately how many families crossed the Red Sea?
8. What excuse did Miriam give for her opposition to Moses?
9. What was the real reason?-------------------------
------------ -----------------
10. What was Miriam's sin?
11. What was the punishment? - . .............
12 Name some to whom God has delegated special authority
13 How many people were affected by Miriam's sin? .....
14. What was Moses' reaction concerning Miriam's punishment?
15. After __days, God answered Moses' prayer and healed Miriam.
16. Evidently Miriam was penitent of her sin, for God has never
promised to heal the impenitent. ". .. :.. , ye backsliding
children, and I will your backslidings." Note that
God healing was conditional, dependent upon man's willingness to ...........
17. "For none of us .. ______to himself, and no man¬¬¬¬¬
it to himself."
FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION
1. Since everything we do influences others; shouldn't this be a strong motivating force to help us keep our words and deeds as they should be?
2. If we had been in Moses' place, would we have rejoiced over Miriam's punishment?
3. Give some additional excuses which some use to obscure the real reason for their conduct.
4. Think of some of the sins which hurt not only the sinner but also innocent people.
