The Point The Passage The Bible Meets Life The Setting

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The Point A critical spirit damages our lives.

The Passage Numbers 12:1-11,13-15

The Bible Meets Life When we play the comparison game, it becomes easy to fall prey to criticism. Comparing ourselves to others can lead to discontentment and dissatisfaction, and such unhappiness only leads to further problems, such as a critical spirit. Contentment comes only when we take the focus off of ourselves and place it on God. God will place in us an ambition—a desire—to serve His kingdom.

The Setting Numbers 11 details how on their journey from Mount Sinai to the promised land, a series of complaints erupted among the Israelites against God and His leader Moses. The Israelites first complained about the hardships of the journey, resulting in God sending fire among them. Not learning their lesson, they complained again about having only manna to eat and no meat. Moses also complained bitterly to God about the burdens of leading the Israelites, so God directed him to appoint 70 elders to assist him. God sent quail for the people to eat, but then sent a deadly plague upon them in judgment. The Israelites then traveled to Hazeroth, where a conflict between Moses and his siblings Miriam and Aaron ensued.

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What does the Bible say?

Cushite (v. 1)—This term may refer to Moses’ wife Zipporah (“Midianite” and “Cushite” were used as synonyms), or to a second wife he possibly married after Zipporah had died. The form of the Lord (v. 8)—The term rendered “form” means “likeness” or “semblance.” This phrase most likely refers to some type of a visible representation of God, but not to His full glory. Diseased (v. 10)—The Hebrew term was used for a wide variety of skin diseases, ranging in severity of effects from white spots on the skin to the loss of fingers and toes.

Numbers 12:1-11,13-15 (HCSB) 1 Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for

he had married a Cushite woman). 2 They said, “Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. 4 Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three come out to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, 6 He said: “Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. 8 I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 9 The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. 10 As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased 11 and said to Moses, “My lord, please don’t hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.” 13 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “God, please heal her!” 14 The Lord answered Moses, “If her father had merely spit in her face, wouldn’t she

remain in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” 15 So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until Miriam was brought back in.

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THE POINT

A critical spirit damages our lives.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

DISCUSS: Invite your group members

Notes

to discuss Question 1 on page 83 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG): “When have you been thankful for someone’s criticism?” SAY: “Constructive criticism is a valuable part of learning a new skill. Unfortunately, sometimes negative criticism springs

TIP: Additional teaching ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife. com under the “Leader Extras” tab.

from a critical spirit.” RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 84): Criticism has sunk to a whole new level in recent years. Manners have given way to meanness. Charles Barkley, former NBA player, is known to be tough and plainspoken, but he avoids social media for the simple fact that people are so mean-spirited and critical of others in our current American culture. It’s easy to embrace a critical spirit, and we don’t need Facebook®, Twitter®, or Instagram® to do it. SAY: “We damage lives—including our own—when we criticize. We will see an example of that in Miriam, but we also will see that the discontentment underneath our criticism can only be broken when we place our focus back on God.” GUIDE: Call the group’s attention to The Point on page 84 of the PSG: “A critical spirit damages our lives.” PRAY: Transition into the Bible study with prayer. Pray for an deeper awareness of your own words and thoughts. Ask God to help you face and overcome times when you’re tempted to display your own critical spirit.

PLAYLIST PICK: “Here’s My Heart” by David Crowder BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 12:1-3

Notes

1

Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he

married (for he had married a Cushite woman). 2 They said, “Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Bring in two pieces of fruit: one piece that appears healthy and one that looks unhealthy. Ask group members which one they’d like to eat. We choose fruit based on the exterior because it gives us a glimpse of the inner condition of the piece of fruit. In the same way, our speech and outward behavior gives a glimpse of the condition of our heart. As we’ll see in today’s passage, words of criticism stem from our heart. SUMMARIZE: God had given Moses an unprecedented task. ]]

Moses not only led all the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, but he also led them through the desert to the edge of the promised land—a task that ultimately took 40 years.

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Serving alongside him, though, were his two older siblings, Miriam and Aaron.

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Numbers 12 begins with a conversation between Miriam and Aaron. In it, they verbally criticized Moses because his wife was a Cushite. It appears they weren’t happy with her or with Moses for marrying her.

READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Numbers 12:1-3. SUMMARIZE: The truth came out. Mirian and Aaron’s dislike of Moses’ wife ALTERNATE QUESTION: Social media has expanded our opportunities to criticize. How has that impacted our society?

was only a facade—a smokescreen that covered the real issue. Miriam and Aaron were jealous. They were comparing themselves with their brother, and raised the questions: “Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?”(v. 2). DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 86 of the PSG: “What are some of the main motivations behind our desire to criticize?” TRANSITION: Next, we see God’s response to Miriam and Aaron’s conversation.

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THE POINT

A critical spirit damages our lives.

Numbers 12:1-3 Commentary A critical spirit can arise when we compare ourselves to others. Verse 1: As though Moses did not have enough troubles dealing with complaining people, during the company’s stay at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron “criticized” Moses. They were his siblings, and he no doubt counted on their support. Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20) and Aaron was Moses’ spokesman (4:10-17) and the Israelite’s high priest. The Hebrew word rendered “criticized” conveys a sense of hostility. The reason given for the verbal attack was that Moses had married a Cushite woman—a native of an area south of Egypt. There are differing views concerning the meaning of Cushite. It may refer to a second wife of Moses, possibly married after his first wife Zipporah had died; it could be referring to Zipporah herself, since “Midianite” and “Cushite” were used as synonyms. “Cushite,” which can be translated “beautiful in appearance,” may have been used descriptively of Zipporah’s appearance. The order of the names—Miriam and Aaron—and the Hebrew verb form (feminine singular; literally, “she spoke against”) suggest that Miriam took the lead in confronting Moses, and Aaron then joined sides with her. Although they used Moses’ Cushite wife as the occasion of their criticism, the real reason seemed to be a mixture of jealousy and selfish ambition. Verse 2: Miriam and Aaron’s rhetorical question betrayed their real concern: “Does the Lord speak only through Moses?” They apparently chafed at Moses’ special relationship with God and his leadership role among the Israelites. Moses held a unique, superior position as mediator between God and the Israelites. Miriam and Aaron seem to have resented and coveted Moses’ authority. Their second question may have been a challenge: “Does He not also speak through us?” The pair were in effect claiming their relationships with God were equal to that which Moses enjoyed. The words “And the Lord heard it” not only stressed God’s presence and constant awareness of everything taking place but were also a not-so-subtle reminder that God was orchestrating and accomplishing the drama of redemption. They also foreshadowed God’s impending intervention in the conflict. Verse 3: Moses was described as “a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.” One view of these words is that at this point, burdened with a complaining people and contentious siblings, Moses was extremely unhappy and distressed. Another view is Moses was deeply dependent upon God, and in that reliance upon God he had the strength not to become defensive in the face of his siblings’ criticism. The statement did not express pride but conveyed that in his selfless humility Moses was willing to follow God’s leading no matter what the cost. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 12:4-11

Notes

4

Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three come

out to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, 6 He said: “Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. 8 I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 9 The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. 10 As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased 11 and said to Moses, “My lord, please don’t hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.” READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Numbers 12:4-11. SUMMARIZE: Hearing the conversation, God called Miriam, Aaron, and Moses to the tent of meeting where He descended in a pillar of cloud. ]]

God confronted Miriam and Aaron about their conversation; He also disciplined them.

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“As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow” (v. 10). Miriam was left with a skin disease as a result of her sin. Scripture doesn’t say why Miriam alone received this judgment, but it may indicate that she was the primary instigator in the confrontation with Moses.

DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 87 of the PSG: “What price do we pay for ALTERNATE QUESTION: What does this passage teach us about God’s character?

having a critical spirit?” (Note: Help your group to consider the consequences we face individually, within our circle of friends and family, and in our church.) DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 88 of the PSG: “How can we help one other avoid a critical spirit?” TRANSITION: The next verses reveal the result of Miriam’s discipline: restoration.

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THE POINT

A critical spirit damages our lives.

Numbers 12:4-11 Commentary God rejects a critical spirit. Verses 4-5: God’s quick response to the complaint against Moses underlines the gravity of the situation as well as the close relationship God had with His servant, Moses. God directed Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to go out to the tent of meeting, the place where God met with His people outside the camp (Exodus 33:7-11). At the tent of meeting, “the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud.” The word “descended” describes a theophany, a visible appearance of God to people. The pillar of cloud was a visible expression of God’s presence. The pillar of cloud would come down at the entrance to the tent of meeting, where God would speak with Moses (Exodus 33:9). Verse 6: God began by commanding them to listen to His words, or to hear them with the expectation of obedience. God contrasted a prophet and Moses. This contrast presupposes that Aaron and Miriam were prophets. Prophets were spokespersons for God, declaring the messages God revealed to them. If someone among the Israelites was a prophet from the Lord—a genuine prophet God chose—the Lord communicated with that individual in a vision or in a dream. Verses 7-8: God’s revelations to Moses contrasted sharply to His dealings with prophets. He did not communicate with Moses indirectly. God then paid Moses the highest possible compliment by calling him “My servant.” To be called God’s servant indicated that the person was trustworthy and devoted to God. Moses had joined that special group. Among all the people of Israel, Moses stood alone in the nature of his relationship with and responsibilities to God. Verse 8 says that God spoke to Moses “directly.” That is, God communicated with Moses openly, unreservedly, and with friendly intimacy. Not only this, but Moses also saw “the form of the Lord.” He saw a visible manifestation of God. Verses 9-10a: Aaron and Miriam must have felt both devastated and fearful as “the Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left.” As the cloud signifying God’s presence “moved away from the tent,” judgment came immediately. Miriam’s skin “suddenly became diseased, as white as snow.” The term translated “diseased” encompasses a number of ailments which cause the skin to turn white and flake off from the body. Miriam’s skin disease meant she could no longer stay in the encampment and take part in its activities. Ceremonially unclean, she would be excluded from the people of Israel and quarantined outside the camp until she could be pronounced clean. Chronic leprosy would have meant that Miriam would have suffered permanent exclusion from the Israelite community. We can only guess the reason Miriam alone incurred such judgment. It may indicate that she was the primary instigator in the confrontation with Moses. Verses 10b-11: Aaron quickly appealed to Moses, interceding for his sister. Aaron confessed his and Miriam’s sin, asked for forgiveness, and entreated Moses to intercede to take their punishment away. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 12:13-15

Notes

13

Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “God, please heal her!” 14 The Lord

answered Moses, “If her father had merely spit in her face, wouldn’t she remain in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” 15 So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until Miriam was brought back in. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Numbers 12:13-15. SUMMARIZE: Aaron confessed in verse 11—identifying what he and Miriam had done as sin—and he pleaded for her deliverance. Moses also prayed, “God, please heal her!” (v. 13). It’s not clear if the healing was immediate, but the fact that Miriam could be brought back into the camp after seven days indicates that God healed her. Ultimately, Miriam was remembered not for her critical spirit, but for her leadership. Micah 6:4 identifies her, along with Aaron and Moses, as part of God’s plan to rescue His people from Egypt. SAY: “When God disciplines us, He has a purpose. His discipline is to bring us closer to Him and make us more fruitful in the future.” ALTERNATE QUESTION: How do we identify God’s discipline in our lives?

DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 89 of the PSG: “People often isolate themselves through a critical spirit. What steps can we take to restore them to the community?” DO: Divide your members into subgroups of three or four people each. Within each subgroup, direct members to complete the activity on page 88 of the PSG. Grace > Judgment: How do we make the shift from a critical spirit to an honoring one? Choose one of the following scenarios and identify two ways to approach and extinguish a critical spirit. ]]

You’re in mid-conversation with fellow coworkers and realize the words you’re about to say are harsh and dishonoring.

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You’re with a close friend having lunch and he quickly turns critical of a mutual friend you both share.

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You’ve posted something on social media that unintentionally garnered a vicious argument in the comment section.

SESSION 3 © 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

A critical spirit damages our lives.

Numbers 12:13-15 Commentary God’s discipline is intended for restoration. Verse 13: Moses demonstrated his godly character by quickly interceding for Miriam. He took no satisfaction from the judgment she had received. The phrase “cried out” translates a Hebrew word used for a call for help in a situation of distress. Moses addressed the Lord by the name “God,” a term emphasizing His power and majesty. The form of Moses’ simple prayer expressed urgency. Verse 14: In God’s answer to Moses’ urgent plea, He described a situation which may have either been hypothetical or an ancient practice within the community. A father’s spitting in his daughter’s face expressed contempt and public humiliation. A daughter so treated spent seven days in the disgrace of isolation as punishment. God said Miriam’s leprosy as judgment was to be taken no less seriously. Seven-day periods were also prescribed for the detection and cleansing of skin diseases by the priests (Leviticus 13–14). Miriam was to be confined outside the camp for seven days, after which she would be allowed to rejoin the community. As occurs frequently in the Scriptures, the truth is stressed that sin has inevitable consequences. Verse 15: That Miriam was brought back into the camp after seven days in isolation indicates that she was healed of leprosy. Also, it well may have implied she was restored to useful service. The Scriptures consistently reveal that God’s judgment is designed to be redemptive, not merely punitive. In spite of Miriam’s foolish challenge of Moses’ authority, the Israelites evidently continued to hold her in high esteem, for they did not move on from Hazeroth until she rejoined them. It is also noteworthy that she was remembered chiefly for her role as a leader, not for her rebellion (Micah 6:4).

Read the article “Aaron, Moses’ Older Brother” in the Spring 2016 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Previous Biblical Illustrator articles “Miriam: All We Know” (Fall 2012), “Aaron’s Role in the Exodus” (Spring 2010), “The Tabernacle: Its History and Use” (Summer 2009), and “Moses’ Family” (Winter 2001–2002) relate to this lesson and can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. Look .for Bible Studies for Life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT SAY: ”What can we learn from Miriam’s experience? It’s best to deal with a critical spirit swiftly.” GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 90 of the PSG. ]]

Evaluate your habits. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being “always” and 10 being “never”), how would you rate yourself as being critical?

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Change your patterns. For one full week, avoid saying anything critical to anyone. After the week is over, take note of any differences you noticed in yourself and your relationships.

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Own your critical-spirit moments. Refuse to let them control you. Think about someone with whom you’ve been extremely critical. During the coming week, confess your critical spirit and apologize for your words.

Wrap It Up
 SAY: “The cure for criticism is celebration. If you want to kill the critic inside you, begin celebrating the success of others. Ask God to redeem you from a critical spirit and move forward in the plans He has for you.”

Get expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife).

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