Imagine if your brother was your boss, your pastor, and your president all at once. You would have to submit, but it would probably get ugly sometimes, right? That is a bit like the situation Aaron and Miriam found themselves in, except with infinitely higher stakes.
As is often the case in families, they got upset about one thing—Moses’s marriage to a Cushite—and rolled it into criticisms about other things, namely Moses’s authority. But this was no mere family squabble. Aaron and Miriam allowed their bitterness to snowball into rebellion, and worse, this was God’s high priest and his sister taking a stance against God’s appointed leader of His people. The actions of Aaron and Miriam were treasonous against Moses and, thus, also against God.
The Lord made this clear when He called them to account for their rebellion. God appeared in power before them—a visible manifestation of His presence and glory—then laid out the charges against them. God gave His very words to His appointed, so they were to be listened to. God’s appointed leaders had His authority as messengers.
“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?”
—Numbers 12:8
Moses did not merely receive the words of God. He saw God. He spoke with God. He was God’s representative to his people. So when Aaron and Miriam rebelled against him, it defied God’s authority. And so God’s “anger burned” (v.9).
Alongside the authority imbued in Moses by God, we see something else: the mediation by Moses on behalf of God’s people. He pleaded for mercy on behalf of Aaron and Miriam, and God granted it. In these two ways we see that Moses was a foreshadowing—a type—of the true leader of God’s people to come.
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you. And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people.
—Acts 3:22–23
Moses points ahead to Christ, the one who is “considered worthy of more glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3). This story is not just a historical account of how God appointed leaders. It is a model of how we live out obedience to Jesus. Moses was a man appointed by God, a man who was invited into unique fellowship with God. Jesus is the very son of God, the fulfillment of all prophecies, the true and better Moses. So if we are part of God’s people, how are we to respond to Jesus?
Written by Barnabas Piper
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70 thoughts on "Miriam and Aaron Rebel Against Moses"
Thank you for your prayers!
God help me to trust you and not question! In Jesus name, Amen
We are to live out obedience to Jesus.
Reading about Moses today, one thing stuck out to me was that it stated very clearly that he was a humble man. As a leader, one appointed by God no less, to be humble seems like it would be tough. But it wasn’t for Moses. He never took credit for anything and he led the Israelites FOR God and BECAUSE God. Moses didn’t do anything for himself it was all because of God’s will. I pray that I can be like Moses. I want to be humble and do everything for God and when something good happens in my life, I want to give the credit to the one who made it happen-God. Thank you all for your prayers. I am beyond blessed to be a part of this amazing community. You all are so wonderful and I truly enjoy my time reading your comments. This community has been such a wonderful place to sit with God as I continue further on my faith journey. I am praying for all of you and hope you have a great Thursday ❤️
So, 7:10pm went in to read new posts since this morning. After reading 2 posts, I couldn’t scroll. Went out and back in 3 times, same thing. Using my iPhone. I guess I will need to use computer later.
Same thing this morning for me on my ipad, Donna. Then I tried ❤️ CEE GEE’s hack of clicking “reply” to a random post, and then ”cancel reply” (no actual message) and then tried to scroll. It still tried to “stick” but after a couple of tries of pulling up to see earlier messages, it worked.
Love the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Can get too comfortable in my flesh sometimes. God’s word still keeping me alert and aligned!
Wow this was a great message for today. I am pumped up in reading this. I find it very encouraging to continue to be obedient to God in all circumstances
Concerning the new format, I know it may be a little hard to get used to, but this thought came to mind as I was reading many of the posts…we all can find a reason to be grateful even in the new format because, praise God – 1.) we have access to this devotional. 2.) all the gifted writers that God provided to put it all together. 3.) We get to “meet”, encourage and pray for one-another all because of SRT. 4.)some sisters in other countries don’t have the access we do. 5.) we all got to “meet” each you, who listen, share your hearts, pray for each other and have encouraging words to say! Wow – so much to be thankful for! ❤️ Have a super blessed day!
Great points, Sharon! Praise our heavenly Father for His good gifts. May He give us patience in navigating “the wilderness” to our new digital “home”. ❤️
I totally agree with you and appreciate ALL the work behind the scenes! Our feedback helps them to tweak the system.
Most new programs have glitches and require patience on both sides. Continued prayers for the ‘home team’!!! ❤
Amen on it all!
One thing that came to my mind when reading Numbers 12:9, God does not take it lightly when we speak against His chosen. Whether it be a pastor, a Bible teacher or a brother/sister in Christ -we need to be careful how we talk about one another. We are all God’s loves, and He is very protective of us!
@Heidi – it was good to “see” you yesterday – I’ve missed you! Thank you for your comment, it was very well said!…I will continue for you on your journey, as you follow God – step by step. One more year – that’s great, it will go by so fast!!…on another note, I was praying for your niece yesterday – how is she doing?
@Taylor G. – my heart goes out to you. I will be praying that God will allow you to conceive once again, and that soon you will be able to share the wonderful news with us!
Continued prayers for @Searching, @Michelle, @Rhonda, @Mia, @Laura Diane, @Taylor, @Sarah, @Merci, @Molly R., @Tricia C – did you pass the test? @Susan Richardson @Lynn from Alabama, @Linda in NC, @Grammie Sue… and all my SRT sisters!
Today is once again – Thankful Thursday!! Be blessed today in all you do.
That is a very convicting thought SHARON, God does not take it lightly when we speak against those He loves. I am so often guilty of that.
Hi Shes!!
I pray we have patience for the changes here on this website! I have been so grateful for SRT for helping me to daily digest the Word – without the stress of planning out my next study. Truly, we are blessed! I didn’t use SRT until 2020, before that I just used my physical Bible and read different chapters. It helps so much to read a plan with community. Thank you, She Reads Truth.
I was a subscriber at one point, but couldn’t really afford getting the physical books. I would switch to digital, but currently all I have is a phone – both my laptop and tablet have broke since 2020. (I have been in a season of financial testing for three years now… It has shaped my faith…❤️)
Needless to say, I am SO grateful that this website is a FREE resource to connect to each other. I know the app subscription is not too much more.
Let us continue to be thankful for the effort of the SRT staff and team!! May God bless them and give them wisdom to know how to format for all ages and abilities of eyes who see this screen!!
I just have been reading the posts and understanding the issues and frustration, but it is important we keep gratitude in mind while they figure things out. ❤️ :)
Love you ladies!!
Yes! Thank you Michelle! ❤️
Yeppers!!
I can’t help but think all the SRT staff “conveniently” paired the website changes with his study to remind us that we should embrace change better and TRUST what He is doing in our lives!!! ☮️❤️ to you all!!
I hadn’t thought of that. I think you may be right! (Winky emoji)
Here we go again…another day of conviction. I have a hard time with authority when I feel it isn’t earned. But who am I to judge if the authority is earned or not? Doesn’t God put people in authority? Scripture says He does. This is part of my complaining and murmuring from yesterday. I realize the ultimate goal is that I would easily submit to God’s (perfect) authority, and I learn that by submitting to the other (imperfect) authorities in my life. But it’s a hard lesson. It’s hard to submit to someone who doesn’t really deserve it. Oh, God, please help me!
Kelly (NEO) thank you for that info.
I’m assuming all these comments about the change in format is about the website version? I use the app and I find it very easy to use – easier than the website. Maybe that would be a solution for some of you?
Oh to be spoken about the way God spoke about Moses in Numbers 12:6-8. A passionate speech filled with so much honor. You can see how much God loves Moses – I find myself wanting to put my name in there because I know God loves me so deeply, too, but I hesitate because it seems like a verbal “holy ground” that I am not worthy of. AND thinking that God was standing in front of them in a pillar of cloud – STANDING RIGHT THERE! I can’t imagine the fear they must have felt, but I wonder if they thought about how amazing it was later on despite the reason for it being their foolishness. Like a child, there is a part of me that longs to attract attention (even if it’s “bad attention”) just to have God come and stand before me.
I feel like I’m rambling a bit this morning, but so often in these passages I am amazed at how intimately God lived and communicated with the Israelites and they seem to take it for granted and even rebel. How much more precious is having the Holy Spirit in my very being and I do exactly the same thing. I, too, feel humbled today about my “back talk” and rebellious heart when I should “know better” and have the very Spirit of God living and moving in me. It’s an honor God bestows on us by giving the Holy Spirit for our Comfort and Guidance.
Have a beautiful day, Shes! Today in the PNW it is beautifully sunny and we have friends coming over to fill our hearts and homes!
Amen, Molly!
Yesterday’s comments so good. 2 that stood out to me and are appropriate for today as well were @Heidi (good to see you here again) “worshipping our complaints and @Rhonda J adopting “We were made for such a time as this “ as our motto. Those two packed a punch for me!
Thank you all for your comments! They help!
How should I respond to Jesus? In respect and trust in His leadership and authority in my life! If I’m not doing that the. I’m rebelling against Him! Wow! It just hit me! With this whole shoulder surgery, I started out great but as the recovery drags on (that’s how it seems to me,) I have become impatient, complaining, and grumpy in my spirit. No one may see it, because I keep it inside but it is still there. I’m not trusting Jesus with the process! I’m too worried that people will think rather than just resting in Jesus and letting Him lead. Forgive me Lord for being impatient but with the process. In the process, there is purpose in the pain as He teaches me to persevere.
God is good!
Praying for all! Today an old song came to mind. “I go to the Rock!” Whitney Houston was one person who recorded it.
Praying for your recovery. I know all about those feelings being held in. My husband has been in recovery for 6 weeks and still dealing with infection. May God grant you both healing soon so we can all get back to life and service. ❤
I remember years ago when a grocery store that I frequented, changed it up. The older people were complaining like crazy. I thought oh my gosh people, it’s not that big of a deal. BUT look at all of us, complaining over the changes SRT made. It probably was a pain staking task and we are not being appreciative. Me included! I’m growing to like it. I do wish the print was bigger. And I liked the comments across the entire bottom of the page. But I’m adjusting. It just takes time and patience.
Today’s readings and devotional are so good. Jesus is the true and better Moses. How are we to respond to Jesus?
I know that I would grumble against my brother. It is in our prideful nature. My husband likes to direct. It is what he was trained to do in his career. And he was very good at it. I don’t like to be directed in our home, even though he is usually correct. lol I’m learning to choose my battles. He’s learning to trust how I run the house. It all takes time. Just as it is taking time for my stubborn, prideful will to realize that God is ALWAYS right. That I need to lean into Him. To live my life as He is teaching me. Only with His help can I begin to somewhat master this.
This is such a good reminder that not one of us is above reacting in jealousy, pride, etc. Especially in our marriages, it’s easy to forget that God appointed the man as the spiritual leader (especially when the husband doesn’t embrace that role). Lots to ponder after these readings.
About this comment section: one of the things I do (sometimes repeatedly before it works) is I tap on the ‘REPLY’ button, tap CANCEL REPLY (do this on any random comment). When it works, this is so much quicker than going all the way out and back. Like SEARCHING says, it takes persistence! ❤
Ooo good tip on the reply/cancel. Worked with 1 try
Sweet! ❤
Commenting to see if this allows me to see comments
❤️lol me too!
I bookmarked the Numbers study on the homepage of my iPad. Comments are not working for the website today. I can only read 2 of the 20… Hi, CLAIRE B. And LAURA DIANNE! (However, I DID just read last night’s comments just now. It seems we are all guilty of complaining!) I can leave a comment, so in case you can see it, have a blessed day, sweet she’s! He loves you… remember who and WHOSE you are, friends!
Ok… there they are! I didn’t do anything different… is it because I commented, that I could see more? No more learning time… gotta get ready for preschool. I have exhausted my reading/learning/devotion time!
♥️
Wow – I have been convicted in multiple settings lately about how I respond to criticism and authority. I can very much relate to Miriam and Aaron finding some fault with Moses because they don’t want to take orders from him anymore. I recently thought, why do I immediately take offense when someone I love points out something negative about myself and discount their observation by focusing on their faults? Yuck. I really don’t like that about myself. Kinda sounds like looking at the speck in their eye so I can ignore the plank in my own! Thank you, Lord, for illuminating this sinful nature in myself and help me to be a humble servant for You.
One thing I have learned so far from this study is a trait of Moses that I never noticed before— he was the embodiment of a servant leader. Having been in the military for 20 yrs., leadership can look so different for me, and in many ways unlike Moses. But the more I learn about him through this study, the more I have come to appreciate not only his leadership style, but his love for God, but also his community.
If y’all haven’t read through yesterday’s comments – so many were awesome and thought provoking. Thank you, sisters, for sharing!
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As we say in the south, The LORD gave Aaron and Miriam a “talkin’ to” and definitively set them straight. I am gaining more understanding of the respect that Moses earned by studying his leadership, obedience and compassion for this enormous group of ungrateful grumblers.
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HEIDI ❤️ praying as you finish up this semester, you go girl! And thank you for yesterday’s shared insight – the opposite of faith is taking control.
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TINA ❤️ on going to other places while in SRT, did you remember to open a new tab/window? Forgetting that happens to me on a regular basis :/
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LAURA DIANNE – if I am having trouble seeing all the comments, I go out to the main page and come back in to the current day. Then I just keep trying to pull down or pull up in the comment window. Sometimes it seems to “stick” when trying to pull up the old ones but so far, persistence has paid off.
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CASSIDY THOMPSON – praying for healing for your husband, and guidance and wisdom for you both ❤️
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MAE – praying for your friend in her painful loss
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KIM J G & TAYLOR G – praying
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MIA FAITH – ❤️
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Update: friend came through good with hip replacement, and was expected to go home late yesterday with at-home rehab. No, not a typo – just 1 overnight stay for hip replacement these days which sounds crazy, but true. Thank you, sisters, for your prayers.
A study of Moses and his leadership is an excellent exercise for those of us in leadership positions through our profession. I led a study titled “Moses and the journey to leadership” by Dr Norman Cohen several years ago. It’s quite good. If you want to go a little deeper into the topic. I would recommend it.
❤ Great news! ❤
Thank you for posting all the prayer requests! It is crazy that they send you home so soon. My brother just had hip replacement and is doing great! Praying for your friend.
Is it just my imagination or is this new format a little harder to navigate day to day?
For me, yep! It’s cumbersome – going in and out to switch days or to be able to see comments. I’m sure it will become more natural and familiar, and that adjustments will be made as we give feedback ([email protected]).
Love SRT but, I totally, 1000% agree with you, sister! I sincerely hope that thoughtful consideration is given to either returning to the former format or creating something different from this one.
Thank you for bringing this issue forward.
“Moses was a very humble man, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.”
“My servant Moses…he is faithful in all my household”
Love how God describes Moses.
“Aaron and Miriam allowed their bitterness to snowball into rebellion, and worse, this was God’s high priest and his sister taking a stance against God’s appointed leader of His people. The actions of Aaron and Miriam were treasonous against Moses and, thus, also against God.”
Letting their leadership roles go to their heads, these two thought higher of themselves then they should have. Instead of taking their concerns about Moses to the Lord, they passed judgment. Although the text does not say, I imagine the woman was part of the group from Egypt who had believed the Lord and left with the Hebrews. Also, if theLord had a problem with the union, He would have told Moses Himself.
CASSIDY THOMPSON – prayers for you and your husband.
MAE – prayers for your friend as she deals with her sudden loss
Ladies, an odd question for you. Some of my friends and I would like to study the book of Daniel with the She Reads Truth books. Unfortunately, they are out of the physical women’s Daniel books. Is the format the same in the he reads truth books, that we could buy them? Does anyone know?
HI Tricia, I don’t know if the books are similar, but you could also check to see if the Daniel book has a digital version and get it printed if you like it in paper.
From the FAQ section on website
Our Women’s Reading Guides are designed with women in the She Reads Truth community in mind, and our Men’s Reading Guides are designed with men in the He Reads Truth community in mind.
Our Men’s Reading Guides are smaller than our Women’s Reading Guides, but the educational extras—maps, charts, information graphics, and other various offerings—are the same in each book type.
As well, the Scripture included for each day is the same because our Community Reading Plan is shared between both the She Reads Truth and He Reads Truth communities.
Also
Although our Daily Reading Guides don’t include devotional content, they do include many other elements chosen specifically for that study. Some of these elements include introductory essays, charts, maps, timelines, or other Scripture-centric features that are created to provide context and help individual readers draw and recognize the connections that exist within Scripture. Our Daily Reading Guides are specifically designed to provide the option of a stand-alone, Scripture-rich experience that is heavy on God’s words and light on human words.
Our She Reads Truth books are designed with women in the SRT community in mind, and our He Reads Truth books are designed with men in the HRT community in mind. Our HRT books are smaller than our SRT Books, but the educational extras – maps, charts, information graphics, and other various offerings – are the same in each book type. As well, the Scripture included for each day is the same because our reading plan is shared between both the She Reads Truth and He Reads Truth communities. As a reminder: our digital products are not for printing, distribution, or sharing with others and are not compatible with Kindle products.
TARA B – Lifting you up to the God Who Comforts as you miss your mom ❤️
DANIELLE B – Praying for strength, endurance, peace in the caregiving ❤️
KIM J.G – Praying for you as you mourn the loss of your daughter. God is close to the broken-hearted. ❤️
MAE – Praying for your friend now she has lost her husband apart from her son. Praying that God’s loving arms are wrapped around her. ❤️
CASSIDY THOMPSON – I am glad you are here with us. Praying for healing for your husband, for God’s peace and provision over your family. ❤️
TINA – Praying for better days to come and the joy of God’s presence to be with you always ❤️
CINDY HANNA – ❤️
RACHEL – Thank you for pointing out so well the difference between complaining and lamenting.
HEIDI – Good to see you! “The issue when complaining comes when we worship the complaint” So true… ❤️ May we cast all our cares on Him. (I followed your instructions on making the comment section bigger, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me)
ALAYNA P – Have been praying for you. Joining you in remembering that God is present and at work. Always ❤️
Julia C thank you for your consistent prayers for the many Shes. Knowing others are praying is so encouraging. Thank you!
Julia c thank you for your prayers
“So if we are part of God’s people, how are we to respond to Jesus?”
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It is important to remember not only who God is, but also who we are as God’s children.
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“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you do with yourself is your gift to God” – Danish Proverb
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Dear Father,
Thank You for making us part of Your family, through Jesus Christ. Thank You for providing us a place on the Internet where we can come together, from all over the world. I often don’t realize how special that is.
As Your beloved daughters, may we lift each other up and point each other to You. May we share our stories, confess our sins, and grow into the women You made us to be.
May we “hold on to our confidence and the hope in which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6).
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN.
Yes! To all who mentioned larger font… 77 year old eyes, here…! ♥️ That being said , I want to also go on record with immense gratitude for SRT and each participant! What a blessing it is to fellowship ( Sistership) with friends from all the corners of the earth… a foretaste of Heaven, for sure!!
I so appreciate The “regular commentators”, Tina, Searching, Kelly NEO, Julia C, and many others. I have been part of SRT for many years… pretty sure it was in the first couple years after it began. I have been so blessed, and continue to post the reading on FB each day, and recommend it frequently!
As for the new format, I am so grateful for the constant attempts at improving our experience, and am willing to “hang in there” until the dust settles… Thanks for streamlining the individual response action!
So thankful for your daily prayers! Thank you for taking time to share that gift! ❤
❤️
Thank you for all your beautiful prayers Julia and for listing out the prayer requests.
I went across to HRT this morning, and what did I find, the old format! My eyes were happy, I could read the print as before, I saw the layout of old and thought I shall respond here, and let the shes know I have commented on the HRT site.. Then I read the last line of the devotional again..
So if we are part of God’s people, how are we to respond to Jesus?
That got me, because I felt I had stepped into the devotionals of the past two days!
I was ‘casting a cloud’ in My mind, moaning in My head, and today about to rebel, by ‘defecting’ to the other side because it is so much easier and a past I long for!
BUT GOD..
He appoints, encourages, has our best at heart and that includes progress. Some may grasp this easily, us, old schoolers may take a little longer because we have to learn harder to catch up with the modern world.
That’s okay, as whilst we are God’s people, He will make a way for us to catch up, understand and move forward..
Lord God, I ask forgiveness for my thinking and the rebellion in my heart this morning. Thank you for reminding me to whom I belong, and for the clear instruction that if you, Lord God, are for me, who can be against me. I will get there with this new format, by and in your grace and mercy. I look to you Lord God, for always I will look to you .. All glory and praise is yours, in Jesus’ name I pray.. AMEN.
Happiest of Thursday’s dear hearts, covered in love and hugs wrapped in prayers.
Much love,
Tina.❤
Yes, Tina, by and in His grace and mercy!❤️
TINA, love, you are doing fine learning the new format. I appreciate you pushing through.
Tina it is encouraging to read your comments! Thank you for pushing through the change with us!
I would like to see the font size bigger as well.
Tina, I confess I do not understand the issue because I use the app. I am going to go look at the “online” version. The app is so easy because the scripture is written out for you, then flips to the devotion then to comments.
Wow, that IS interesting! Thanks for that info!
Good plan!
Perhaps SRT will take feedback into consideration but in the meantime, in your browser settings, you can zoom in to make the text easier to read.
Sister, I confess to going there to read this morning also! ❤ love your heart!
Tina, thank you for your honesty in sharing your feelings. You may have felt a little rebellion, but don’t we all at times! Praise God He is so merciful, kind and forgiving!
I know it may be a little hard to get used to the new format, but this thought came to mind as I was reading your post…we all can find a reason to be grateful even in the new format because, praise God – 1.) we have access to this devotional. 2.) all the gifted writers that God provided to put it all together. 3.) We get to “meet”, encourage and pray for one-another all because of SRT. 4.)some sisters in other countries don’t have the access we do. 5.) we all got to “meet” you, who always has something enlightening and encouraging to say! ❤️ Have a super blessed day!
Hi Tina (and all), I try to use my computer to save the use of data on my phone. I do get the study books, but when I travel I will just use the computer. Print is good size, for my almost 77 yr old eyes and the comment section appears on the right for scrolling. Only problem is, if you comment on someone’s posting you can’t continue to scroll but must go back to the beginning of the reading. I like being able to post to each of you as I go along but I hesitate when I have to go all the way back in after each reply. Prayers and blessing to each of you and thank you to all list special requests and Julia for your daily prayer. Hugs.