Miriam and Aaron falter Numbers 12

Numbers 12:1 "And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman."

The children of Israel are no longer the ragged slaves which left Egypt fearing for their lives. They are a multitude of people, well organized and rich in goods. Yet still there is that old man Moses sitting over there telling everyone what to do. I think no one wanted to be in charge when things were really bad. Now, it seems Moses just does not fit the new status in the neighborhood.

I'm trying to think of what would cause anyone to turn on Moses after what he has done under the Lord's direction. Moses has stood between the Lord's anger and the people and because of Moses they were spared.

So, with no fault to find with Moses, Miriam and Aaron must complain of his wife. But the Lord heard them and was angry.

v4 "And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out."

You talk about being called in on the carpet.

v6 In this verse the Lord tells them right off that when he needs a prophet, he will tell them himself. He also lets it be known that Moses is still in is favor "v17 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house."

v8 "...wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"

Miriam was stricken with Leprosy v10. Aaron begs forgiveness v11. Moses intercedes for Miriam that she be healed. v13 And Moses cried unto the Lord saying. Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee."

We find that the Lord did as Moses asked but Miriam had to learn her lesson and stayed seven days outside the camp with her affliction.

Now verse three is well established that Moses prayed for Miriam even after she talked about his wife.

v3 "(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

So in v16 they left that place and camped in the wilderness of Paran, ever closer to the promised land. We have seen the camp organized, the trumpet signals set up, moral issues dealt with, the order of march set and Moses reconfirmed as leader. Even with the problems that were dealt with, the massive assembly moves forward in its awesome formation.

Psalm 36:7 "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."