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Dissent Among the Leaders

Text: Numbers 12
3 August 2015

DISSENT AMONG THE LEADERS

1. This can happen

2. Dissent of Miriam and Aaron   (Numbers 12:1)

3. Reason for their dissent: Moses had re-married and to an Ethiopian woman   (Numbers 12:1)

DISSENSION DISGUISED

1. Seemingly valid questions raised   (Numbers 12:2)

a) Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses?
b) Has He not spoken through us also?
c) The Lord’s Name was invoked

2. The LORD’s swift response   (Numbers 12:4-5)

a) Three of them were summoned to meet with the Lord at the Tabernacle of Meeting
b) The Lord’s Presence was manifested in a pillar of cloud

3. The Lord’s word to the Three Leaders   (Numbers 12:6)

a) The matter of God speaking through His servants
b) The prophetic office was singled out
c) God communicates through giving
i) A Vision
ii) A Dream

4. The Lord’s special word concerning Moses   (Numbers 12:7-8)

a) Moses is a special servant
b) God speaks to him “face to face”
c) God speaks plainly to him
d) He does not use “dark sayings”
e) He sees the form of the Lord

5. Rebuke to Miriam and Aaron

“Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”   Numbers 12:8

ANGER AND CHASTISEMENT OF MIRIAM

1. God’s anger was made known

2. Miriam was struck with leprosy   (Numbers 12:9)

PLEA OF AARON

1. Admission   (Numbers 12:11)

a) Of sin
b) Of foolishness

2. Plea to heal Miriam   (Numbers 12:12)

MOSES PLEADS WITH THE LORD

He pleads for healing for Miriam   (Numbers 12:13)

GRACE SHOWN

1. Miriam would be put outside the Camp for 7 days

2. As one shamed by her father

3. Miriam finally restored   (Numbers 12:14-15)