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Numbers-12

A Study in Humility: Numbers 12​

Introduction​

Numeri, the Latin name for the Hebrew book Bemidbar, tells of the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness. Among its many histories features a significant event that sheds light on humility's vital role in our spiritual walk. This study, however, will revolve around Numbers 12, a chapter that demonstrates the importance of humility and the danger of pride.

Section 1: The Plot (Numbers 12:1-2)​

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife. This gossip and slander astonished Moses, who followed the Lord's instructions to marry this woman. As a result, he prayed to the Lord.

Devotional Thought: Firstly, it’s critical to learn that sin can quickly grow and become severe. Miriam and Aaron's whispering campaign grew incredible, culminating in Sin's massive scale. Secondly, Moses is the epitome of humility. He did not close his heart to his brethren's repetitive assaults, but instead he paid reverence to God's divine sovereignty and recognized the righteousness of his spouse.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do we allow negative reports against our loved ones to fester?
  • Are we hesitant to defend those we cherish, who we might be wrongly appraising, and instead side with the offenders?
  • When do we buckle to the pressures of ridicule, and what are we communicating to God about the people we say we love and adore?

Section 2: God's Response (Numbers 12:3-15)​

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron collectively and rebuked them for their gossip. God then instructs them to meet his chosen servant, Moses. Soon thereafter, God chastises Miriam with leprosy as punishment for her actions.

Devotional Thought: Here, we see God's righteous anger; in the same vein, our humility before our Lord needs special attention. We're certainly no strangers to God's anger, and anger here, in Numbers 12, corrects the wrong, shows compassion on the right, and teaches a vital lesson to all of us-our humility before God.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do we tolerate arrogance and haughtiness among us?
  • Are we, as His servants, more willing to criticize rather than uphold?
  • Do our convictions and agreements towards His actions propel us to God's honor, or do we disrespect Him over disrespectful comments against His anointed?

Section 3: Moses' Humility (Numbers 12:16)​

Moses implored and pleaded God on Miriam's behalf. He prayed for her healing.

Devotional Thought: Moses’ humility before God was evident. He interceded for Miriam with the most significant prayer in the text. God's decision about Miriam is one thing, but Moses' s response was another, whose lessons are still vital to our spiritual walk today.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do we intercede with the same fervor for our loved ones during trials or challenges or would we instead join in their abuse?
  • Are we more generous eager to confront rather than help?

Conclusion:​

This study underscores how our relationship with God must go hand in hand with humility. The lessons these characters drew could not have been clearer. God rebuked their arrogance, declaring them with those menacing patterns of worldly pride. We, the children of God, learn a practical lesson within this biblical chapter. Should we be more liberal to follow in Moses' humbly fashion of praying to God to heal his wife during troubles rather than jumping on others' backs. Our relationship with God must take a priority over our relationship with those around us, and true spiritual maturity leans towards humility before Him.