Deuteronomy 24:9
Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
זָכ֕וֹר
Remember
H2142
זָכ֕וֹר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֵ֧ת
H853
אֵ֧ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֛ה
did
H6213
עָשָׂ֛ה
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֥ה
what the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
what the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
8 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Miriam was Moses' sister and a prophetess who led worship after the Red Sea crossing. Her high position did not protect her from judgment when she challenged Moses' unique prophetic role.
Aaron participated in the rebellion but escaped leprosy, possibly because he repented more quickly or because his priestly role prevented ceremonial defilement that would halt his service.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Miriam's leprosy teach about consequences of challenging God's appointed authorities?
- How does remembering past judgments function as warning against repeating sins?
- Why did redemption and privileged position not exempt Miriam from discipline?
- What does this teach about the relationship between some physical afflictions and sin?
- How should leaders respond when facing inappropriate challenges to proper authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt. Miriam's leprosy served as warning against rebellion. When she and Aaron challenged Moses' authority (Numbers 12), God struck her with leprosy, demonstrating the seriousness of challenging divinely appointed leadership.
The command remember makes Miriam's judgment perpetual teaching moment. Future generations must recall that rebellion against God's appointed authorities brings divine discipline. Memory of past judgments should prevent repeating past sins.
The timing by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt emphasizes that even privileged, redeemed people face discipline for sin. Redemption from Egypt did not exempt Miriam from consequences when she rebelled.
This demonstrates that physical affliction can serve as divine judgment and teaching tool. While not all suffering indicates personal sin, some does - Miriam's leprosy directly resulted from her rebellion.