Numbers 12:10
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֶֽעָנָ֗ן
And the cloud
H6051
וְהֶֽעָנָ֗ן
And the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
1 of 14
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָאֹ֔הֶל
from off the tabernacle
H168
הָאֹ֔הֶל
from off the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מְצֹרָֽעַת׃
and behold she was leprous
H6879
מְצֹרָֽעַת׃
and behold she was leprous
Strong's:
H6879
Word #:
7 of 14
to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy
וַיִּ֧פֶן
looked
H6437
וַיִּ֧פֶן
looked
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
9 of 14
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 24:9Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.2 Kings 5:27The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.2 Kings 15:5And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
Historical Context
Leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean and required isolation outside the camp (Leviticus 13). For a prophetess and Moses' sister to suffer this public humiliation powerfully demonstrated God's defense of His servant Moses.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might God's judgment sometimes fall more heavily on instigators of rebellion?
- How does swift divine discipline protect the community from spreading rebellion?
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Analysis & Commentary
Miriam's leprosy appeared instantly as judgment for her rebellion, making her 'white as snow'—the distinctive appearance of advanced leprosy. The disease's immediacy demonstrated divine origin of the punishment. Aaron's cry 'alas, my lord' shows immediate recognition of their sin's severity. That Miriam alone received leprosy (though Aaron participated in rebellion) may indicate she instigated the challenge, as she's named first in verse 1.