The Wilderness Journey

Text: Numbers 20
25 January 2016

THE WILDERNESS JOURNEY

1. In the wilderness of Zin   (Numbers 20:1)

2. Stayed in Kadesh

DEATH OF MIRIAM

1. Her death was noted   (Numbers 20:1)

2. Buried at Kadesh

BRIEF REVIEW OF MIRIAM’S LIFE

1. Looked after Moses when he was put in a bulrush ark   (Exodus 2:4)

2. She bravely approached the Pharaoh’s daughter   (Exodus 2:7)

3. Miriam was called a prophetess   (Exodus 15:20)

4. She led the womenfolk in praising the Lord (Red Sea crossing)   (Exodus 15:20-21)

DISSENSION OF MIRIAM AND AARON

1. Moses re-married and Ethiopian woman   (Numbers 12:1)

2. Aaron and Miriam opposed Moses   (Numbers 12:2)

a) Claim that God not only spoke through Moses   (Numbers 12:2)
b) Subtle challenge of the leadership of Moses
c) Exalted her own role as a prophetess

THE CHASTENING OF MIRIAM

1. Rebuked for speaking against Moses   (Numbers 12:8)

2. God’s special regard for Moses “My servant Moses”   (Numbers 12:7-8)

a) Moses’ role distinguished from prophets
b) God speaks to him face to face

3. Miriam was struck with leprosy   (Numbers 12:10)

4. Aaron confessed foolishness and sin   (Numbers 12:11)

5. Aaron pleads with Moses   (Numbers 12:12)

6. Moses interceded for Miriam   (Numbers 12:13)

a) Please heal her
b) O God, I pray

GOD’S CHASTISEMENT

1. She shall be shamed for 7 days   (Numbers 12:14)

2. She is to be put outside the camp for 7 days   (Numbers 12:15)

3. She was restored and was able to return to the community   (Numbers 12:16)

4. The children of Israel waited for her return   (Numbers 12:16)

DEATH OF MIRIAM

1. Death of Miriam was duly noted

2. Her ministry was not highlighted

3. But was given the rare honour of being called a prophetess