28
Daughters of God
The cloud disappeared from the tabernacle in token of God’s dis-
pleasure, and Miriam was smitten. She “became leprous, white as
snow.” Aaron was spared, but he was severely rebuked in Miriam’s
punishment. Now, their pride humbled in the dust, Aaron confessed
their sin, and entreated that his sister might not be left to perish by that
loathsome and deadly scourge. In answer to the prayers of Moses the
leprosy was cleansed. Miriam was, however, shut out of the camp for
seven days. Not until she was banished from the encampment did the
symbol of God’s favor again rest upon the tabernacle. In respect for
her high position, and in grief at the blow that had fallen upon her, the
whole company abode in Hazeroth, awaiting her return.
This manifestation of the Lord’s displeasure was designed to be
[34]
a warning to all Israel, to check the growing spirit of discontent and
insubordination. If Miriam’s envy and dissatisfaction had not been
signally rebuked, it would have resulted in great evil. Envy is one of
the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart, and it is one
of the most baleful in its effects.... It was envy that first caused discord
in heaven, and its indulgence has wrought untold evil among men.
“Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
James 3:16
.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 384, 385 (1890)
.
From Kadesh the children of Israel had turned back into the wilder-
ness; and the period of their desert sojourn being ended, they came,
“even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month:
and the people abode in Kadesh.”
Numbers 20:1
.
Here Miriam died and was buried. From that scene of rejoicing on
the shores of the Red Sea, when Israel went forth with song and dance
to celebrate Jehovah’s triumph, to the wilderness grave which ended a
lifelong wandering—such had been the fate of millions who with high
hopes had come forth from Egypt. Sin had dashed from their lips the
cup of blessing.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 410 (1890)
.
Zipporah, Wife of Moses
This chapter is based on
Exodus 2
.
When Moses fled from Egypt to the land of Midian, he met and
married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah
.