338
Patriarchs and Prophets
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
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. Says the wise man, “Wrath is
cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”
Proverbs 27:4
. 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
.
It should not be regarded as a light thing to speak evil of others or
to make ourselves judges of their motives or actions. “He that speaketh
evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law,
and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of
the law, but a judge.”
James 4:11
. There is but one judge—He “who
both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make
[386]
manifest the counsels of the hearts.”
1 Corinthians 4:5
. And whoever
takes it upon himself to judge and condemn his fellow men is usurping
the prerogative of the Creator.
The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accu-
sation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors.
The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says,
“Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil
of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might,
bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.”
2 Peter
2:10, 11
. And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the
church, says, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before
two or three witnesses.”
1 Timothy 5:19
. He who has placed upon
men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people
will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat
His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored. The
judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to
jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden
of His work.
[387]