MIRIAM   Part 2

Learn: Titus 2:13, 14

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Read: Exodus 2:1-7

1.Miriam the sister of baby Moses had a great part in his preservation from the death decreed by Pharaoh. In verse 4 we see that it was Miriam’s responsibility to ________________ over her baby brother. In verse 7 we see that it was Miriam’s responsibility to ________________the action of Pharaoh’s daughter’s response to her baby brother. In verse 8 we see that it was Miriam’s responsibility to _________  _____  _____________ the care of her baby brother.

2. Looking at what Miriam did for baby Moses at the beginning of his life, what can we learn about the kind of daughter and child that she was? Read: Exodus 15:1-21

3. Knowing her part in the preservation of Moses’ life, it is not surprising that Miriam also participated in support of Moses’ leadership of the nation of Israel as they came out of Egypt. Give a brief summery of the OCCASION of her introduction to us in this passage?  Especially note verses 8-10, 19. Read also Exodus chapter 13, 14 for reference.

4. After the LORD’S deliverance of the nation of Israel from the armies of Pharaoh, Miriam led the women of the nation in _______  _______________  of the LORD vv20, 21

5. Describe the women’s manner of celebration of God’s victory. v 20 

6. What did Miriam admonish the women to do? v 21a

7. What words did Miriam use to describe what the LORD had done for them? v 21b Read: Numbers 12:1-15

8. Though Miriam was a woman of God, and served him throughout her life, that is no guarantee that she could not fall into temptation and sin against the LORD. What is the WORD described in verse 2 which explains what led her into the sin of rebellion against Moses leadership?  

9. What was the excuse that Miriam used to justify her rebellion? v 1

10. What is the description that the LORD gives of Moses, showing that he had not behaved in any way that would give a reason for Miriam and Aaron’s feelings toward him?  v 3

11. Using this account from the lives of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, what should we learn concerning  feelings of envy and jealousy that someone has towards another person?

12. Since envy and jealousy are unfounded, what is the cause?
Exodus 20:17 (disobedience to this commandment)

Hebrews 13:5

Psalm 100:4 (the opposite of this attitude) 

13. Moses was God’s chosen leader for the nation of Israel, what part did Aaron and Miriam have in the leadership of the nation?
Micah 6:4

Exodus 4:14-16 (Aaron)                                                                                                                                                      

Exodus 15:20, 21 (Miriam) 

14. List the 10 steps which the LORD took to deal with rebellion against his express plan for the way in which he wanted the nation of Israel to be led?  vv 4-15

15. When people get leprosy, it begins as small white spots on the skin, describe the condition that Miriam found herself in because of her jealousy and rebellion against God?  v 10

16. What was Aaron’s response to Miriam’s condition?  v 11

17. What would happen to Miriam if left as a leper?  v 12

18. Moses was the one who had been wronged by Miriam and Aaron, what behavior by him shows that he was truly a man of God, and set an example that we ought to follow?   v 13  

19. What was God’s reply as to the consequences of Miriam’s rebellion, which affected not only Moses, but the attitude of the whole nation?  v 14

NOTE: If her father had to rebuke a daughter in this manner, a period of shame would follow (cf. Deuteronomy 25:9; Isaiah 50:6); how much more should Miriam be shamed seven days for flouting God’s authority. 

20. The public nature of her sin called for public punishment. Why did such sin require public (that is before those who saw the behavior) punishment? I Timothy 5:20

21. How was Miriam’s sin dealt with?   v 15

22. What happened to Miriam in consequence of her behavior was again brought to mind in Deuteronomy 24:9.  What did the LORD remind the people of by the words of Moses?

23. We see from this account that though God may lift up a person as a leader and example, he does not wink at their sin or rebellion against his will. Find and list other examples of God’s dealing with the sin of those he had put in leadership of his people in the Old Testament?

24. What is the reason that God brings punishment on his own children when they publically defy his will and authority?   I Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5

25. Explain what is meant by blaspheming the Lord?

26. Why should a Christian want to avoid any occasion where they might cause God’s name and word to be blasphemed?  Titus 2:13, 14