Verses 10–16
The cloud departed, and Miriam became leprous. When God goes, evil comes: expect no good
when God departs. Her foul tongue, as Bishop Hall says, was justly punished with a foul face.
Aaron, as priest, was judge of the leprosy. He could not pronounce her leprous without trembling,
knowing himself to be equally guilty. But if she was thus punished for speaking against Moses,
what will become of those who sin against Christ? Aaron, who joined his sister in speaking against
Moses, is forced for himself and his sister, to beseech him, and to speak highly of him whom he
had so lately blamed. Those who trample upon the saints and servants of God, will one day be glad
to make court to them. It is well when rebukes produce confession of sin and repentance. Such
offenders, though corrected and disgraced, shall be pardoned. Moses made it appear, that he forgave
the injury done him. To this pattern of Moses, and that of our Saviour, who said, “Father, forgive
them,” we must conform. A reason is given for Miriam's being put out of the camp for seven days;
because thus she ought to accept the punishment of her sin. When under the tokens of God's
displeasure for sin, it becomes us to take shame to ourselves. This hindered the people's progress
in their march forward towards Canaan. Many things oppose us, but nothing so hinders us in the
way to heaven, as sin.
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Twelve men sent to search the land of (1–20)
Canaan, Their instructions.
Their proceedings. (21–25)
Their account of the land. (26–33)Verses 1–20
A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning
back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish in the
wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears, De 1:22, that the motion to search out the
land came from the people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of God's wisdom.
Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports and representations of sense rather than Divine
revelation. We walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be of good courage.
It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and
resolution; but a great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful. Courage
in such circumstances can only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.
Verses 21–25