Deuteronomy 24 9

Deuteronomy 24:9 kjv

Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 24:9 nkjv

Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the way when you came out of Egypt!

Deuteronomy 24:9 niv

Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam along the way after you came out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 24:9 esv

Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the way as you came out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 24:9 nlt

Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam as you were coming from Egypt.

Deuteronomy 24 verses

Deuteronomy 24 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 24:9 is a potent warning within the Mosaic Law, admonishing the Israelites to remember God's decisive act of judgment against Miriam for her insubordination. It highlights the serious consequences of slandering or undermining God's appointed leaders and serves as a powerful cautionary tale to impress upon the people the gravity of ceremonial uncleanness, particularly tzara'at (often translated as leprosy), and the importance of strictly adhering to the priestly instructions regarding such afflictions. This historical example reinforces the immediate context of observing the laws concerning skin diseases with diligence and reverence for God's divine will.

Deuteronomy 24 9 Context

Deuteronomy 24:9 stands within a section of miscellaneous laws, many of which are compassionate or concern the protection of the vulnerable and maintaining a holy society. It immediately follows general directives regarding pledges for loans (vv. 6-7) and directly precedes a command for priests to diligently enforce the laws of tzara'at (vv. 8). The verse itself serves as a chilling, tangible example and powerful impetus for the Israelites to meticulously observe these Levitical purification laws (Lev 13-14) concerning tzara'at. The historical and cultural context underscores that tzara'at was not merely a physical illness but carried profound religious and social implications, often understood as a visible sign of divine judgment for grievous sin, such as slander, rebellion, or sacrilege. This "remembering" (zakhar) in Deuteronomy goes beyond mere recollection; it signifies internalizing the lesson and actively ordering one's life according to it. This command implies a clear warning: to disobey the priestly instructions or to dismiss the severity of tzara'at would be tantamount to challenging God Himself, much like Miriam did.

Word Analysis

• Remember (זָכַר - zakhar): This Hebrew verb means more than intellectual recall. It signifies bringing to mind and acting upon that memory. In Deuteronomy, zakhar is a theological imperative, commanding Israel to reflect on God's past actions and covenant promises as a basis for present and future obedience and faith. It demands ongoing internalization of the lesson learned from Miriam's plight.

• what the LORD your God (אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - 'asher asah YHWH 'Eloheyka): Emphasizes that this act was God's direct doing and an act of His divine authority and justice. "LORD" (YHWH) stresses His covenantal relationship and sovereign power over Israel, while "your God" reminds them of His particular relationship with them.

• did (עָשָׂה - asah): This verb signifies to do, make, or act. Here, it conveys that God executed judgment. It was a definite and decisive action.

• to Miriam (לְמִרְיָם - l'Miryam): Miriam, Moses' older sister and a prophetess (Exod 15:20), was a highly respected figure in Israel. Her punishment, despite her status and proximity to Moses, amplified the severity of the offense. Her case highlights that no one, regardless of position, is exempt from divine judgment for challenging God's authority or His chosen leaders.

• on the way (בַּדֶּרֶךְ - ba'derekh): Refers specifically to the journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. This was a formative period for Israel, marked by numerous divine judgments and object lessons meant to teach obedience and reverence for God's law.

• as you came out of Egypt (בְּצֵאתְכֶם מִמִּצְרָיִם - b'tzeitkhem mimmitzrayim): Establishes the beginning point of their journey with God as their deliverer. It ties the immediate warning to the very foundation of their national identity and redemption, grounding the lesson in God's saving power.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam": This phrase anchors the command in a specific historical event that was directly attributed to God's intervention. It underscores the severity of challenging God's authority through His appointed leader, Moses.
  • "on the way as you came out of Egypt": This specifies the setting of the incident. It links the judgment to the formative period of Israel's journey, during which God was continually instructing them in covenant faithfulness and holiness through direct acts and discipline. The common experience of the wilderness generation serves as a shared cautionary tale for all future generations.

Deuteronomy 24 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:9 serves as an uncompromising spiritual warning. Placed within laws governing the handling of tzara'at (skin afflictions), it is not just a historical reminder but an urgent imperative for the Israelites to uphold the divine protocol for dealing with sacred matters and the severe consequences of disobedience. Miriam's sin was primarily slander against God's chosen leader, Moses (Num 12:1-2), a challenge to divine authority which God swiftly judged with tzara'at. By instructing them to "remember" this event, God impresses upon His people that disrespecting His anointed, or by extension, disrespecting His laws, invites severe divine retribution. This verse reinforces the message that obedience to the Levitical laws regarding tzara'at is not merely ceremonial; it is an act of acknowledging God's holiness and His sovereign justice. It calls for awe and diligence in upholding these commands, recognizing that behind the priestly instructions stood God's active power to both judge and heal.

Bonus SectionThe tzara'at afflicted upon Miriam, and implicitly warned against in Deut 24:9, was a unique, divinely imposed condition, distinct from ordinary skin diseases, signaling a state of extreme impurity and divine disfavor. It was reversible only by God's mercy, through specific priestly procedures that were part of Israel's purification rites. This divine leprosy acted as a visible sermon against pride, rebellion, and detraction, especially against God's appointed leadership. The incident with Miriam was particularly stark because of her prophetic status and family connection to Moses and Aaron. Her temporary expulsion from the camp underscored the inviolable holiness required for the entire community. The command to "remember" is thus a crucial mechanism in the Deuteronomic theology for ensuring perpetual covenant fidelity by embedding these solemn historical lessons deep within the national consciousness.