Numbers 12 10

Numbers 12:10 kjv

And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Numbers 12:10 nkjv

And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper.

Numbers 12:10 niv

When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam's skin was leprous?it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease,

Numbers 12:10 esv

When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Numbers 12:10 nlt

As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,

Numbers 12 verses

Numbers 12 10 Meaning

Numbers 12:10 depicts a dramatic and immediate act of divine judgment. As the cloud, the visible sign of God's presence, departed from the Tabernacle, Miriam instantly became leprous, her skin as white as snow. This swift transformation, observed by Aaron, clearly indicated that God Himself was behind her affliction, directly punishing her for speaking against Moses, His chosen servant.

Numbers 12 10 Context

Numbers chapter 12 details the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses' leadership and authority. Their challenge began with criticism of Moses' Cushite wife, but quickly escalated to questioning his unique prophetic standing and God's exclusive communication with him (Num 12:1-2). They, being leaders themselves, likely felt their own spiritual status was diminished. The verse immediately prior, Num 12:9, explicitly states that "the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed." The departing cloud in Num 12:10 is the immediate, visual manifestation of God's righteous wrath. In the broader context of Numbers, the Tabernacle and the accompanying cloud symbolized God's holy presence dwelling among Israel, guiding them through the wilderness. Leprosy in ancient Israel was not merely a medical condition; it carried immense social and religious impurity, often seen as a direct judgment from God, particularly for serious sins like slander or rebellion against priestly or prophetic authority (as seen in Deut 24:8-9, 2 Chr 26:19-21). Miriam, a respected prophetess and sister of Moses, being struck in such a visible and stigmatizing manner underscored the gravity of her sin and God's defense of His chosen leader.

Numbers 12 10 Word analysis

• And the cloud: (Hebrew: וְהֶעָנָן - vəhā’ā́nān) The "cloud" is the anan, the visible manifestation of God's glorious presence, often referred to as the Shekinah. It was the constant, unmistakable sign of God dwelling among Israel, resting upon the Tabernacle, and guiding their journeys. Its departure signifies a withdrawal of divine favor and presence.
• departed: (Hebrew: סוּר - sûr) To turn aside, to remove oneself, to cease to be. The action is abrupt and definitive, emphasizing the immediate cessation of God's presence. This wasn't a gentle ascent for travel but a sudden departure due to wrath.
• from off: Indicates separation, the cloud's previous position directly above the sacred structure.
• the tabernacle: (Hebrew: הָאֹהֶל - hā'ṓhel, sometimes refers to mishkan "dwelling") This is the portable sanctuary, God's dwelling place among His people. The cloud resting on it was crucial; its removal indicated a severe break in relationship.
• And, behold, (Hebrew: וְהִנֵּה - vəhinnêh) An interjection signaling immediacy, surprise, and demanding attention to what follows. It emphasizes the swiftness and miraculous nature of the judgment.
• Miriam: (Hebrew: מִרְיָם - Miryām) Moses' elder sister, a significant figure, a prophetess, and a leader alongside Moses and Aaron. Her high standing made her punishment even more stark as a warning.
• became leprous, (Hebrew: מְצֹרַעַת - mətsōra‘at, participle of the verb צָרַע - tsāra‘) To be struck with a skin disease, specifically leprosy (biblical tsara'at). In biblical terms, it refers to various skin conditions but was often understood as a sign of divine judgment, isolating the afflicted and rendering them ritually unclean. This physical manifestation symbolized an inner spiritual corruption or rebellion.
• white as snow: (Hebrew: כַּשֶּׁלֶג - kaśśeleḡ) An idiom describing extreme whiteness. This detail indicates severe, unmistakable, and advanced leprosy. The purity of "snow" is ironically contrasted with the deep impurity of the disease, highlighting the divine reversal of order and justice.
• and Aaron looked upon Miriam, Aaron, himself implicated, witnesses the immediate consequence. His gaze validates the judgment, making it undeniable. The contrast with his own fate suggests a degree of divine mercy towards him, perhaps because he was the High Priest, or because he didn't initiate the rebellion as clearly as Miriam.
• and, behold, she was leprous.: A repetition reinforcing the stark reality and confirming the immediacy and visible nature of the judgment. It's a shocking sight, sealing the narrative's intent.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle": This phrase directly links God's manifest presence with the subsequent judgment. The removal of the visible glory signifies divine anger and the withdrawal of blessing and protection, a profound and immediate consequence of rebellion.
• "and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow": This connection between God's departure and Miriam's immediate affliction underscores the direct hand of God. The "white as snow" condition emphasizes the severity and divine nature of the leprosy, turning her physical appearance into a clear sign of her profound spiritual defilement. It highlights the reversal of "clean" into "unclean."
• "and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.": Aaron's witness reinforces the verity and immediate impact of the judgment. His un-afflicted status and subsequent reaction (in the following verses, begging for her healing) further highlight the targeted nature of the punishment and Aaron's subsequent submission and repentance.

Numbers 12 10 Bonus section

The sudden nature of Miriam's leprosy contrasts sharply with the progressive or often unseen nature of sin. Here, the consequence is instantaneous and outwardly visible, leaving no doubt about the source or reason. It is a powerful example of lex talionis – not in the sense of 'eye for an eye' but a fitting spiritual principle where inward spiritual impurity (slander, pride) is made manifest as outward physical impurity. Furthermore, the event underscores God's personal investment in the protection and vindication of His chosen leaders. Moses did not defend himself, but God, seeing Moses' humility, acted immediately. This also sets a precedent for understanding the seriousness of undermining spiritual authority throughout biblical narrative, particularly in how God deals with those who presume to attack His spokespersons. Miriam's isolation outside the camp (Num 12:14-15) further exemplifies the theological separation caused by her sin, mirroring the physical banishment from God's holy presence within the community.

Numbers 12 10 Commentary

Numbers 12:10 presents God's swift and visible judgment on Miriam for her presumption and defiance of Moses, His uniquely appointed leader. The departing cloud is not a natural phenomenon, but a direct indicator of God's wrath, a stark contrast to His guiding presence. Her instant leprosy, stark white as snow, served as an unmistakable sign of divine displeasure. This plague rendered her ritually unclean and socially isolated, perfectly reflecting the spiritual defilement and rebellion that precipitated God's action. The severity of the punishment emphasizes the sanctity of God's chosen authority, the danger of questioning it, and the high cost of slandering His anointed servants. This incident serves as a crucial warning throughout scripture regarding humility, obedience, and the recognition of divinely ordained leadership.