Snow-white Miriam
At Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because:
- of the Cushite (Ethiopian) woman whom he had married: for he had married a Cushite woman
Miriam and Aaron question Moses’ exclusive religious authority, since they consider themselves to also have been prophets.
- 'They said, 'Was it only to Moses that God spoke? Did he not speak to us as well?
God hears and calls all three to the door of the tabernacle. When they arrive, God states to them that Moses has a much greater authority than Miriam and Aaron; indeed, He chooses to speak to Moses face to face, rather than merely through dreams.
In anger, God subsequently visits a punishment on Miriam, giving her tzaraat turning her “white as snow.” According to the rules concerning tzaraat, Miriam must then live outside of the camp, in isolation, only being allowed back when Moses intercedes with God on her behalf. Nevertheless, God insists that she still be punished for seven days. (Numbers 12:10-14). Tzaraat was an illness traditionally translated to be leprosy, while it really is something more like skin cancer or vitiligo.
Another interpretation: Miriam speaks against Moses' wife Zipporah calling her "Cushite", or black. God punishes Miriam by making her super-white--that is "leprous". The issues in the story are racial pride, snobbery toward black people, and disrespecting Moses' wife--all of which would be senseless distractions for Moses.
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