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Bible - OT - Numbers: Miriam’s leprosy

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Jordan’s reflections on “leprosy” help to explain why Miriam, and not Aaron, becomes leprous in Numbers 12.

Jordan notes that the term for “plague” used in Leviticus 13 is actually “touch,” and suggests that the leper is “touched” by Yahweh, sometimes in response to sacrilege, a violation of God’s holiness. Touch Yahweh’s stuff; Yahweh touches you.

This touch communicates holiness, in part or in whole. When the “leper” becomes completely covered with white skin, he is pronounced clean; he is wholly holy, and is able to function in the sanctuary without fear. In other words, the complete “leper” is analogous to the high priest, clothed in skin of glorious white.

Now apply this to Numbers 12: Aaron is already holy, already touched by Yahweh. He and Miriam both lay a finger on Yahweh’s designated leader. But Aaron is already “white” with priestly garments; so only Miriam is touched with leprosy.

posted by Peter J. Leithart on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 5:01 pm

Bible - OT - Numbers: Tale of Two Women

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In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron object to Moses’ Cushite wife. Miriam becomes leprous, is excluded from the camp, and restored on the eighth day.

That is to say: The Messiah’s Jewish sister objects to the Gentile bride, and is cast out of the camp, but then she is cleansed and restored.

And so all Israel will be saved.

posted by Peter J. Leithart on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 4:29 pm

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