Miriam Restored

 Jehovah responded with mercy. He did heal repentant Miriam. However, he required that she spend seven days in quarantine outside the camp of Israel. It must have been deeply humiliating for Miriam to obey, leaving the camp in disgrace. But her faith saved her. In her heart, she knew that her Father, Jehovah was just and that he was discipling her out of love. So she did as she was told. The seven lonely days passed while the encampment waited. Then Miriam showed her faith again-this time by humbling herself to be "brought back in." - NUMBERS 12:14, 15. 

Jehovah disciplines those he loves. (Hebrews 12:5, 6) He loved Miriam far too much to let her pride go uncorrected. The correction hurt, but it saved her too. Because she accepted the discipline in good faith, she was restored to God's favor. She lived on until near the very end of Israel's sojourn in the wilderness. When she died at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, she was likely nearing 130 years of age. (Numbers 20:1) Centuries afterward, Jehovah lovingly honored Miriam for her faithful service. Throught his prophet Micah, he reminded his people: "From the house of slavery I redeemed you; I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam." - MICAH 6:4.

We can learn a lot from Miriam's life. We need to protect the defenseless and speak up boldly for what is right, as she did as a child. (James 1:27) Like her, we need to share God's pronouncements joyously. (Romans 10:15) Like her, we need to avoid the poison of jealously and bitterness. (Proverbs 14:30) And like her, we need to accept correction from Jehovah with humility. (Hebrews 12:5) As we do those things, we will truly imitate the faith of Miriam. 

Next time: "An Excellent Woman"

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