Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, "Has God indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not also spoken through us?" The Lord heard it.

The man Moses was very humble, more than all other people on earth. But the Lord spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, saying, "Come out of your tents, you three, so I can speak with you." They came out as instructed.

Suddenly, the Lord appeared in a cloud at the entrance of the tabernacle, calling out to Aaron and Miriam. They stepped forward, and he said, "Listen carefully: If there is a prophet among you, I will reveal myself to them through visions and dreams. My servant Moses is trustworthy throughout my entire household. With him, I speak face-to-face, clearly and openly – not in riddles. He sees the likeness of God, so why were you afraid to question my servant Moses?"

The Lord's anger burned against them, and he departed. The cloud moved away from the tabernacle, and Miriam suddenly became leprous, her skin as white as snow. Aaron saw this and was horrified.

Aaron said to Moses, "Please forgive us for our foolishness and sin. Don't hold it against us." He begged Moses not to let Miriam suffer any more than she already had.

Moses cried out to the Lord, "Heal her now, God!" The Lord replied, "If her father had spit in her face, wouldn't she be ashamed for seven days? Let her stay outside the camp for seven days before returning."

Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days. The people didn't move on until she was brought back. After that, they left Hazeroth and pitched their tents in the wilderness of Paran.