Numbers 12 Footnotes

12:9-13 Miriam’s disease, described as a condition that turned her skin milky white like a dead baby’s, suggests a variety of skin disorders ranging from skin cancer or psoriasis to Hansen’s disease (the modern designation of leprosy). Any of these would render her unclean according to Levitical law (Lv 13–14). Both Aaron and Moses express their love and concern for their sister in their pleas on her behalf. Aaron, who has followed Miriam in rebellion, appeals rightly to Moses to plead the case of his sister to the Lord, and Moses responds.