“When there is an outbreak of tzara‘at, be careful to observe and do just what the cohanim, who are L’vi’im, teach you. Take care to do as I ordered them. Remember what Adonai your God did to Miryam on the road after you left Egypt.”-Deuteronomy 24:8-9
We just got done discussing the rebellion of Miriam against her brother and why it is that God struck her with a skin disease.
The common thread of consensus among most scholars is that what Miriam did was an example of LASHOH HARA (slanderous gossip).
Now LASHON HARA in and of itself is bad enough, but what made it even worse in Miriam’s case was that she spoke out against God’s own appointed mediator and that was a big no-no.
A quick word of caution here.
Apparently, there are many congregational leaders who use this very example of Miriam speaking out against Moses to demonstrate that one should never challenge or disagree with their Rabbi or Pastor.
Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a bunch of hogwash.
Sure, striving for unity within the body of Messiah is a noble and worthwhile cause BUT…
…to shut down any debate or turn away any well-deserved criticism of a congregation leader has zero connection with this incident of Miriam contracting TZARA’AT because of LASHON HARA.
The crime of LASHON HARA that Miriam committed was directed against the Lord’s chosen mediator.
That was the whole point of the story and…
…is different than speaking out against a congregation leader.
Congregation leaders should be held accountable and to speak out against their wrongdoings is not LASHON HARA or slanderous gossip.
Quite the contrary actually, it is our God-given duty to speak out against wrong and evil no matter what form it manifests itself as.
I’m done.
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