The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. Departed from the door to its former place, ( Calmet.) as if in abhorrence of Mary’s leprosy, (Hiscuni) and still more of the sin, which had brought upon her that punishment. Calmet.—Perhaps the cloud was raised higher in the air than usual, but did not proceed forward; ( Menochius.) otherwise the Israelites would have decamped. They remained at Haseroth till Mary was returned into the camp, verse 15. Bible.—Leprosy, of an incurable kind, like that of Gieze, 4 Kennicott. 5:27. It covers the whole skin with a white scurf. Leviticus 13:10. Aaron is spared, either because he had sided with his sister only out of complaisance, without any formal malice against his brother; or because God, in consideration for his priestly character, would not render him contemptible in the eyes of the all people, intending to punish him in a more secret manner: for was are not always to judge of the grievousness of a fault, by its present punishment. Perhaps Aaron obtained pardon by his speedy repentance, verse 11. Calmet.