There are times when it seems like we've just been benched by God and we may not know why. Well, today, we'll look at Numbers 12 and read about what God did to pull down Miriam and Aaron's influence among the people of God. We'll see that they were sidelined for pride. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Numbers 12 1. Have you ever heard someone who wanted to be involved in ministry, but just seemed to be stuck? Why do you think that was? 2. In verse 1, what was the surface reason that Aaron and Miriam were upset with Moses? What was the real reason for their complaint that was given in verse 2? 3. What was the difference between the Lord's communication with Moses (in verses 6-8) versus His communication with others? 4. In verse 8, the Lord says that Moses has even beheld His form. Likewise, Exodus 24:10-11 indicates that the leaders also saw the Lord. Aaron was part of that group. How does this reality bring further judgment upon Aaron's insurrection? 5. How might Aaron's experience in leadership have tempted him to pursue a level of leadership not given to him by the Lord? 6. What was God's judgment on Miriam in verse 10? What does this seem to indicate about her role in this little revolt? How did Moses intercede for her in this passage? 7. How did Miriam being put out of the camp for a week reduce her influence over the rest of the people? Why was this necessary? 8. Have you ever heard someone who wanted to be involved in ministry, but just seemed to be stuck? Why do you think that was? 9. In verse 1, what was the surface reason that Aaron and Miriam were upset with Moses? What was the real reason for their complaint that was given in verse 2? 10. What was the difference between the Lord's communication with Moses (in verses 6-8) versus His communication with others? 11. In verse 8, the Lord says that Moses has even beheld His form. Likewise, Exodus 24:10-11 indicates that the leaders also saw the Lord. Aaron was part of that group. How does this reality bring further judgment upon Aaron's insurrection? 12. How might Aaron's experience in leadership have tempted him to pursue a level of leadership not given to him by the Lord? 13. What was God's judgment on Miriam in verse 10? What does this seem to indicate about her role in this little revolt? How did Moses intercede for her in this passage? 14. How did Miriam being put out of the camp for a week reduce her influence over the rest of the people? Why was this necessary? 15. What are some principles we can glean regarding personal ambition? How can a person legitimately step forward in leadership while not making the same prideful mistakes as Aaron and Miriam? 16. Have you ever been benched by God? What steps go into being restored to service to Him? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.