It is dangerous to criticise God’s leaders. Consider the consequences for these men and women.

Person/Situation:  Miriam: Mocked Moses because he had a Cushite wife

Result:  Stricken with leprosy

Reference:  Numbers 12

 

Person/Situation:  Korah and followers: Led the people of Israel to rebel against Moses’ leadership

Result:  Swallowed by the earth

Reference:  Numbers 16

 

Person/Situation:  Michal: Despised David because he danced before the Lord

Result:  Remained childless

Reference:  2 Samuel 6

 

Person/Situation:  Shimei: Cursed and threw stones at David

Result:  Executed at Solomon’s order

Reference:  2 Samuel 16 ;  1 Kings 2

 

Person/Situation:  Youths: Mocked Elisha and laughed at his baldness

Result:  Killed by bears

Reference:  2 Kings 2

 

Person/Situation:  Sanballat and Tobiah: Spread rumours and lies to stop the building of Jerusalem’s walls

Result:  Frightened and humiliated

Reference:  Nehemiah 2, 4, 6

 

Person/Situation:  Hananiah: Contradicted Jeremiah’s prophecies with false predictions

Result:  Died two months later

Reference:  Jeremiah 28

 

Person/Situation:  Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer: Lied about Paul in an attempt to turn the proconsul against him

Result:  Stricken with blindness

Reference:  Acts 13