Numbers 12:1-8

1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite).

2 They said, "Is Moses the only one the Lord speaks through? Doesn't he also speak through us?" And the Lord heard this.

3 (Now Moses was very humble. He was the least proud person on earth.)

4 So the Lord suddenly spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, "All three of you come to the Meeting Tent." So they went.

5 The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance to the Tent. He called to Aaron and Miriam, and they both came near.

6 He said, "Listen to my words: When a prophet is among you, I, the Lord, will show myself to him in visions; I will speak to him in dreams.

7 But this is not true with my servant Moses. I trust him to lead all my people.

8 I speak face to face with him -- clearly, not with hidden meanings. He has even seen the form of the Lord. You should be afraid to speak against my servant Moses."

Numbers 12:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBER 12

In this chapter we have an account of Aaron and Miriam speaking against Moses, and for what reason, whose amiable character is given, Nu 12:1-3; and of the Lord's calling them to him, and rebuking them for it, giving an excellent testimony to Moses, and then departing in anger, Nu 12:4-9; and of Miriam's being smitten with leprosy, and Aaron's entreating Moses on his and her account, who prayed to the Lord to heal her, Nu 12:10-13; and of her being ordered to be shut out of the camp seven days, during which time the Israelites stayed at Hazeroth, and then removed to the wilderness of Paran, Nu 12:14-16.