Numberschapter 12

16 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 204 cross-references outward and receives 154 — heaviest partner: Exodus.

Chapter summary

Miriam and Aaron against Moses. They speak against him because of the Ethiopian woman (Zipporah or a second wife — the text does not resolve). ‘Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?’ The LORD hears. Moses is the meekest man upon the face of the earth. The LORD summons all three to the tabernacle; speaks of Moses' unique ‘mouth to mouth’ relation; and departs in anger. Miriam is leprous, white as snow. Aaron pleads; Moses cries, ‘heal her now, O God, I beseech thee’. She is shut out seven days; the camp does not journey until she is brought in. The chapter defends prophetic humility.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Law · Moses — see the Numbers overview for the book's full setting.

1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.

2 And they said, Hath Jehovah indeed spoken only with Moses? hath he not spoken also with us? And Jehovah heard it.

3 Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.

4 And Jehovah spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting. And they three came out.

5 And Jehovah came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.

6 And he said, Hear now my words: if there be a prophet among you, I Jehovah will make myself known unto him in a vision, I will speak with him in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house:

8 with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Jehovah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?

9 And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against them; and he departed.