Numbers 12

Numbers 12:1-3

1. Moses is occupied by Miriam and Aaron, his brother and father, ver. 1—3. 2. God calls them to an account for it, ver. 4—9. 3. At them is fourteen with fignity, ver. 10. 4. Aaron submits, and Moses intercedes for her, ver. 11—13. 5. She is healed, but not to fume for seven days, ver. 14—26. And this is recorded, to show that the last persons and families have both their follies and their origin.

2. AND Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of the Ethiopian woman, whom he had married: for ‘he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? ‘Hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. 3. (Now the man Moses was ‘very’ meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Of all in the camp, these were surely the last from whom Moses had need apprehend complaint; they were near relations, and distinguished probities. Let no man think it strange, that his nearest relatives are for against him: nor reckon his case here, or be discouraged, if some eminent for religion, reflect most unkindly and unjustly on his conduct. Moses was thus treated before him.

The complaint against him was, that in the choice of the seventy elders, he had been influenced by his wife Zippeah; and Miriam, jealous of her authority, seems to have mitigated Aaron in this ungrateful behaviour towards his brother; insinuating that they had equal authority from God, and therefore ought to have been considered. Nos. (1.) Constitutions for superiority among Christians are too common, and very forbid. (2.) Nothing breeds bitterer disputes, than jealously about power. (3.) Through evil suggestions, like Miriam’s, the dearest friends are often separated. (4.) When persons quarrel, they cannot be at rest, unless they draw others into the dispute.

Moses maintained the same composure, for which he is famed; and in silence referred his cause to God, though from them this must have been peculiarly afflictive. The unkindness of professed friends is ever harder to be borne, than the results of professed enemies. He must have been well disciplined in the school of Christ, that can under such provocations in patience and meekness possess his soul.

4. And the LORD spoke suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, 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 the LORD will make myself known unto him ‘in a vision, and will speak unto him ‘in a dream. 7. My servant Moses is not so, ‘who is faithful in all mine house. 8. With him will I speak’ mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall be behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.

Numbers 12:4-9

Though the innocent may be silent, God will be the avenger of their quarrel. We have here.

1. The immediate interposition of God; he furnished the parties to appear at his bar, to decide the controversy, and will make them know the difference between his chosen servant Moses and all other prophets. He made himself known to them in visions, and a great favour that was; but Moses was more highly favoured. 2. God testifies of his fidelity: eminent it was, and distinguished; and this he most approves. It is not so much great gifts, or great abilities, but faithfulness and simplicity of heart, which God esteems. 3. The manifestations made to him were peculiar. His eyes behold more of God’s glory than any before him, and the revelations given him were more difficult and clear, God speaking to him familiarly, not in dark speeches, but as a man speaking to his friend. Note, Prophecyal visions are ceased, and we see no more the similitude of the Lord; but, kindled by God, we enjoy now distinctive views of gospel mysteries, than even the holy prophets saw; and, in the face of Jesus Christ incarnate, have been favoured with brighter displays of the divine glory, grace and truth, than even Moses on the mount behold.

2. God’s anger was kindled, and he shows it by some visible sign, or his sudden departure, without waiting for their excuse. Note, (1.) The reputations of God’s ministers are not serious. R. 2. (1)

Babesclard concern; when God shall arise to plead their cause, confusion shall cover their adversaries. (2.) When God is provoked, he will depart; and no judgment heavier than to be forsaken of him.

10. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle, and behold, Miriam became leprous, while as frow; and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and behold, the war leprous. 11. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12. Let her not be as one dead; of whom the flesh is half consumed, when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13. And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14. ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? ’let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15.’ And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days; and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again. 16. And afterward the people removed from ‘Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

Numbers 12:10-16

His displeasure was manifest, and now it appeared.

1. Miriam becomes leprous. She who was challenging equality with Moses, bears in her forehead a brand of infamy, and becomes viler than the meanest Israelite. Those who walk in pride God is able to abide. The fair face that dwells the heart with vanity, one stroke of disease can make quickly loathsome. Aaron is spared, as least in the offence, or perhaps for his effectuals, that it may not appear vile; but, as God’s high-priest, he is obliged to pronounce that sentence on his sister, which must cover himself with confusion. In the execution of their office no connections must influence ministers; if their nearest relatives are found leprous, they should be excluded from the communion of God’s people.

2. Aaron’s humble submission and entreaty. He acknowledges their mutual sin, asks pardon of his brother, whom he had vilified, and earnestly begs his intercession for his sister, that she might not be cut off, as one dead, from the congregation of the Lord. Note, (1.) They who revile God’s servant, shall be brought to bow to them, like Aaron in time, or like Dives in eternity. (2.) Where we have offended, we cannot be too soon in begging forgiveness, both of God and man. To continue impenitent is certain ruin. (3.) They who are cut off from the communion of the Lord by their sins, are, worse than leprous Miriam, spiritually dead.

3. Moses’s charity appears as exemplary as his meritorious, he instantly cries to God for help. Instead of calling down judgment, as she deserved, he prays for that forgiveness with God, which she found from himself. We must thus learn to forgive our enemies, and pray for them who despitefully use us. This is the spirit of christianity.

4. His request is granted. Miriam is healed, but for her humiliation, and for example to others, seven days she is excluded the camp, to bear her shame for such ungrateful conduct. When we do evil we ought to take that shame to us we have deserved, and submit to every humiliatory process which may serve to shew our own sorrow, and to warn others against our sin.

5. During the time of Miriam’s separation the people halted. Whether to intimate the dangerous hindrances which sin put in their way, or out of respect to Miriam, that she might not have an increase of her shame. Note, (1.) In our way to heaven all our hindrances arise from our sign. (2.) God will have to treat those with the greatest tendencies, who, however vile they have made themselves, are now in penitential tears, returning from their evil ways.

6. The people go forward, to the borders of Canaan. One step more, and they had been safely lodged in it. But the next chapter relates a fatal change. Note, Whilst we are on this side the grave, we ever need to tremble. Many have gone to the borders of heaven, who will never enter it; almost but not altogether christian.