Numbers 12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 12

In the foregoing chapter we had the vexation which the people gave to Moses; in this we have his patience tried by his own relations. I. Miriam and Aaron, his own brother and sister, affronted him, Num. 12:1-3. II. God called them to an account for it, Num. 12:4-9. III. Miriam was smitten with a leprosy for it, Num. 12:10. IV. Aaron submits, and Moses meekly intercedes for Miriam, Num. 12:11-13. V. She is healed, but put to shame for seven days, Num. 12:14-16. And this is recorded to show that... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 12:1-3

Here is, I. The unbecoming passion of Aaron and Miriam: they spoke against Moses, Num. 12:1. If Moses, that received so much honour from God, yet received so many slights and affronts from men, shall any of us think such trials either strange or hard, and be either provoked or discouraged by them? But who would have thought that disturbance should be created to Moses, 1. From those that were themselves serious and good; nay, that were eminent in religion, Miriam a prophetess, Aaron the high... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 12:4-9

Moses did not resent the injury done him, nor complain of it to God, nor make any appeal to him; but God resented it. He hears all we say in our passion, and is a swift witness of our hasty speeches, which is a reason why we should resolutely bridle our tongues, that we speak not ill of others, and why we should patiently stop our ears, and not take notice of it, if others speak ill of us. I heard not, for thou wilt hear, Ps. 38:13-15. The more silent we are in our own cause the more is God... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 12:10-16

Here is, I. God's judgment upon Miriam (Num. 12:10): The cloud departed from off that part of the tabernacle, in token of God's displeasure, and presently Miriam became leprous; when God goes, evil comes; expect no good when God departs. The leprosy was a disease often inflicted by the immediate hand of God as the punishment of some particular sin, as on Gehazi for lying, on Uzziah for invading the priest's office, and here on Miriam for scolding and making mischief among relations. The plague... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 12 In this chapter we have an account of Aaron and Miriam speaking against Moses, and for what reason, whose amiable character is given, Numbers 12:1 ; 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, Numbers 12:4 ; 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, Numbers 12:10 ; and of her... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12:1

And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses ,.... Miriam is first mentioned, because she was first in the transgression, and so was only punished; Aaron was drawn into the sin by her, and he acknowledged his fault, and was forgiven: it must be a great trial to Moses, not only to be spoken against by the people, as he often was, but by his near relations, and these gracious persons, and concerned with him in leading and guiding the people through the wilderness, Micah 6:4 , because of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12:2

And they said, hath the Lord, indeed spoken only by Moses ?.... They own he had spoken by him; this was so notorious that it could not be denied: hath he not spoken also by us ? are we not prophets as well as he? the Lord spake to Aaron while he was in Egypt, and had made him a good spokesman in his name, and bore this testimony of him, that he could speak well, and Miriam is expressly called a prophetess, Exodus 4:14 Exodus 15:20 ; and this being the case, they stomached it that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12:3

Now the man Moses was very meek ,.... So that they might say anything against him, and he not be affronted, nor resent any injury; and this therefore is introduced as a reason why the Lord undertook the cause, and vindicated him, resenting the obloquies of Miriam and Aaron against him; because he knew he was so exceeding meek, that he himself would pass it by without taking notice of it, though he might hear it: hence the Targum of Jonathan"and he cared not for their words;'they gave him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12:4

And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam ,.... As one greatly provoked, and highly displeased, and which was shown at once; and in order to prevent the complaint getting among the people, and spreading, which might have been of bad consequence, as they were pretty much disposed to murmur and mutiny; as also to show that it was not through any solicitation of Moses that the Lord took this matter in hand, time not being allowed to him to make any application to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 12:5

The Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud ,.... Which was over the most holy place of the tabernacle, and which was a symbol of the presence of the Lord; and who is said to come down, because that was above the tabernacle; whereas he came, as is next expressed: and stood in the door of the tabernacle ; where he set up his tribunal, and called them to his bar, courts of judicature being usually held in the gate; not suffering them to go into the tabernacle as they were wont to do,... read more

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