October 24, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Numbers and 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
Numbers 12 (NIV)
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2“Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.
3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)……Continue Reading
Numbers 12
“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth” (verse 3 NASB2020)
I always chuckle reading this verse because Moses technically wrote the book of Numbers. But from what I’ve heard Joshua likely added this note later on sometime after the Israelites entered the promised land.
The way I read the rest of the chapter I think, by worldly standards, Miriam and Aaron were somewhat right. Moses himself back in Exodus recognized that he wasn’t the best fit for the job when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. But the lesson here is, as the saying goes, God doesn’t call the equipped He equips the called. And even beyond that when God calls someone into leadership, we need to trust His judgement in that.
And though it’s not specifically mentioned in the final verses of the chapter, the movements of the Israelites were based on God’s direction through the cloud at the tabernacle. So when the Israelites didn’t depart for the seven days while Miriam was quarantined outside the camp per the Levitical laws, I suspect this was because God made it so. If I’m correct in that presumption, how great is God’s love and mercy shown in His treatment of Miriam after the confession and repentance of sin in the previous verses!
Numbers 12
Numbers 12
There was probably a minute here when Mariam and Aaron felt like God was going to affirm their accusations against Moses and maybe even agree with them. Unfortunately it was quickly revealed that was NOT the reason He requested to see them! God swiftly dealt with these petty things they were saying about Moses clearly out of jealousy. They made a clear implication that they thought Moses was spiritually proud which obviously was not true as God even took time in the chapter to clarify what a humble man Moses was; “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth”
One would assume Mariam was the driving force in this treatment of Moses as she received the leporsy but Aaron’s reaction certainly implied he was guilty too. Yet it was Moses’ prayer to God, not Aaron’s apology that brought God to heal her but still had her spend the 7 days outside of camp. This remindes us that actions still have consequences even when we are forgiven.
Aaron and Miriam question Moses’ relationship with God and Moses’ authority. God confirms Moses’ leadership.
Moses relationship with the Lord is unique over other prophets.
”Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?”“
Numbers 12:7-8 NKJV
This made me think of Jesus fulfillment of there being another “prophet” like Moses.
”“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,“
Deuteronomy 18:15 NKJV
God cares about leadership and authority and the ones He invests that authority in. We should always tread lightly when we come against leadership and make sure we are not bringing accusations that do not hold weight. God is the final judge and it is Aaron and Miriam’s heart that are shown to be off, not Moses’. And God makes His judgement sure by giving Miriam leprosy. Moses had a special relationship with God and communicated with Him in a way that others hadn’t and wouldn’t. Abraham’s and the patriarch’s relationships were similar but not as extensive. Moses shows His humility by praying for Miriam rather than desiring for her disease to continue to get her back for what she said.
Numbers 12. Many good comments here. God bless you all. Just one thought here in regards to Moses. Moses is called here the most humble man on the earth. He didn`t start out that way. Remember he had the training to be a Pharoah; and therefore he didn`t need to bow before anyone. Although his Jewish mother also may have instructed in early childhood. But my point is that he was taught be confident in every way. This would be warfare, knowledge in building, the languages, math, and so much more. God had to humble Moses in the wilderness for 40 years before God could really use him for God`s work. This same Moses told God he couldn`t speak, and that he wasn`t qualified to lead God`s people. But this is exactly why God could use Moses now. God loves a humble and contrite spirit. Isaiah 66:2b {But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.} God bless you.
Numbers12