1._And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. _This relation is especially worthy of observation for many reasons. If Aaron and Miriam had always quietly and cordially supported the honor of their brother, and had not been carried away by perverse and ungodly jealousy, their harmony, however holy it... [ Continue Reading ]
2._And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? _They pride themselves on their gift of prophecy, which ought rather to have schooled them to humility. But such is the natural depravity of men, not only to abuse the gifts of God unto contempt of their brethren, but so to magnify them by... [ Continue Reading ]
3._Now the man Moses was very meek. _This parenthesis is inserted, in order that we might perceive that God was not moved by any complaint of Moses, to be so greatly wroth with Aaron and Miriam. It is said that “the Lord heard,” that is to say, to undertake the cause in His character of Judge: and i... [ Continue Reading ]
4._Come out ye three unto the tabernacle. _God calls Aaron and Miriam to the tabernacle, that the very sanctity of the place may cast down their haughtiness; for forgetfulness of God had overspread their minds, when they began to be so insolent before men. They are, therefore, brought back to the pr... [ Continue Reading ]
6._If there be a prophet among you. _He makes mention of two methods by which the will of God was wont to be revealed to the prophets, viz., visions and dreams. He does not, however, here use the word חזון _chazon, _(42) which signifies a prophecy as well as a vision, but מראה, _marah, _expressive o... [ Continue Reading ]
9._And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. _The expostulation is succeeded by punishment. God’s departure was a sign of immediate condemnation; because there was no need of any further questioning, as concerning some matter of obscurity. After God, then, had convicted them of their sin,... [ Continue Reading ]
11._And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas! my lord. _Although Aaron was aware that, through God’s indulgence, his own punishment was remitted, still he does not cease to consider what he had deserved. For we ought not to wait until God smites ourselves, but since in chastising others He invites us to repe... [ Continue Reading ]
13._And Moses cried unto the Lord. _The event now proves, what was recently asserted, that Moses was of a meek and gentle disposition beyond all other men; for he is not only ready at once to forgive, but also intercedes with God for them. And thus the presumption of Miriam is best reproved; for the... [ Continue Reading ]
Numbers 12:16._And afterward the people departed from Hazeroth. _At first sight Moses appears to be at variance with himself: for he here states that he sent the spies at God’s command, whereas in Deuteronomy 1:22, he relates that he made this concession at the request of the people; (48) but the tw... [ Continue Reading ]