Números 12
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 12
Wiersbe - Miriam is one of ten women in Scripture who were called prophetesses: Deborah (Jdg. 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), Isaiah’s wife (Isa. 8:3), Anna (Luke 2:36), and the four daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:9). (Ibid) Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses - Against (see also NET Note below) means in opposition to, even conveying a sense of enmity and hostility! The "leaven" of grumbling (taking the form of jealousy) has begun to spread in the camp. Yes it is Miriam and Aaron who speak against (it is primarily Miriam speaking against) Moses, but we need to remember as Paul taught "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness" (Eph 6:12+,cf 2 Cor 10:3-5+), so this without question a conflict stirred up (cf flaming missiles, Eph 6:16+) by the Adversary himself, diabolos (dia = through + ballo = throw ~ "throw between"!), this very word meaning one who comes between and seeks to divide and defeat. Here he takes aim at the leadership and the closest relationships of Moses to bring division! A C Gaebelein - Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20). Aaron had the dignity of the priesthood. Pride, the crime of the devil (1 Timothy 3:6), lead them to speak against their own brother. Miriam was the leader in this rebellion, for her name stands first and the judgment falls upon her. She may have been moved to jealousy by the elders having received the Spirit and exercising the gift of prophecy among the people. And Aaron reveals the weakness of the flesh. It is the second time he failed in this manner. He could not resist the clamoring of the people when they demanded the golden calf and here he cannot resist his sister, who became the willing instrument of Satan, like the first woman (1 Timothy 2:14). NET Note on spoke against - The preposition bet (בְּ) has the adversative sense here, “[speak] against” (see also its use for hostile speech in 21:5, 7). Speaking against is equal to the murmuring throughout the wilderness period. The verb of the sentence is וַתְּדַבֵּר (vattédabber), the feminine form of the verb. This indicates that Miriam was the main speaker for the two, the verb agreeing with the first of the compound subject. Miriam - 13v - Ex. 15:20-21; Nu 12:1; Nu 12:4; Nu 12:5; Nu 12:10; Nu 12:15; Nu 20:1; Nu 26:59; Dt. 24:9; 1 Chr. 4:17; 1 Chr. 6:3; Mic. 6:4 Because of - Term of explanation. This explains Miriam's critical spirit. Note it explains it BUT it does not justify it! The Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman) - The Cushite woman could be Zipporah, but this is problematic (see NET Note below and also Gotquestions discussion). She was just a "straw man" so to speak, for their real "beef" was with Moses as the main leader. They might have been a bit fearful (and rightly so as the story unfolds) to bring criticism directly to Moses!
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Wiersbe - Moses proved his meekness (humility) by refusing to fight them; he left his cause in the hands of God. God has promised to defend His servants (Isa. 54:17)....In his writings, Moses was honest enough to record his sins and failures, and we accept what he wrote, so why can’t we accept a statement about his godly character? Paul wrote in a similar way in 2 Corinthians 10:1, 11:5, 12:11–12. (See discussion of God as our Covenant Defender) Mattoon - Some folks think that meekness is weakness, fearfulness, and being feminine. On the contrary; meekness is actually strength under control. Meekness is the ability to keep your tongue in check when being attacked by unjust criticism. Meekness has faith to trust God to vindicate you. Meekness is submission to the will of God and His ways. Moses demonstrated this attitude in his life. What a tribute to Moses.... the meekest man on earth. Some folks claim that Moses did not write this verse. A humble man would not write about his greatness. The fact that Moses was humble and did write this shows the divine inspiration of the Bible. God dictated what should be written. The Spirit of God moved Moses in what to write. Moses also recorded his anger and his sin in chapter 20. Merrill - This statement is often adduced as evidence that Moses could not have written the Book of Numbers for he would not have boasted of his own humility. On the contrary, the declaration concerning his humility is the strongest possible support for the traditional view that Moses wrote Holy Scripture as an inspired penman. Only one led by the Holy Spirit could make such a statement about himself, probably against his own natural inclination. (BKC) NET Note says that the point of using the word humble is to emphasize "that Moses is not self-assertive. God singled out Moses and used him in such a way as to show that he was a unique leader." Humility is a quality missing today in many leaders. Far too many are self-promoting, or competitive, or even pompous. The statement in this passage would have been difficult for Moses to write—and indeed, it is not impossible that an editor might have added it (ED: I THINK MOSES WROTE IT!). One might think that for someone to claim to be humble is an arrogant act. But the statement is one of fact—he was not self-assertive (until Nu 20 when he strikes the rock). Humble (06035)(anav from 'anah = be bowed down, afflicted; cf related word humility = anawah) means poor, oppressed, afflicted, humble, meek. In Nu 12:3 the Lxx translates it with the adjective praus used for example in Mt 5:5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Praus is used to describe the character of Jesus in Mt 11:29+ “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." More frequently anav seems to denote an attitude of mind, more characteristic of the poor than of the rich, one of humility and dependence on God. Gilbrant - Affliction occurs in every life, and God intends to use it to develop humility in his people. In the OT, godliness is connected with suffering much more often than with worldly abundance. The noun ʿānāw expresses the desired moral and spiritual result of affliction. Some uses of ʿānāw emphasize the fact of poverty and need. Solomon said that one who is gracious to the poor will be blessed (Prov. 14:21). But Amos complained that the needy were being sold as slaves for the price of a pair of sandals (Amos 2:6f). Some will trample the afflicted (Amos 8:4). A dominant characteristic of the afflicted is their vulnerability to being abused by the powerful. But God takes the role of protector for the godly who fall in this category. Remembering their plight (Ps. 9:12, 18), God rises in judgment to save them (Ps. 76:9). The Messiah will decide in equity for them (Isa. 11:4). The Lord strengthens their heart (Ps. 10:17), leads them in justice, teaches them his ways (Ps. 25:9), supports them (Ps. 147:6) and promises to beautify them with salvation (Ps. 149:4). They will inherit the land, delight in abundant prosperity (Ps. 37:11) and be filled with gladness (Ps. 34:2). Moses described himself as the one who most fully exemplified this trait (Num. 12:3). This was not an arrogant claim to perfection; it was simply a recognition that he had been most thoroughly humbled by the afflictions God had allowed in his life. He would surely agree that it is better to be of humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud (Prov. 16:19). (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Zodhiates - An adjective meaning poor, oppressed, afflicted, humble. It is used of persons who put themselves after others in importance; persons who are not proud, haughty, supercilious, self-assertive, low in rank or position. Moses in the Old Testament is the prototype of the humble man before God and other human beings (Num. 12:3), but he was not poor or low in rank. The word also refers to persons who are poor, afflicted, low in societal standing, oppressed (Job 24:4; Ps. 10:12, 17; 22:26[27]). God favors the humble or meek to inherit the land, to be blessed (Ps. 37:11); God gives help and grace to the afflicted (Prov. 3:34). A humble or contrite spirit is of great value (Prov. 16:19). God will finally give justice to the poor (Isa. 11:4). The poor were oppressed by the rich and the immoral (Amos 2:7). (Baker - Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament) Vine - ʿĀnāv appears almost exclusively in poetical passages and describes the intended outcome of affliction from God, namely "humility." In its first appearance the word depicts the objective condition as well as the subjective stance of Moses. He was entirely dependent on God and saw that he was: Anav - 20x in 19v - afflicted(8), afflicted ones(1), humble(10), poor(1). Num. 12:3; Ps. 9:12; Ps. 10:12; Ps. 10:17; Ps. 22:26; Ps. 25:9; Ps. 34:2; Ps. 37:11; Ps. 69:32; Ps. 76:9; Ps. 147:6; Ps. 149:4; Prov. 3:34; Prov. 14:21; Isa. 11:4; Isa. 29:19; Isa. 61:1; Amos 2:7; Zeph. 2:3 For more insights see related study on Anav in this verse in article by Cleon Rogers - Moses: Meek or Miserable? JETS, 1986. Wenham - The Psalms repeatedly assure the humble that God will deliver them, ‘The LORD lifts up the humble’; ‘he adorns the humble with victory’ (Ps. 147:6; 149:4; cf. 22:26; 25:9; 37:11; 76:9; cf. Matt. 5:5; 1 Pet. 5:6). (Ibid) Believer's Study Bible It is possible that Moses wrote this verse objectively about himself. Paul the apostle made similar statements about himself (Acts 20:19; 26:29; 1 Cor. 4:16; 7:7; cf. also Neh. 13:14, 22, 30, 31), amounting to praise for what God had done through him (cf. Phil. 4:13). One O.T. scholar wrote regarding Moses, "As he praises himself here without pride, so he will blame himself elsewhere with humility." On the other hand, this verse may also be an inspired addition to the text by another writer, like the account of Moses' death in Deut. 34:5-7 (cf. Gen. 36:31; Ex. 16:35; Num. 21:14, 15; 32:34-38 for other possible inspired additions). It may be best, however, to understand the word "humble" (`anav, Heb.) in the sense of "bowed down with care," or "miserable" (cf. 11:10-15). Moses' experience of leading such an obstinate people had emptied him of any cause for pride and made him utterly dependent on God. This is always God's purpose in our affliction (cf. Ps. 10:17, 18; 69:32, 33; 147:6; 149:4; Isa. 61:1). Gaebelein - Moses did not take the case in his own hands. He did not answer back. His gracious character stands out in majestic greatness. How hard it is for a man who holds a high and honored position to bear any attack in silence and not to open his mouth! Moses kept silent, for he was very meek above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. In this he is a blessed type of Him who was meek and lowly; who reviled not when He was reviled, who opened not His mouth. MEEKNESS:STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL BY THEODORE EPP In reviewing Isaac's life, we should also take special note of his spirit of meekness. All through his life his temperament was of a passive nature rather than of an active or aggressive nature. In childhood he was subjected to the insults of Ishmael, but there is no record that he became angry about them. As a young man he was taken to Mount Moriah to be offered as a sacrifice, and in meekness he surrendered and made himself available. He did not even choose his own wife, as she was chosen for him through his father's arrangements and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Isaac also accepted the rebuke of Abimelech in meekness. There were no reprisals. He and his men yielded whenever they were wrongly driven away from the wells they had redug. Isaac's meek spirit brought forth praise from even his enemies. They testified concerning his great power and might and their realization that the Lord was with him. The world thinks little of meekness, yet it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23). The Apostle Paul urged all Christians: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand" (Phil. 4:5). Meekness involves the self-sacrifice of our own desires and interests. Because Isaac gladly gave up his own personal desires, it pleased God to refer to Himself as "the God of Isaac." "For thus saith the Lord God,... In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isa. 30:15). Norman Geisler - NUMBERS 12:3—How can this statement have been written by Moses? PROBLEM: Numbers 12:3 says, “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” The conservative view of the Pentateuch is that Moses was the author of these five books. But, how could Moses make such a statement about himself if he were really humble? SOLUTION: Of course, no one would claim that Jesus was being boastful or prideful by saying “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29, KJV). Jesus was simply stating the facts. Likewise, Moses is not boasting or being prideful about his humility. Rather, he was simply stating a fact which was crucial for understanding the significance of the events he was reporting. Earlier in chapter 11, after the Spirit of the Lord came upon Eldad and Medad so that they began to prophesy, Joshua approached Moses and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!” (Num. 11:28) Moses’ response is a perfect illustration of the humility that 12:3 describes: “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:29) Moses exhibited the character of a humble man who was not interested in his own glory, but only in the glory of the Lord. When Moses is confronted by Miriam and Aaron in 12:1, Moses did not respond in his own defense. A humble person does not usually rise to his own defense. Why didn’t Moses just tell them? Why didn’t he set them straight? Why did God have to speak to Miriam and Aaron in Moses’ behalf? The explanation is found in 12:3. Moses was not out for his own glorification. If Moses had responded in his own defense, he would have been justifying their complaints against him. But, Moses was not the leader of the people because of any ambition on his own part, or any self-confidence or self-assertive ladder climbing. He was appointed by God. So verse 12:3 is a vindication of Moses’ character. It is not a statement of boastful pride. It is simply a statement of fact. (When Critics Ask) Moses Was More Humble than Anyone Else? Numbers 12:3 is the most difficult text in the whole book of Numbers. Critical scholars (and others) have correctly observed that it is rather unlikely that a truly humble person would write in such a manner about himself, even if he actually felt the statement was true. Many critical scholars are so convinced of the inappropriateness of recording such a note about oneself that they have used this as a strong mark against the Mosaic authorship of the whole book. One scholar has suggested recently that the word translated “humble” or “meek” should instead be translated “miserable.” The idea of “miserable” certainly would fit the context of this chapter very well. To be sure, Moses had a most unmanageable task. He had just said in Numbers 11:14, “The burden is too heavy for me.” With all the attacks on his family, he may have passed into a deep depression. Thus, a very good translation possibility is “Now Moses was exceedingly miserable, more than anyone on the face of the earth”! Those who retain the meaning “humble” usually cite this passage, along with other passages such as the Deuteronomy 34 announcement of Moses’ death and burial site, as evidence for post- Mosaic additions authorized by the Spirit of God to the inspired text. Normally Joshua is credited with contributing these comments. Joshua 24:26 says, “And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God”—a clear reference to the five books of the Law, whose authorship is usually ascribed to Moses. This is the view that I favor, though the idea of translating the word as “miserable” is also a possible solution. Moses, of course, was not a naturally humble man. If he became so, he learned it through the trials he had to experience as the leader of a very stubborn group of people. Some have argued for Moses’ authorship of the verse, reminding us that the apostle Paul was compelled by challenges to his apostleship to point out his own excellence of character in 2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11–12. But it does not seem that Moses was facing exactly the same set of circumstances. Biblical writers speak of themselves with an objectivity that is rarely matched in other pieces of literature. Their selfreferences usually lay bare their sins and failures. It is rare for them to praise themselves. The translators of the NIV were no doubt justified in placing this verse in parentheses. The note is a later parenthetical remark made under the direction of the Holy Spirit by Joshua. (Hard Sayings of the Bible) Numbers 12:4 Suddenly the LORD said to Moses and Aaron and to Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." So the three of them came out. BGT Numbers 12:4 καὶ εἶπεν κύριος παραχρῆμα πρὸς Μωυσῆν καὶ Μαριαμ καὶ Ααρων ἐξέλθατε ὑμεῖς οἱ τρεῖς εἰς τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ τρεῖς εἰς τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ μαρτυρίου NET Numbers 12:4 The LORD spoke immediately to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam: "The three of you come to the tent of meeting." So the three of them went. NLT Numbers 12:4 So immediately the LORD called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, "Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!" So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. ESV Numbers 12:4 And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, "Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting." And the three of them came out. NIV Numbers 12:4 At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out. KJV Numbers 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. YLT Numbers 12:4 And Jehovah saith suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, 'Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting;' and they three come out. LXE Numbers 12:4 And the Lord said immediately to Moses and Aaron and Mariam, Come forth all three of you to the tabernacle of witness. ASV Numbers 12:4 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. CSB Numbers 12:4 Suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." So the three of them went out. NKJ Numbers 12:4 Suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!" So the three came out. Came out: Nu 16:16-21 Numbers 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUDDENLY LORD SPEAKS Brian Bell entitles vv4-10 God's Woodshed! We can likely all identify with that title (expounded on in Hebrews 12:5-11+). Suddenly - Why did the LORD act so swiftly? Sin can spread quickly so He acted quickly. The problem is especially acute when leaders sin, and the consequences could have been disastrous. As we have seen the sons of Israel had enough sin on their own without needing a "catalyst"! Suddenly (06597)(pit'om) is an adverb that means unexpectedly, surprisingly, all at once. the LORD said to Moses and Aaron and to Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." - Observe the three names are in reverse order, the order God honored! One can only imagine what was going through Aaron and Miriam's mind! Perhaps they thought God had heard (He had!) and would bless their ministry. Or perhaps they began to become fearful that they had overstepped their bounds (they had)! Either way it was a tense time as the trio tread toward the tent! This recalls another tense meeting at the tent of meeting in Numbers 16:16-21! Both meetings would bring God's hand of judgment on those who were presumptuous and insolent to question Moses' leadership. When we are falsely accused, we should first and foremost allow God to defend us. -- Gene Getz So the three of them came out - Immediate obedience in all three. Matthew
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Wiersbe - Apparently Miriam was the ringleader, for she was made leprous, and her sin held up the march of the camp for seven days. It is a serious thing when spiritual leaders become envious of one another, because their sin affects the whole congregation. -- Wiersbe Henry
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Wiersbe comments that "Jesus warned that our enemies might be those from our own household (Mt. 10:34–36+; Micah 7:6+). Brian Bell - God would heal her...but she would have to bear the shame of her sin for 7 days. Our intercession may bring pardon & healing; but sin leaves its mark. You are shut out of the enjoyment of the camp & the march is delayed.The people did not journey - For 1 week whole camp waited, sin delaying them again. The sin of criticism is far more serious than most people realize. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, (THAT CERTAINLY WAS THE CASE WITH MIRIAM!) and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. (James 3:5; 6+) Poem: Author Unknown As I watched them tear a building down, A gang of men in a busy town, With a ho-heave-ho, and a lusty yell, They swung a beam and the side wall fell. I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled, And the men you’d hire if you wanted to build?” He gave a laugh and said, “No, indeed, Just common labor is all I need.” “I can easily wreck in a day or two, What builders have taken years to do.” And I thought to myself, as I went my way, Which of these roles have I tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care, Measuring life by rule and square? Am I shaping my work to a well-made plan, Patiently doing the best I can? Or am I a wrecker who walks to town , Content with the labor of tearing down? “O Lord let my life and my labors be, That which will build for eternity!” Numbers 12:16 Afterward, however, the people moved out from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran. BGT Numbers 12:16 καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἐξῆρεν ὁ λαὸς ἐξ Ασηρωθ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τοῦ Φαραν NET Numbers 12:16 After that the people moved from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran. NLT Numbers 12:16 Then they left Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran. ESV Numbers 12:16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran. NIV Numbers 12:16 After that, the people left Hazeroth and encamped in the Desert of Paran. KJV Numbers 12:16 And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran. YLT Numbers 12:16 and afterwards have the people journeyed from Hazeroth, and they encamp in the wilderness of Paran. LXE Numbers 12:16 And afterwards the people set forth from Aseroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Pharan. ASV Numbers 12:16 And afterward the people journeyed from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran. CSB Numbers 12:16 After that, the people set out from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran. NKJ Numbers 12:16 And afterward the people moved from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran. NRS Numbers 12:16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran. NAB Numbers 12:16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth and encamped in the desert of Paran. NJB Numbers 12:16 Then the people moved on from Hazeroth and pitched camp in the desert of Paran. GWN Numbers 12:16 After that, the people moved from Hazeroth and set up camp in the Desert of Paran. after: Nu 11:35 33:18 the wilderness: Nu 10:12 13:3,26 Ge 21:21 1Sa 25:1 Hab 3:3 Numbers 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Wilderness of Paran GOD SAYS IT IS TIME TO MOVE OUT Afterward, however - The punishment for sin had been completed. It was time to move on. THOUGHT - This reminds me of Paul's words in Phil 3:13+ "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." The Greek word for forgetting means completely forgetting. Miriam and Aaron need to put their sins behind them and move out. Beloved, that is what each of us must do when we sinned against the Almighty One. We don't trivialize our sin, but similarly we don't have a "pity party" over them. We accept God's unconditional forgiveness in the blood of Jesus Christ and we "move out!" the people moved out from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran The exact location of Hazeroth is unknown, but from the texts it is somewhere between the wilderness of Sinai and the wilderness of Paran. Believer's Study Bible - Israel arrived at Kadesh (cf. 13:26) in the northern part of the Wilderness of Paran, an eleven-day journey from Sinai (Deut. 1:2). This is probably Ain Qudeirat, c. 50 miles southwest of Beersheba. Wenham - The New Testament draws many comparisons between Moses the mediator of the old covenant and Jesus the mediator of the new. Jesus is the prophet like Moses (Acts 7:37). Like Moses, Jesus is meek and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29), and kept silent before his accusers (1 Pet. 2:23ff.). But whereas Moses was but a servant in God’s house, our Lord was the son of the house (Heb. 3:1–6); Moses saw God’s form and heard his word, but Jesus was the Word and in the form of God (John 1:14–18; Phil. 2:6). (Ibid)