Numbers 12:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, the poor spirit of Aaron and Miriam. They spoke against Moses (Numbers 12:1). If Moses, who received so much honor from God, still received so many insults from people, should any of us think such trials are strange or too hard? We should not let them make us angry or discouraged.

Who would have expected trouble for Moses from people who were serious and good, even leaders in religion? Miriam was a prophetess, and Aaron was the high priest. Both had also been joined with Moses in leading Israel out of Egypt (Micah 6:4). It is painful when trouble comes from close family, and here it came from Moses’ own brother and sister, who owed much of their own honor to him. A hurt from a brother is harder to win over than a strong city.

This also confirmed Moses’ calling. His rise came from God’s favor, not from any agreement with his relatives, since they themselves resented his advancement. Even many of Jesus’ own relatives did not believe in him (John 7:5). It seems Miriam started the quarrel, and Aaron, who had not been included in choosing the seventy elders, was already upset and then sided with her. Aaron should have remembered how Moses had stood up for him when God was angry about the golden calf (Deuteronomy 9:20), and he should not have returned evil for good.

They argued with Moses about two things. First, they criticized his marriage. Some think this was a later marriage to a Cushite, that is, an Ethiopian or Arabian woman. Others think they were speaking against Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and were insulting her by calling her Ethiopian. They may also have hinted that she had too much influence over Moses in choosing the seventy elders. Perhaps there had been a private quarrel between Zipporah and Miriam, and one sharp word led to another until Moses and Aaron were drawn into the matter.

Second, they complained about Moses’ leadership, not because he led badly, but because they thought he kept too much power for himself (Numbers 12:2). “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” In other words, they were asking, “Why should Moses alone choose the men who receive the spirit of prophecy? Could not we have had a share in that decision, and chosen our friends too?” They could not deny that God had spoken through Moses, and they knew God had also spoken through them at times. Still, they wanted to make themselves equal with him, even though God had already marked Moses out in many clear ways.

This shows how strong the sin of wanting to be greatest can be, even among disciples. It is a deep and dangerous sin. Even people who already have good standing are often unhappy if someone else is raised higher. Those who stand out are often envied.

Now see Moses’ wonderful patience under this insult. The Lord heard what was said (Numbers 12:2), but Moses himself said nothing, because he was very meek (Numbers 12:3). He had every reason to feel offended. Their attack was cruel, and it came at a bad time, when the people were already restless and full of complaints. If Aaron and Miriam had stirred them up, the trouble could easily have spread again. Yet Moses acted as if he did not hear.

When God’s honor was at stake, as in the case of the golden calf, no one was more zealous than Moses. But when his own honor was attacked, no one was milder. He was bold like a lion for God’s cause, and gentle like a lamb in his own cause. God’s people are called the meek of the earth (Zephaniah 2:3), but some are especially marked by this grace, and Moses was one of them. That meekness fit him for the work God had given him, a work that needed all the patience he had, and sometimes more.

At times, the unkindness of friends is a greater test of meekness than the hate of enemies. Jesus also spoke of his own meekness, saying, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Christ’s example of meekness was perfect, without any flaw. Moses’ example was great, but it was still not perfect.