Numbers 12, God Exalts, God Humbles

Before we consider Num. 12 I want to tie up some thoughts from Num. 11.  First, let’s talk about “complaining.”  We have noted that any complaint against anyone is a complaint against God.  We question His faithfulness, doubting that His arm is sufficient to do what He says He will do (11:23).  In that sense, complaining shows that we despise the LORD (11:20).  This dishonors God and thus displeases God (11:1).  In the midst of it all, two men stand out from the seventy elders: Eldad and Medad (Num. 11:26-27), whose names mean God loves and love.  Just a reminder.

Concerning Moses’ leadership role in Israel, he was not just in a caretaking role.  He was their Shepherd till they died.  That is why it was a burden to him (11:17).  Admittedly, it was getting old for Moses (11:20-21).  He not only had the inconveniences of desert life, like they all did; he also had to deal with the complaints of the people.  One of the great responsibilities of Moses was to be the intercessor for Israel.  He came to God with their needs.  This was the case in the last chapter (11:2), previously in Ex. 32:9-14 (the golden calf incident), and even with the additional help in leadership he will continue to intercede for them (Num. 14:11-19; 16:20-22,41-50).  Moses had his stressful moments, but still the Bible tells us, Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:5). 

Part of that faithfulness was the way Moses had accepted God’s provision of additional leadership to help: he did not become offended or jealous of them having the same Spirit.  This leads to Num. 12:3 and a statement that we have from God: Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.  You may wonder about this.  Isn’t the Pentateuch the writings of Moses.  Yes, although he is using someone to write down his words (evident in the constant third-person references to Moses rather than “I” or “me.”  This statement appears to be a note inserted by that secretary.

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, not out of the hardships of desert life but out of a spirit of jealousy.  The issue of his “wife” is a made-up complaint, since they could not do any better.  It is most likely they were talking about Zipporah and not a second wife he had recently married (Jameson, Faucette, Browne).  The Arabian areas around Egypt were generally referred to as Ethiopia.

Before Moses said anything in his own defense, the LORD came to His defense (v4-8).  What strong and true words the LORD speaks about Moses.  And then He acted against them, inflicting Miriam with leprosy (apparently Miriam took the lead in this attack).  Suddenly now, everything was right.  Aaron pled with Moses because Aaron knew that Moses was the one who communicated with God.  God made His point, even as He showed mercy to Miriam.  Moses’ leadership was affirmed.  Which leads us to Num. 13-14 and 16 where it will be severely tested.