Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 12

Rebellion did not come only from the “rabble” or from the Israelites who were tired of manna (11:4). It also came from within the family of Moses.

Aaron the high priest and Miriam the prophetess spoke against Moses (Exodus 29:30; Exodus 15:20). Their actions showed that even Israel’s spiritual leaders struggled with jealousy and doubt.

At this time, Israel was moving toward a lowest point in its rebellion against God (Numbers 13:25–14:12).

Miriam and Aaron may have seen the marriage of Moses as a threat to their status and goals. The verses list Miriam first, suggesting she started this family conflict. This could explain why God punished her and not Aaron (12:9–10).

Most interpreters believe the Cushite woman is Zipporah, the wife of Moses. She was from Midian (Exodus 2:16–22). They see Cush as referring to Cushan, a region and people near Midian (Habakkuk 3:7).

Other interpreters think Cushite refers to Kusi in northern Arabia, Ethiopia, or Sudan. This would suggest she was a different wife.

In either case, it is possible that Miriam and Aaron disapproved of his having married a non-Israelite or that they were jealous of her influence over Moses.

• Challenging the authority of Moses meant rejecting the Lord's choice of him as Israel's leader.

• the LORD heard this: The same phrase in 11:1 hints at the Lord's response.

• The humility of Moses stands in sharp contrast to the jealousy of Miriam and Aaron. The text says that Moses was very humble. His character reflected a godly spirit (see also Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 5:5).

• The statement about the humility of Moses appears as a parenthetical comment (a brief note inserted into the story). It presents the truth from God’s point of view.

  Some think these words may have been written by Moses. Others believe they may have been added later by an editor. In either case, the comment highlights the faithful and humble character of Moses.

In response to this rebellion, the Lord spoke directly. He reaffirmed the special status and authority of Moses.

The Lord trusted Moses, leading to a close relationship. God communicated with prophets through visions and dreams, but he spoke to Moses face to face (literally mouth to mouth; see Exodus 33:8–11, 18–23; Deuteronomy 34:10).

Miriam experienced the burning anger of the Lord (see study note on 12:1–2). When Aaron saw what happened to her, he confessed their sin and asked Moses to pray for them (compare 11:2). Both Moses and the Lord accepted Aaron's confession.

Miriam had to follow the usual steps to become ceremonially pure after a skin disease (5:2–4; Leviticus 13–14).

The camp in the Wilderness of Paran was at Kadesh-barnea (13:26; Deuteronomy 1:19–22).