Keraia
Numbers 12

Numbers 12:4

The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron · Numbers 12:1–16
Read Numbers 12

Translations

Modern
And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,
Traditional
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.
Literal
And YHWH said suddenly to Moses and Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting.” And the three came out.
Latin
…statim locutus est ad eum, et ad Aaron et Mariam: Egredimini vos tantum tres ad tabernaculum fœderis. Cumque fuissent egressi,

Original

Hebrew
English
And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,

Notes

Numbers 12:4–8

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

Numbers 12:1–16

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses The Plagues

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Miriam: Moses' sister, a prophetess who led women in worship Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Deuteronomy, Book of Disease History of Israel Kings, Books of First and Second Numbers, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud Woman

Topics

Ambition: Aaron and Miriam Christian Minister: Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites Judgments: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Tabernacle: The Lord Reveals Himself At Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses