Numbers 12
Lutheran reading notes
In Numbers chapter 12, the story continues to develop the theme of Israel’s wilderness journey and preparation for the promised land. Lutheran interpretation often highlights how the events reveal humanity’s need for God’s grace and the reliability of God's promises. The chapter illustrates both the reality of human weakness and the faithfulness of God who works through history.
1
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. {Ethiopian: or, Cushite} {married: Heb. taken}
Numbers 12:1 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard {it}.
Numbers 12:2 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
(Now the man Moses {was} very meek, above all the men which {were} upon the face of the earth.)
Numbers 12:3 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Numbers 12:4 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood {in} the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Numbers 12:5 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, {I} the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, {and} will speak unto him in a dream.
Numbers 12:6 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
My servant Moses {is} not so, who {is} faithful in all mine house.
Numbers 12:7 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Numbers 12:8 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
Numbers 12:9 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam {became} leprous, {white} as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, {she was} leprous.
11
And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
Numbers 12:11 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
Numbers 12:12 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Numbers 12:13 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in {again}.
Numbers 12:14 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in {again}.
Numbers 12:15 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Numbers 12:16 highlights pilgrimage and testing with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.