Numbers 12:1-15 - God Protects Moses Against Criticism
This Ethiopian wife may have been Zipporah, or some other woman whom Moses married after his first wife's death. That Moses, the great lawgiver and leader, who could rule a turbulent multitude and face the great king of Egypt, should take the taunts of his brother and sister so quietly, indicates how deep and far-reaching had been the transformation of his character. Compare Exodus 2:12, etc. "Fret not thyself because of evildoers"¦. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him," Psalms 37:1-40.
When we hand our cause over to God He comes down, Numbers 12:5. He rebukes the enemy and avenger. Be faithful to Him and you may reckon on His faithfulness to you! That commendation of faithfulness, which Moses received, may be won by all! See Mark 13:34.
Our intercession may bring pardon and healing; but sin leaves its mark, Numbers 12:15. You are shut out of the enjoyment of the camp, and the march is delayed. Ponder James 3:5-6. [source]
Chapter Summary: Numbers 12
1God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron 11Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses 14God commands her to be shut out of the host 16The people encamp in the desert of Paran
What do the individual words in Numbers 12:9 mean?
so was arousedthe angerof Yahwehagainst themand He departed
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: חָרָה
Sense: to be hot, furious, burn, become angry, be kindled.