Numbers-Chapter-12
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Remember the following truth from our beloved
Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO
THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL
YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven
Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Numbers Chapter 12 It addresses the themes of
leadership, the dangers of pride and “Lashon Hara”
(evil speech), and the unique nature of Moses’ relationship with the Creator.
As the siblings who stood by him since the
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Numbers-Chapter-12, verses 1 to 16:
Let us read Numbers Chapter 12, verses 1-16: Below the verses are the Explanation’s. (The Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the Torah).
Verses 1-3: And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said: ‘Hath the LORD indeed spoken only with Moses? hath He not spoken also with us?’ And the LORD heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.
Explanation of Verses 1-3: The chapter begins with Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses because of the “Cushite woman” he had married. While the text mentions the marriage, their subsequent words reveal a deeper grievance: they question why Moses has a seemingly exclusive claim to Divine communication, noting that God has spoken through them as well. The narrative quickly shifts to highlight Moses’ humility, stating he was the meekest man on the face of the earth. This juxtaposition suggests that while his siblings were concerned with their own status, Moses was entirely devoid of such ego, making no attempt to defend himself against their private criticisms.
Verses 4-9: And the LORD spoke suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam: 'Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting.' And they three came out. And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth. And He said: 'Hear now My words: if there be a prophet among you, I the LORD do make Myself known unto him in a vision, I do speak with him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so; he is trusted in all My house; with him do I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD doth he behold; wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant, against Moses?' And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and He departed.
Explanation of Verses 4-9: The Divine response is immediate and dramatic. God summons the three siblings to the Tent of Meeting and descends in a pillar of cloud to address Aaron and Miriam directly. The Creator establishes a clear distinction between ordinary prophecy and the level attained by Moses. While other prophets receive messages through visions or dreams, states that require a suspension of the physical senses Moses is described as “faithful in all My house”, receiving communication “mouth to mouth” and with clarity rather than in “dark speeches” or riddles. By asking why they were not afraid to speak against such a servant, the text emphasizes that to challenge Moses’ authority was to challenge the One who commissioned him.
Verses 10-12: And when the cloud was removed from over the Tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow; and Aaron looked upon Miriam; and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses: ‘Oh my lord, lay not, I pray thee, sin upon us, for that we have done foolishly, and for that we have sinned. Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb’.
Explanation of Verses 10-12: As the Divine presence departs, the consequence of their speech becomes visible: Miriam is struck with a skin affliction described as being “white as snow”. In this tradition, such a physical manifestation is often understood as a direct response to the sin of “Lashon Hara”. Aaron, seeing his sister in this state of “walking death”, immediately turns to Moses with a plea for mercy. He acknowledges their shared foolishness and sin, showing a rapid transition from a peer challenger back to a respectful brother and petitioner. He begs that she not be left in a state of physical decay, appealing to Moses’ compassion.
Verses 13-16: And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying: 'Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.' And the LORD said unto Moses: 'If her father had but spit in her face, should she not hide in shame seven days? let her be shut up without the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.' And Miriam was shut up without the camp seven days; and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again. And afterward the people journeyed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Explanation of Verses 13-16: Moses responds to the personal attack not with resentment, but
with a brief, powerful prayer for his sister’s healing. The Almighty answers
that Miriam must undergo a period of shame and exclusion from the camp for
seven days, comparing the discipline to a father’s rebuke. Despite her
transgression, the entire nation of
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My Closing Message:
Numbers 12 serves as a timeless warning about the destructive power of envy and the misuse of speech, even among the most righteous. It underscores that leadership in a spiritual community is not a matter of personal prestige or rights, but a heavy responsibility of faithfulness. Ultimately, the chapter demonstrates the power of intercession and forgiveness, as Moses’ first recorded words in this conflict are not a defence of his own honour, but a prayer for the wellbeing of those who had wronged him.
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