1. locutaque est Maria et Aaron contra Mosen propter uxorem ejus æthiopissam
2. et dixerunt num per solum Mosen locutus est Dominus nonne et nobis similiter est locutus quod cum audisset Dominus
3. erat enim Moses vir mitissimus super omnes homines qui morabantur in terra
4. statim locutus est ad eum et ad Aaron et Mariam egredimini vos tantum tres ad tabernaculum fœderis cumque fuissent egressi
5. descendit Dominus in columna nubis et stetit in introitu tabernaculi vocans Aaron et Mariam qui cum issent
6. dixit ad eos audite sermones meos si quis fuerit inter vos propheta Domini in visione apparebo ei vel per somnium loquar ad illum
7. at non talis servus meus Moses qui in omni domo mea fidelissimus est
8. ore enim ad os loquor ei et palam non per enigmata et figuras Dominum videt quare igitur non timuistis detrahere servo meo Mosi
9. iratusque contra eos abiit
10. nubes quoque recessit quæ erat super tabernaculum et ecce Maria apparuit candens lepra quasi nix cumque respexisset eam Aaron et vidisset perfusam lepra
11. ait ad Mosen obsecro domine mi ne inponas nobis hoc peccatum quod stulte commisimus
12. ne fiat hæc quasi mortua et ut abortivum quod proicitur de vulva matris suæ ecce jam medium carnis ejus devoratum est lepra
13. clamavitque Moses ad Dominum dicens Deus obsecro sana eam
14. cui respondit Dominus si pater ejus spuisset in faciem illius nonne debuerat saltem septem dierum rubore suffundi separetur septem diebus extra castra et postea revocabitur
15. exclusa est itaque Maria extra castra septem diebus et populus non est motus de loco illo donec revocata est Maria
Footnotes:
12:1-2 - Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses because of his Cushite wife and question his authority. This reflects the human tendency toward jealousy and power struggles, even among those called by God (see also James 3:16 and 1 Timothy 5:19).
12:3 - The description of Moses as the humblest man on earth underscores the importance of humility in spiritual leadership. Moses serves as an example of total dependence on God despite criticism (see also Matthew 11:29 and Philippians 2:3-4).
12:5-8 - God defends Moses, affirming his uniqueness as a prophet to whom He speaks directly. This highlights Moses' distinctiveness and the seriousness of questioning established divine authority (see also Hebrews 3:5-6 and Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
12:9-10 - Miriam is struck with leprosy as punishment for her rebellion. This shows that God takes disloyalty and defiance of His authority seriously, but He also provides an opportunity for repentance (see also 2 Kings 5:27 and Deuteronomy 28:27).
12:13-15 - Moses intercedes for Miriam, and God heals her after seven days outside the camp. This demonstrates the power of intercession and Moses' compassionate heart, and it also underscores the value of forgiveness and restoration (see also James 5:15-16 and 1 John 1:9).
Verses related to Liber Numeri, 12:
Numbers chapter 12 reports the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron. How does God defend His chosen leaders? This crucial text chronicles the family conflict involving Moses, highlighting his unique humility and God's zeal for His delegated authority. The chapter culminates with divine judgment on Miriam and the merciful intercession of Moses. Numbers 12 addresses themes such as envy, humility, and the serious consequences of murmuring against God's appointed leaders. Examine with us five biblical passages that relate to this powerful chapter’s themes of authority and humility.
Exodus 33:11: "The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, like someone talking to their friend. Then Moses returned to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua, son of Nun, did not leave the tent." - This verse reaffirms Moses' unique position as a prophet, a central theme in Numbers 12.
Deuteronomy 24:9: "Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way after you left Egypt." - This passage directly references the events of Numbers 12, where Miriam is punished with leprosy.
Micah 6:4: "I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; I sent Moses to guide him, and also Aaron and Miriam." - Micah mentions Moses, Aaron, and Miriam together, reflecting their joint leadership described in Numbers 12.
Hebrews 3:2: "He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all the house of God." - This passage echoes God's statement about Moses' faithfulness in Numbers 12:7.
James 4:11: "Brothers, do not speak ill of each other. Whoever speaks against his brother or judges his brother speaks against the Law and judges it. When you judge the Law, you are not fulfilling it, but you are placing yourself as a judge." - This verse reflects the theme of Numbers 12, where Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses.
FAQ:
Why did Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses?
Miriam and Aaron spoke out against Moses out of jealousy, questioning his leadership role, which resulted in Miriam being punished with leprosy. (Numbers 12:1-10)
How did God defend Moses against the accusations of Miriam and Aaron?
God defended Moses, stating that he was the most faithful servant and the only one with whom He spoke face to face, showing His special closeness to Moses. (Numbers 12:6-8)
What happened to Miriam after she was punished with leprosy?
After Moses’ intervention in prayer, Miriam was healed, but she had to stay away from the camp for seven days before being reinstated. (Numbers 12:10-15)
What was Moses' response to Miriam's punishment?
Moses interceded for Miriam, asking God to heal her, showing compassion even in the face of personal offenses. (Numbers 12:13)
What do we learn about humility and leadership from Numbers 12?
Numbers 12 teaches about Moses' humility as a leader and the importance of trusting God's calling without jealousy or rebellion. (Numbers 12:3-8)
