Numbers 12:2
And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
Original Language Analysis
הֲרַ֤ק
H7535
הֲרַ֤ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
אַךְ
H389
דִבֵּ֑ר
hath he not spoken
H1696
דִבֵּ֑ר
hath he not spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָֽה׃
Hath the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
Hath the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲלֹ֖א
H3808
הֲלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
דִבֵּ֑ר
hath he not spoken
H1696
דִבֵּ֑ר
hath he not spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Numbers 16:3And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?Micah 6:4For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.Isaiah 37:4It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.2 Kings 19:4It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.Numbers 11:1And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Numbers 11:29And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.2 Samuel 11:27And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Historical Context
Miriam is named first, suggesting she instigated this rebellion, which explains why she primarily bore the punishment (verse 10). As Moses' older sister who had helped preserve his life (Exodus 2:4-8), Miriam may have felt entitled to greater authority. This incident occurred during the wilderness wandering, a time of repeated rebellion against Moses' leadership. The Lord's immediate response demonstrates His commitment to defending leaders who faithfully serve Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual gifting become dangerous when coupled with pride and rejection of God's appointed authority?
- What does God's defense of Moses teach about how He views attacks on faithful leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Miriam and Aaron's challenge 'Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses?' reveals the sin of envy toward God's appointed leadership. Their question suggests they deserved equal authority since God had also spoken through them (Miriam was a prophetess, Exodus 15:20). This illustrates how spiritual pride can corrupt even those with genuine gifting, leading to rejection of God's established order. The statement 'And the LORD heard it' shows that rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself.