New International VersionMiriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite.
New Living TranslationWhile they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman.
English Standard VersionMiriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.
Berean Standard BibleThen Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.
King James BibleAnd Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
New King James VersionThen Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
New American Standard BibleThen Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
NASB 1995Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
NASB 1977Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
Legacy Standard BibleThen Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had taken as a wife (for he had taken a Cushite woman);
Amplified BibleNow Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
Christian Standard BibleMiriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman).
Holman Christian Standard BibleMiriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married (for he had married a Cushite woman).
American Standard VersionAnd Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.
English Revised VersionAnd Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married: for he had married a Cushite woman.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMiriam and Aaron began to criticize Moses because he was married to a woman from Sudan.
Good News TranslationMoses had married a Cushite woman, and Miriam and Aaron criticized him for it.
International Standard VersionMiriam and Aaron rebelled against Moses on account of the Cushite woman that he had married.
NET BibleThen Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married (for he had married an Ethiopian woman).
New Heart English BibleMiriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married: for he had married a Cushite woman. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.
World English BibleMiriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Miriam speaks—Aaron also—against Moses concerning the circumstance of the Cushite woman whom he had taken, for he had taken a Cushite woman;
Young's Literal Translation And Miriam speaketh -- Aaron also -- against Moses concerning the circumstance of the Cushite woman whom he had taken: for a Cushite woman he had taken;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Miriam and Aaron will speak against Moses on account of the Ethiopian woman which he took: for he took an Ethiopian woman. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Mary and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of his wife the Ethiopian,
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of his wife, an Ethiopian,
New American BibleMiriam and Aaron spoke against Moses on the pretext of the Cushite woman he had married; for he had in fact married a Cushite woman.
New Revised Standard VersionWhile they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had indeed married a Cushite woman); Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAND Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Maryam and Ahron spoke with Moshe on the matter of an Ethiopian woman whom he took because he had taken an Ethiopian woman. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Mariam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of the Ethiopian woman whom Moses took; for he had taken an Ethiopian woman.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron1Then Miriamand AaroncriticizedMosesbecause ofthe Cushitewomanhe had married,forhe had takena Cushitewife.2“Does the LORD speak only through Moses?” they said. “Does He not also speak through us?” And the LORD heard this.…
Cross References Exodus 2:21Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
Exodus 18:2After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
Deuteronomy 24:9Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.
2 Kings 5:27Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
2 Chronicles 26:19-21Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. / When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. / So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land.
Genesis 16:1-3Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. / So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife.
Genesis 21:9-12But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, / and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” / Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. ...
Genesis 25:1-4Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, / and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. / Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. ...
Genesis 41:45Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt.
Leviticus 13:10The priest will examine him, and if there is a white swelling on the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling,
Leviticus 13:46As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.
Matthew 8:2-4Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 10:3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Mark 1:40-45Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. ...
Luke 4:27And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
Treasury of Scripture And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. Miriam Matthew 10:36 And a man's foesshall be they of his own household. Matthew 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? John 7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. Ethiopian or Cushite Exodus 2:16,21 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drewwater, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock… married. Genesis 24:3,37 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: … Genesis 26:34,35 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: … Genesis 27:46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as thesewhich are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? Jump to Previous AaronCircumstanceCushiteEthiopianEvilSpeakethTalkWifeJump to Next AaronCircumstanceCushiteEthiopianEvilSpeakethTalkWifeNumbers 12 1.God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron11.Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses14.God commands her to be shut out of the host16.The people encamp in the desert of ParanThen Miriam and Aaron criticized MosesMiriam and Aaron, siblings of Moses, held significant roles among the Israelites. Miriam was a prophetess ( Exodus 15:20), and Aaron was the high priest ( Exodus 28:1). Their criticism of Moses highlights a moment of familial and leadership tension. This incident reflects the human tendency towards jealousy and rivalry, even among those chosen by God for leadership. It also underscores the challenges Moses faced, not only from the people but from his own family. This criticism can be seen as a challenge to Moses' unique relationship with God, which is later addressed by God Himself ( Numbers 12:6-8). because of the Cushite woman he had married The identity of the Cushite woman is debated. Cush typically refers to a region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. This suggests that Moses' wife was of African descent, which may have been a point of contention due to ethnic and cultural differences. Some scholars propose that this woman could be Zipporah, Moses' Midianite wife (Exodus 2:21), suggesting that "Cushite" might refer to her appearance or a different aspect of her identity. The mention of her ethnicity highlights issues of racial and cultural acceptance, which are still relevant today. for he had taken a Cushite wife The repetition emphasizes the reason for Miriam and Aaron's criticism. It suggests that their issue was not just with Moses' leadership but specifically with his marriage to a foreign woman. This reflects broader themes in the Old Testament regarding intermarriage with non-Israelites, which was often discouraged to prevent idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). However, Moses' marriage to a Cushite woman also prefigures the inclusive nature of God's covenant, which ultimately extends to all nations through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28). This incident serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and His broader plan for humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who played a significant role in the Exodus account. Her criticism of Moses in this passage marks a pivotal moment in her relationship with God and her brothers. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, the first high priest of Israel. He joins Miriam in criticizing Moses, which leads to significant consequences. 3. MosesThe central figure in the Exodus account, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His leadership and relationship with God are challenged by his siblings in this passage. 4. Cushite WomanThe wife of Moses, whose identity sparks the criticism from Miriam and Aaron. The term "Cushite" refers to a person from Cush, a region often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. 5. Criticism EventThe act of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses, which sets the stage for God's response and the subsequent lessons on leadership and humility. Teaching Points The Danger of CriticismCriticizing God's chosen leaders can lead to serious consequences. We must be cautious in our judgments and seek to understand God's purposes. The Importance of HumilityMoses' humility is highlighted in contrast to Miriam and Aaron's pride. True leadership is marked by humility and reliance on God. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses leaders according to His purposes, not human preferences. We should trust His wisdom and support those He appoints. Unity Among BelieversDiscord among God's people can hinder His work. We must strive for unity and peace within the body of Christ. The Role of Family in MinistryFamily dynamics can impact ministry. It's important to maintain healthy relationships and address conflicts biblically. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12
Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming discontent over Moses’s Cushite wife (Numbers 12:1), and why would such a marriage provoke divine anger?
What was the appearance of biblical people?
Why does Numbers 12:1–2 single out Miriam for punishment while Aaron seems to escape similar consequences for the same complaint?
How does Numbers 12:10’s sudden, miraculous onset of leprosy align with medical understanding of the disease’s gradual development?XII. (1)And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses.--Miriam appears to have been the leader in this insurrection against the authority of Moses. Her name occurs before that of Aaron, either as the nearer or as the more prominent subject; and the verb which is rendered "spake" is in the feminine gender. Moreover, the judgment which was inflicted (Numbers 12:10) fell upon Miriam, not upon Aaron. who seems to have yielded to the suggestions of Miriam, as he had previously done to the request of the Israelites in regard to the golden calf. Because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married.--Some suppose that the reference is to Zipporah, who may have been included amongst the Asiatic division of the Ethiopians, or Cushites (comp.Habakkuk 3:7, where the tents of Cushan, or Cush, are coupled with the curtains of Midian), and that the occasion of the opposition to Moses was the undue influence which he is supposed to have allowed Hobab and other members of Zipporah's family to exercise over him. This supposition, however, seems improbable on many accounts. The words, "for he had married an Ethiopian (or Cushite) woman," naturally point to some recent occurrence, not to one which had taken place more than forty years previously, and which is, therefore, very unlikely to have given occasion to the murmuring of Miriam and Aaron at this time. Moreover, the murmuring is expressly connected with the Cushite herself, not with any of the subsequent or incidental results of the marriage. It seems, therefore, much more probable that Zipporah was dead, and that Moses had married one of the African Cushites who had accompanied the Israelites in their march out of Egypt, or one of the Cushites who dwelt in Arabia, and who were found at this time in the neighbourhood of Sinai. A similar marriage had been contracted by Joseph, and such marriages were not forbidden by the Law, which prohibited marriage with the Canaanites (Exodus 34:16). Verse 1. - And Miriamand Aaron spake against Moses. While the people were encamped at Hazeroth (see verse 16), and therefore probably very soon after the events of the last chapter. That Miriam's was the moving spirit in the matter is sufficiently evident, (1) because her name stands first; (2) because the verb "spake" is in the feminine (יַתְּדַבֵּר, "and she said"); (3) because the ground of annoyance was a peculiarly feminine one, amesalliance; . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Miriamמִרְיָ֤ם(mir·yām)Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4813:Miriam -- a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judahand Aaronוְאַהֲרֹן֙(wə·’a·hă·rōn)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosescriticizedוַתְּדַבֵּ֨ר(wat·tə·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueMosesבְּמֹשֶׁ֔ה(bə·mō·šeh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverbecause ofעַל־(‘al-)Preposition Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe Cushiteהַכֻּשִׁ֖ית(hak·ku·šîṯ)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3569:Cushite -- descendant of Cushwomanהָאִשָּׁ֥ה(hā·’iš·šāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalehe had married,לָקָ֑ח(lā·qāḥ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947:To takeforכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe had takenלָקָֽח׃(lā·qāḥ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947:To takea Cushiteכֻשִׁ֖ית(ḵu·šîṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3569:Cushite -- descendant of Cushwife.אִשָּׁ֥ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802:Woman, wife, female
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OT Law: Numbers 12:1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because (Nu Num.) |