Does the LORD speak only through Moses?This question arises from a moment of jealousy and challenge to Moses' unique leadership role. Miriam and Aaron, Moses' siblings, question his exclusive prophetic authority. In the broader biblical context, Moses is established as God's chosen leader to deliver Israel from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai (
Exodus 3:10, 19:3-6). This challenge reflects a misunderstanding of Moses' unique relationship with God, which is later affirmed in
Numbers 12:6-8, where God clarifies that Moses is unlike any other prophet, speaking with God face to face. The question also highlights the human tendency to question divinely appointed leadership, a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as in Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16).
they said.
The plural pronoun "they" refers to Miriam and Aaron, indicating a united front in their challenge against Moses. This familial conflict is significant, as it involves those closest to Moses, suggesting that even within a family, divine roles and callings can be sources of tension. The narrative underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God's chosen leaders, regardless of personal relationships or ambitions.
Does He not also speak through us?
Miriam and Aaron assert their own prophetic roles, which is not entirely unfounded. Aaron, as the high priest, and Miriam, identified as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20), both have significant roles in Israel's spiritual life. However, their roles do not equate to the unique position Moses holds. This statement reflects a broader biblical theme of God using various individuals for His purposes, yet assigning different roles and responsibilities. The New Testament echoes this in passages like1 Corinthians 12, which discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts and roles within the body of Christ.
And the LORD heard this.
This phrase indicates God's awareness and involvement in the situation. It serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His active role in the affairs of His people. Theologically, it underscores the principle that God hears and responds to the words and actions of His people, whether in faithfulness or rebellion. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in passages likePsalm 94:9, which affirms that God hears and sees all. The subsequent divine response inNumbers 12:4-10 demonstrates God's defense of His chosen servant and the seriousness with which He regards challenges to His appointed leadership.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe central figure in the Book of Numbers, Moses is God's chosen leader for the Israelites. He is known for his humility and close relationship with God.
2.
MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, Miriam is a prophetess and a leader among the women of Israel. Her role in this event highlights issues of pride and jealousy.
3.
AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, Aaron serves as the high priest. His involvement in this event shows his susceptibility to peer pressure and familial loyalty.
4.
The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who hears the complaints and responds to the challenge against His chosen leader, Moses.
5.
The Tent of MeetingThe place where God communicates with Moses, symbolizing His presence among the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride and JealousyMiriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' authority stems from pride and jealousy. Believers must guard against these sins, recognizing that God appoints leaders according to His will.
God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses whom He will speak through and lead His people. We must trust His decisions and support those He has placed in authority.
The Importance of HumilityMoses is described as very humble, more than any other person on earth (
Numbers 12:3). Humility is a key characteristic for those in leadership and for all believers.
God Hears and RespondsThe LORD hears the complaints of Miriam and Aaron, reminding us that God is aware of our words and attitudes. We should speak and act with reverence and respect.
The Role of AccountabilityMiriam and Aaron are held accountable for their words against Moses. Believers should be mindful of their words and actions, knowing they will be accountable to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 12:2?
2.How does Numbers 12:2 reveal the dangers of pride and jealousy in leadership?
3.What lessons can we learn from Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' authority?
4.How does Numbers 12:2 connect with God's selection of leaders in 1 Samuel 16:7?
5.How can we guard against questioning God's chosen leaders in our church today?
6.What steps can we take to ensure our motives align with God's will?
7.Why did Miriam and Aaron question Moses' authority in Numbers 12:2?
8.How does Numbers 12:2 challenge the concept of divine selection of leaders?
9.What does Numbers 12:2 reveal about sibling rivalry in biblical narratives?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12?
11.Does the strict tribal arrangement in Numbers 2 align with known nomadic practices from the same era, or does it suggest an anachronistic editorial insertion?
12.What is the Bible's stance on interracial marriage?
13.What is the Bible's perspective on black people?
14.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 Does Numbers 12:2 Mean
“Does the LORD speak only through Moses?”• The challenge from Miriam and Aaron centers on God’s chosen channel of revelation. From the burning bush onward, the LORD had spoken to Moses “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).
•Exodus 3:10–12 and 19:3–6 show God giving Moses words for the entire nation, underscoring a unique prophetic office.
•Deuteronomy 34:10 affirms, “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”
•Hebrews 3:5–6 compares Moses’ faithfulness over God’s house with Christ’s supremacy, but still treats Moses’ role as unparalleled among Old Testament servants.
• By asking this question, Miriam and Aaron implicitly question God’s order, not just Moses’ position. It is more than sibling rivalry; it is a challenge to divine appointment.
“Does He not also speak through us?”• Miriam had already prophesied (Exodus 15:20), and Aaron had spoken for Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–2). Their ministries were valid, yet distinct.
• God does speak through others: seeNumbers 11:24–29 where the seventy elders prophesied, and later prophets such as Samuel (1 Samuel 3:19–21).
• The issue is not whether God can speak through many, but whether anyone may self-promote to equal authority with the one God explicitly placed over Israel.
•1 Corinthians 12:29–30 reminds believers that different gifts serve one body; not all are apostles or prophets in the same sense or rank.
• Pride and comparison lie beneath the surface (cf.James 3:16).Numbers 12:3 highlights Moses’ humility, contrasting sharply with Miriam and Aaron’s self-assertion.
“And the LORD heard this.”• Nothing escapes God’s notice: “He who planted the ear, does He not hear?” (Psalm 94:9).
•Psalm 139:4 says, “Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.”
• God’s immediate response (Numbers 12:4–10) shows He defends His chosen servants and upholds His order. Miriam’s leprosy underscores the seriousness of challenging divine authority.
•Malachi 3:16 assures that God listens both to words of honor and to words of dishonor. Accountability is certain; hidden murmurs are fully exposed before Him.
summaryMiriam and Aaron’s questions reveal a deeper heart issue: dissatisfaction with God’s arrangement and envy of Moses’ unique role. Scripture affirms that while God speaks through many, He sovereignly assigns differing levels of authority. Moses’ prophetic office was singular, divinely authenticated, and not to be rivaled by self-promotion. God heard the complaint, judged it, and thereby reaffirmed His established leadership and the necessity of humility among His people.
(2)
Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses?--There is probably a reference in these words to the facts related in
Exodus 4:10-16, where Moses speaks of his own slowness of speech (
Numbers 12:10), and where it is said of Aaron, "And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people" (
Numbers 12:16). Miriam also is spoken of in
Exodus 15:20 as "the prophetess." "Such is the depravity of human nature," writes Calvin, "that they not only abuse the gifts of God towards the brother whom they despise, but by an ungodly and sacrilegious glorification extol the gifts themselves in such a manner as to hide the Author of the gifts."
Verse 2. -
Andthey said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? This is evidently not the "speaking against Moses" mentioned in the previous verse, for that is distinctly said to have been on the score of Moses' marriage. This is their justification of themselves for daring to dispute his judgment and arraign his proceedings; a thing which clearly required justification. Moses himself, or more likely others for him, had remonstrated with them on the language they were using. They retorted that Moses had no monopoly of Divine communications; Aaron also received the revelation of God by Urim and Thummim, and Miriam was a prophetess. They were acknowledged in a general sense as sharing with him the leadership of Israel (see
Micah 6:4); upon this they meant to found a claim to coordinate authority. They would have had perhaps all matters settled in a family council in which they should have had an equal voice. It was hard for them both to forget that Moses was only their younger brother: for Miriam that she had saved his
life as an infant; for Aaron that he had been as prominent as Moses in the original commission from God to the people.
And the Lord heard it. In one sense he hears everything; in another sense there are many things which he does not choose to hear, because he does not wish to take judicial notice of them. Thus he had not "heard" the passionate complaints of Moses himself a short time before, because his will was then to pardon, not to punish (cf.
Isaiah 42:19;
Malachi 3:16).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Does the LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelspeakדִּבֶּ֣ר(dib·ber)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueonlyהֲרַ֤ק(hă·raq)Adverb
Strong's 7535:But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, neverthelessthrough Moses?”בְּמֹשֶׁה֙(bə·mō·šeh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverthey said.וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ(way·yō·mə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Does He notהֲלֹ֖א(hă·lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noalsoגַּם־(gam-)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andspeakדִבֵּ֑ר(ḏib·bêr)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethrough us?”בָּ֣נוּ(bā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's HebrewAnd the LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelheard this.וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently
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OT Law: Numbers 12:2 They said Has Yahweh indeed spoken only (Nu Num.) 
