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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 12:4–9. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Moses did not resent the injury done him, nor complain of it to God, nor make any appeal to him; but God resented it. He hears all we say in our passion, and is a swift witness of our hasty speeches, which is a reason why we should resolutely bridle our tongues, that we speak not ill of others, and why we should patiently stop our ears, and not take notice of it, if others speak ill of us. I heard not, for thou wilt hear, Psa 38:13-15. The more silent we are in our own cause the more is God engaged to plead it. The accused innocent needs to say little if he knows the judge himself will be his advocate.
I.The cause is called, and the parties are summoned forthwith to attend at the door of the tabernacle, Num 12:4, Num 12:5.
Moses had often shown himself jealous for God's honour, and now God showed himself jealous for his reputation; for those that honour God he will honour, nor will he ever be behind-hand with any that appear for him. Judges of old sat in the gate of the city to try causes, and so on this occasion the shechinah in the cloud of glory stood at the door of the tabernacle, and Aaron and Miriam, as delinquents, were called to the bar.
II.Aaron and Miriam were made to know that great as they were they must not pretend to be equal to Moses, nor set up as rivals with him, v. 6-8. Were they prophets of the Lord? Of Moses it might be truly said, He more.
1.It was true that God put a great deal of honour upon the prophets. However men mocked them and misused them, they were the favourites and intimates of heaven. God made himself known to them, either by dreams when they were asleep or by visions when they were awake, and by them made himself known to others. And those are happy, those are great, truly great, truly happy, to whom God makes himself known, Now he does it not by dreams and visions, as of old, but by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, who makes known those things to babes which prophets and kings desired to see and might not. Hence in the last days, the days of the Messiah, the sons and daughters are said to prophesy (Joe 2:28), because they shall be better acquainted with the mysteries of the kingdom of grace than even the prophets themselves were; see Heb 1:1, Heb 1:2.
2.Yet the honour put upon Moses was far greater (Num 12:7): My servant Moses is not so, he excels them all. To recompense Moses for his meekly and patiently bearing the affronts which Miriam and Aaron gave him, God not only cleared him, but praised him; and took that occasion to give him an encomium which remains upon record to his immortal honour; and thus shall those that are reviled and persecuted for righteousness' sake have a great reward in heaven, Christ will confess them before his Father and the holy angels.
(1.)Moses was a man of great integrity and tried fidelity. He is faithful in all my house. This is put first in his character, because grace excels gifts, love excels knowledge, and sincerity in the service of God puts a greater honour upon a man and recommends him to the divine favour more than learning, abstruse speculations, and an ability to speak with tongues. This is that part of Moses's character which the apostle quotes when he would show that Christ was greater than Moses, making it out that he was so in this chief instance of his greatness; for Moses was faithful only as a servant, but Christ as a son, Heb 3:2, Heb 3:5, Heb 3:6. God entrusted Moses to deliver his mind in all things to Israel; Israel entrusted him to treat for them with God; and he was faithful to both. He said and did every thing in the management of that great affair as became an honest good man, that aimed at nothing else but the honour of God and the welfare of Israel.
(2.)Moses was therefore honoured with clearer discoveries of God's mind, and a more intimate communion with God, than any other prophet whatsoever. He shall,
[1.]Hear more from God than any other prophet, more clearly and distinctly: With him will I speak mouth to mouth, or face to face (Exo 30:11), as a man speaks to his friend, whom he discourses with freely and familiarly, and without any confusion or consternation, such as sometimes other prophets were under; as Ezekiel, and John himself, when God spoke to them. By other prophets God sent to his people reproofs, and predictions of good or evil, which were properly enough delivered in dark speeches, figures, types, and parables; but by Moses he gave laws to his people, and the institution of holy ordinances, which could by no means be delivered by dark speeches, but must be expressed in the plainest and most intelligible manner.
[2.]He shall see more of God than any other prophet: The similitude of the Lord shall behold, as he hath seen it in Horeb, when God proclaimed his name before him. Yet he saw only the similitude of the Lord, angels and glorified saints always behold the face of our Father. Moses had the spirit of prophecy in a way peculiar to himself, and which set him far above all other prophets; yet he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he, much more does our Lord Jesus infinitely excel him, Heb 3:1, etc.
Now let Miriam and Aaron consider who it was that they insulted: Were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? Against my servant, against Moses? so it runs in the original. "How dare you abuse any servant of mine, especially such a servant as Moses, who is a friend, a confidant, and steward of the house?" How durst they speak to the grief and reproach of one whom God had so much to say in commendation of? Might they not expect that God would resent it, and take it as an affront to himself? Note, We have reason to be afraid of saying or doing any thing against the servants of God; it is at our peril if we do, for God will plead their cause, and reckon that what touches them touches the apple of his eye. It is a dangerous thing to offend Christ's little ones, Mat 18:6. Those are presumptuous indeed that are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, Pe2 2:10.
III.God, having thus shown them their fault and folly, next shows them his displeasure (Num 12:9):
The anger of the Lord was kindled against them, of which perhaps some sensible indications were given in the change of the colour of the cloud, or some flashes of lightning from it. But indeed it was indication enough of his displeasure that he departed, and would not so much as hear their excuse, for he needed not, understanding their thoughts afar off; and thus he would show that he was displeased. Note, The removal of God's presence from us is the surest and saddest token of God's displeasure against us. Woe unto us if he depart; and he never departs till we by our sin and folly drive him from us.
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Summary
Numbers 12:6 articulates God's fundamental declaration concerning the typical modes of prophetic revelation, specifically through visions and dreams. This divine pronouncement serves as a direct and authoritative response to Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' unique leadership and prophetic standing. It establishes the general rule for how the LORD typically communicates with His prophets, thereby setting a baseline against which the unparalleled, intimate, and direct nature of His relationship with Moses, detailed in the subsequent verses, will be powerfully contrasted. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty in choosing the means and recipients of His self-disclosure.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 12:6 is strategically positioned within a pivotal narrative in the book of Numbers, immediately following Miriam and Aaron's brazen challenge to Moses' divinely appointed authority and his marriage to a Cushite woman, as recorded in Numbers 12:1. Their questioning of Moses' unique prophetic status, encapsulated in the rhetorical query, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" (implied from Numbers 12:2), directly provokes God's swift and decisive intervention. The LORD Himself descends in a pillar of cloud, summoning Miriam and Aaron to the Tent of Meeting to personally address their rebellion. This verse, Numbers 12:6, serves as God's initial, general statement on prophetic communication, laying the groundwork for the profound distinction He will then make in Numbers 12:7-8, where Moses' unparalleled "mouth to mouth" communion with God is explicitly highlighted, defending his singular position as God's servant.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, dreams and visions were universally recognized and highly valued as legitimate, even primary, channels through which deities communicated with humans. Prophets, seers, and diviners across various cultures frequently claimed to receive divine messages through these altered states of consciousness. Within the Old Testament, God consistently employs dreams (e.g., to Abimelech in Genesis 20:3, to Joseph in Genesis 37:5-10, to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:1-3) and visions (e.g., to Isaiah in Isaiah 1:1, to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:1-3, to Amos in Amos 7:1-9) as authentic means of revelation. Numbers 12:6 therefore affirms that Yahweh, the God of Israel, operates within this culturally understood framework of divine communication, validating the prophetic office within Israel. However, it simultaneously prepares the audience for the subsequent, crucial revelation that Moses' access to God transcended these common modes, setting him apart from all other prophets.
Key Themes
This verse is instrumental in developing several significant themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Firstly, it profoundly addresses the theme of Divine Revelation and Communication, underscoring God's active and sovereign initiative in making His will and presence known to humanity, particularly through His chosen spokespersons, the prophets. Secondly, it reinforces God's Sovereignty in Revelation, asserting that the LORD alone determines the method and recipient of His self-disclosure; it is not a process initiated or controlled by human desire or ambition. Thirdly, and most critically, it serves as the essential backdrop for establishing Moses' Unique Authority and Relationship with God. By defining the standard prophetic experience (visions and dreams), the verse creates a powerful contrast, setting the stage for the unparalleled "mouth to mouth" communication Moses experiences (detailed in Numbers 12:8). This distinction emphatically validates Moses' divinely appointed leadership and the singular legitimacy of his role as the primary mediator of the Old Covenant.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to an individual divinely inspired to speak on behalf of God. A prophet is God's spokesperson, chosen to convey His messages, warnings, and promises to His people. The phrase "If there be a prophet among you" acknowledges the legitimate existence and function of such individuals within Israel, setting the stage for God to define the typical manner of His interaction with them.
This word denotes a direct, often waking, visual experience through which God reveals Himself or His messages. It implies a divinely granted perception, not necessarily a literal sight of God's form, but a profound spiritual insight or a divinely orchestrated mental image. It is a supernatural manifestation of divine truth, distinct from ordinary sight, serving as a primary means of revelation.
This refers to a form of divine communication received while a person is asleep. Dreams were a widely accepted and common medium in the ancient world for deities to convey warnings, instructions, or future events. In a biblical context, these are not mere subconscious meanderings but divinely inspired messages, often symbolic, requiring interpretation, as seen in the narratives of Joseph and Daniel.
Verse Breakdown
"And he said, Hear now my words:"
This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative divine summons. It signals that what follows is a direct declaration from God Himself, demanding immediate and serious attention from Miriam and Aaron, and indeed, from all of Israel, underscoring the gravity and divine weight of the pronouncement.
"If there be a prophet among you,"
This clause establishes a general premise, acknowledging the existence and role of prophets within the community of Israel. It sets the stage for a statement about the typical and standard ways in which the LORD interacts with such individuals who are called to prophetic ministry, implying a common protocol for divine communication.
"[I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision,"
This specifies the first common method of revelation. The emphatic "I the LORD" (Yahweh) highlights His sovereignty, initiative, and personal involvement in the act of self-disclosure. A "vision" denotes a divinely granted perception, often visual or mental, through which God's message or presence is made manifest to the prophet, imparting understanding.
"[and] will speak unto him in a dream."
This specifies the second common method of divine communication. "Dream" refers to communication received during sleep, where God conveys messages, warnings, or insights. Both "vision" and "dream" represent mediated forms of revelation, often requiring interpretation or a heightened state of spiritual receptivity, and are implicitly contrasted with the direct, unmediated communication Moses would experience.
Literary Devices
Numbers 12:6 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Contrast, which is implicitly established in this verse and explicitly developed in the subsequent verses. By defining the "norm" for prophetic revelation (visions and dreams), this verse creates a baseline against which Moses' unique "mouth to mouth" communication will be powerfully contrasted in Numbers 12:8. This contrast serves to elevate Moses' authority and underscore the unparalleled nature of his relationship with God. The phrase "Hear now my words" functions as an Imperative and a Command, demanding immediate and serious attention from Miriam, Aaron, and indeed, all of Israel, emphasizing the divine authority behind the declaration. Furthermore, the use of "I the LORD" (Yahweh) is a powerful form of Divine Self-Attestation, reinforcing God's identity as the sovereign speaker and the ultimate source of all revelation, thereby lending indisputable weight and authority to His pronouncement.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 12:6 is foundational for understanding the diverse nature of divine revelation in the Old Testament. It affirms that God is not a silent deity but actively communicates with humanity, choosing specific individuals—prophets—as His conduits. The methods of vision and dream underscore that God's communication is often mediated, requiring spiritual discernment and sometimes interpretation, yet it is always initiated by Him and serves His sovereign purposes. This verse sets the stage for the unique relationship God had with Moses, highlighting that while visions and dreams were common, Moses experienced an unparalleled intimacy and directness, signifying his distinct role as the mediator of the Old Covenant. This distinction is crucial for understanding the hierarchy of revelation and the unique authority God bestowed upon His chosen leaders, demonstrating His meticulous care in establishing and maintaining order within His people.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 12:6 profoundly reminds us that God is a speaking God who actively desires to make Himself known to His people. While the dramatic visions and dreams of Old Testament prophets were specific modes of revelation for a particular era and purpose, the underlying principle of God's active communication remains eternally true. For believers today, God primarily speaks with infallible authority through His inspired and inerrant written Word, the Bible, which is indeed a "more sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19). He also communicates powerfully through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture, provides guidance, convicts of sin, and empowers for righteousness (John 16:13). This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and a listening heart, to immerse ourselves deeply in God's Word, to pray for discernment, and to remain open to the various ways the Spirit might lead and speak in our lives, always testing every impression and experience against the unchanging, objective truth of Scripture. It calls us to respect God's sovereignty in how He chooses to reveal Himself and to seek Him diligently.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God still speak to people through visions and dreams today?
While the primary and most authoritative form of God's revelation for believers today is His written Word, the Bible, the Scriptures do indicate that God can and sometimes does still communicate through visions and dreams. The prophet Joel prophesied that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, and "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28). This prophecy is quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:17, suggesting its fulfillment began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and continues in the church age. Throughout church history and in contemporary global Christianity, there are numerous testimonies of believers receiving divine guidance, warnings, or encouragement through dreams and visions. However, it is crucial to always test such experiences rigorously against the infallible truth of Scripture (1 John 4:1) and to recognize that they are supplementary to, not a replacement for, the Bible's supreme authority.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 12:6, by establishing the typical modes of prophetic revelation (visions and dreams), implicitly highlights the ultimate, perfect, and final revelation found in Jesus Christ. While God graciously spoke to prophets in various forms, and even to Moses "mouth to mouth," these were all partial, preparatory, and progressive revelations. The author of Hebrews powerfully declares, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is not merely a prophet who receives visions or dreams; He is the very Logos of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who perfectly embodies and reveals the Father. He is eternally with the Father and perfectly knows Him, uniquely qualified to make Him known (John 1:18). In Christ, God's self-disclosure reaches its absolute zenith; He is the complete and final word from God to humanity, the ultimate fulfillment of all prophetic revelation. Through His incarnate life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus fully revealed God's character, His redemptive plan, and the way to eternal life, utterly surpassing all previous forms of divine communication.