Numbers 12:8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

With him will I speak {H1696} mouth {H6310} to mouth {H6310}, even apparently {H4758}, and not in dark speeches {H2420}; and the similitude {H8544} of the LORD {H3068} shall he behold {H5027}: wherefore then were ye not afraid {H3372} to speak {H1696} against my servant {H5650} Moses {H4872}?

With him I speak face to face and clearly, not in riddles; he sees the image of ADONAI. So why weren't you afraid to criticize my servant Moshe?"

I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Jehovah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 12:8 (KJV)

Numbers 12:8 is a powerful declaration from God, directly addressing the challenge to Moses' authority by his siblings, Miriam and Aaron. This verse underscores the unique and unparalleled relationship God had with Moses, setting him apart from all other prophets.

Context

This verse is the climax of God's immediate and forceful response to Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses. They had questioned Moses' leadership and his marriage to a Cushite woman, asserting that God also spoke through them (Numbers 12:2). God, however, takes Moses' defense, summoning all three to the tabernacle. He then uses this moment to clarify the profound distinction between Moses' prophetic office and that of others.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Moses' Unique Intimacy with God: The phrase "mouth to mouth" (Hebrew: peh el peh) signifies a direct, personal, and unmediated form of communication. Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams (as mentioned in Numbers 12:6), God spoke with Moses face-to-face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11).
  • Clarity of Divine Revelation: God emphasizes "even apparently, and not in dark speeches." The word "apparently" (Hebrew: mareh) means "sight" or "clear manifestation," implying that the revelation given to Moses was lucid and direct, without riddles or obscure metaphors. This contrasts sharply with the "dark speeches" (Hebrew: b'chidot), which refers to ambiguous or enigmatic sayings.
  • Beholding God's "Similitude": "And the similitude of the LORD shall he behold" is a profound statement. "Similitude" (Hebrew: t'munat Yahweh) refers to a form, likeness, or image. While no one can see God's full glory and live, this suggests Moses was granted an extraordinary, direct perception or manifestation of God's presence, perhaps in a tangible or visible form, far beyond mere symbolic representation. This extraordinary privilege underscored his unique role.
  • Reverence for God's Chosen Leaders: The concluding rhetorical question, "wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?", serves as a stern rebuke. It highlights the gravity of disrespecting those whom God has specifically appointed and intimately connected with. God Himself defends His anointed, warning against slander and rebellion against His chosen ones.

Practical Application

Numbers 12:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for God-Given Authority: While leaders are fallible, this passage reminds us of the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in positions of spiritual authority. Criticism should be handled with prayer, humility, and proper channels, rather than open rebellion or gossip.
  • Caution Against Slander: The severe consequences faced by Miriam (leprosy) serve as a powerful warning against speaking ill of others, especially those in leadership. God takes seriously attacks against His servants.
  • Appreciation for Divine Communication: This verse deepens our understanding of the various ways God reveals Himself. While we may not experience "mouth to mouth" communication like Moses, God still speaks clearly through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and various means to guide and direct us.

The unique relationship Moses had with God, as described in Numbers 12:8, solidified his position as the supreme prophet and leader of Israel, chosen directly by God for a monumental task.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 34:10 (14 votes)

    And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,

  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 (10 votes)

    For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

  • Exodus 33:23 (7 votes)

    And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

  • Exodus 33:11 (7 votes)

    And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

  • Luke 10:16 (7 votes)

    He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

  • Exodus 24:10 (6 votes)

    And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

  • Exodus 24:11 (6 votes)

    And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.