Numbers:12

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* Verse 1-9 - The patience of Moses was tried in his own family , as well as by the people . The pretence was , that he had married a foreign wife ; but probably their pride was hurt , and their envy stirred up , by his superior authority . Opposition from our near relations , and from religious friends , is most painful . But this is to be looked for , and it will be well if in such circumstances we can preserve the gentleness and meekness of Moses . Moses was thus fitted to the work he was called to . God not only cleared Moses , but praised him . Moses had the spirit of prophecy in a way which set him far above all other prophets ; yet he that is least in the kingdom of heaven , is greater than he ; and our Lord Jesus infinitely excels him , Hebrews strkjv @3:1 . Let Miriam and Aaron consider whom it was they insulted . We have reason to be afraid of saying or doing any thing against the servants of God . And those are presumptuous indeed who are not afraid to speak evil of dignities , 2Peter strkjv @2:10 . The removal of God 's presence is the surest and saddest token of God 's displeasure . Woe to us , if he depart ! he never departs , till by sin and folly we drive him from us . * Verse 10-16 - The cloud departed , and Miriam became leprous . When God goes , evil comes : expect no good when God departs . Her foul tongue , as Bishop Hall says , was justly punished with a foul face . Aaron , as priest , was judge of the leprosy . He could not pronounce her leprous without trembling , knowing himself to be equally guilty . But if she was thus punished for speaking against Moses , what will become of those who sin against Christ ? Aaron , who joined his sister in speaking against Moses , is forced for himself and his sister , to beseech him , and to speak highly of him whom he had so lately blamed . Those who trample upon the saints and servants of God , will one day be glad to make court to them . It is well when rebukes produce confession of sin and repentance . Such offenders , though corrected and disgraced , shall be pardoned . Moses made it appear , that he forgave the injury done him . To this pattern of Moses , and that of our Saviour , who said , "Father , forgive them ," we must conform . A reason is given for Miriam 's being put out of the camp for seven days ; because thus she ought to accept the punishment of her sin . When under the tokens of God 's displeasure for sin , it becomes us to take shame to ourselves . This hindered the people 's progress in their march forward towards Canaan . Many things oppose us , but nothing so hinders us in the way to heaven , as sin . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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