Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. Now the man MosesThis phrase introduces Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can denote a person of significance or authority. Moses is not just any man; he is the chosen leader of Israel, a prophet, and a mediator between God and His people. Historically, Moses is revered as the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, a pivotal event in Jewish history. His life and leadership are foundational to understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel. was very humble
The Hebrew word for "humble" is "עָנָו" (anav), which can also be translated as "meek" or "gentle." This humility is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength of character. In the biblical context, humility is often associated with a deep trust in God and a willingness to submit to His will. Moses' humility is highlighted here to contrast with the pride and rebellion of others, emphasizing that true leadership in God's kingdom is marked by humility and dependence on God. more than any man
This phrase underscores the exceptional nature of Moses' humility. The comparison "more than any man" suggests that among all people, Moses stood out for his meekness. This is significant because it sets a standard for godly leadership and character. In a world that often values power and assertiveness, the Bible elevates humility as a virtue that aligns with God's heart and purposes. on the face of the earth
The expression "on the face of the earth" is a Hebrew idiom that means "in the whole world." It emphasizes the universality and unparalleled nature of Moses' humility. This phrase serves to remind readers that God's standards transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. Moses' humility is not just a personal trait but a model for all believers, demonstrating that God's ways are higher than human ways and that His values often challenge worldly norms. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this verse, Moses is described as exceedingly humble. He is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. 2. IsraelitesThe people whom Moses is leading. They are in the wilderness, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, and are on their way to the Promised Land. 3. WildernessThe setting for this event, representing both a physical and spiritual journey for the Israelites as they learn to trust and obey God. Teaching Points The Essence of True HumilityMoses' humility is not just a personality trait but a deep-seated recognition of his dependence on God. True humility involves acknowledging our limitations and God's sovereignty. Leadership and HumilityMoses' leadership is marked by humility, which is essential for anyone in a position of authority. Humble leaders are more effective because they prioritize the needs of others and seek God's guidance. Humility as StrengthIn a world that often equates humility with weakness, Moses' example shows that humility is a source of strength. It allows us to be teachable and open to God's direction. Humility in ConflictNumbers 12:3 is set in the context of a conflict with Miriam and Aaron. Moses' humility is a model for handling disputes with grace and patience, trusting God to vindicate us. Cultivating HumilityLike Moses, we can cultivate humility by spending time in God's presence, recognizing our need for Him, and serving others selflessly. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' humility in Numbers 12:3 contrast with the attitudes of Miriam and Aaron in the surrounding verses? 2. In what ways can we cultivate humility in our own lives, following Moses' example? 3. How does Moses' humility enhance his effectiveness as a leader? Can you think of a modern example of a humble leader? 4. How does the concept of humility in Numbers 12:3 connect with the humility of Christ as described in Philippians 2:5-8? 5. Reflect on a time when humility helped you resolve a conflict. How can Moses' example guide you in future conflicts? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3-4These chapters describe Moses' initial reluctance and humility when called by God at the burning bush, highlighting his humble beginnings and dependence on God. Philippians 2:5-8This passage speaks of Christ's humility, drawing a parallel to Moses' humility as a leader who serves others selflessly. Matthew 11:29Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart," inviting believers to learn from Him, similar to how Moses exemplified humility. People Aaron, Miriam, MosesPlaces Hazeroth, Wilderness of ParanTopics Anyone, Face, Gentle, Ground, Humble, Meek, SurfaceDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 12:3 5064 spirit, emotional
5714 men
5957 strength, spiritual
7922 fellowship, with God
8164 spirituality
8276 humility
8305 meekness Numbers 12:1-11 8756 folly, examples Numbers 12:1-15 5550 speech, negative
5737 sisters Library Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaNinth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ and the Christian's Citizenship in Heaven.
Text: Philippians 3, 17-21. 17 Brethren, be ye imitators [followers] together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship [conversation] is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
The arrangements of the synagogue, as hitherto described, combined in a remarkable manner fixedness of order with liberty of the individual. Alike the seasons and the time of public services, their order, the prayers to be offered, and the portions of the law to be read were fixed. On the other hand, between the eighteen "benedictions" said on ordinary days, and the seven repeated on the Sabbaths, free prayer might be inserted; the selection from the prophets, with which the public reading concluded--the …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 12:3 NIVNumbers 12:3 NLTNumbers 12:3 ESVNumbers 12:3 NASBNumbers 12:3 KJV
Numbers 12:3 Commentaries
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