So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departed. So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departedSo the anger of the LORDThe phrase "the anger of the LORD" is a powerful depiction of God's righteous indignation. In Hebrew, the word for anger is "אַף" (aph), which can also mean "nostril" or "face," suggesting a vivid image of God's wrath as something that is deeply personal and intense. This anger is not capricious but is a response to sin and rebellion, in this case, the challenge to Moses' unique leadership by Miriam and Aaron. Theologically, it underscores God's holiness and justice, reminding us that He cannot tolerate sin and disobedience. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was paramount. burned against them
The imagery of burning conveys a consuming, purifying force. In Hebrew, "burned" is "חָרָה" (charah), which implies a kindling or igniting of anger. This is not a passive displeasure but an active, dynamic response. Theologically, it serves as a warning of the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders and His divine order. It also reflects the seriousness with which God views the unity and sanctity of His chosen people. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. and He departed
The departure of the LORD signifies a withdrawal of His presence and favor. In the Hebrew context, God's presence was central to the identity and success of Israel. The verb "departed" (יָצָא, yatsa) indicates a physical and spiritual separation. This is a profound moment, as God's presence was the source of guidance, protection, and blessing for Israel. Theologically, it highlights the consequences of sin, which creates a barrier between humanity and God. It serves as a call to repentance and restoration, emphasizing the need for humility and obedience to maintain a close relationship with the Divine. Historically, this would have been a terrifying prospect for the Israelites, who relied on God's presence for their survival and prosperity. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Numbers, Moses is God's chosen leader for the Israelites. In this chapter, he is the subject of criticism from his siblings, Miriam and Aaron. 2. MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, she plays a significant role in this event by speaking against Moses, which leads to God's anger. 3. AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, he joins Miriam in criticizing Moses, which incurs God's wrath. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who responds to the criticism against Moses with righteous anger. 5. The Tent of MeetingThe place where God communicates with Moses and where the divine presence is manifested. It is here that God expresses His anger. Teaching Points God's Righteous AngerGod's anger is not arbitrary but is a response to sin and rebellion. Understanding His holiness helps us appreciate the seriousness of disobedience. Respect for God’s Appointed LeadersMiriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses serves as a warning against speaking against those whom God has chosen to lead. The Consequences of SinThe departure of God's presence signifies the serious consequences of sin, reminding us of the need for repentance and obedience. The Importance of HumilityMoses' humility is highlighted in contrast to the pride of Miriam and Aaron, teaching us the value of humility before God. God’s Mercy and JusticeWhile God’s anger is evident, His actions also reflect His justice and mercy, as He later restores Miriam after her punishment. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the anger of the LORD in Numbers 12:9 reflect His character and expectations for His people? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we respect and support the leaders God has placed in our lives, as seen in the context of Numbers 12? 3. How does the departure of God's presence in this verse serve as a warning for us today regarding our relationship with Him? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' response to the criticism from Miriam and Aaron, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives? 5. How do the events in Numbers 12:9 connect with other instances of God's anger in the Bible, and what do these connections teach us about His nature? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:14This verse shows another instance of God's anger, providing context for His response to disobedience and lack of faith. Deuteronomy 9:20This passage highlights God's anger with Aaron, offering a parallel to the event in Numbers 12. Psalm 106:32-33These verses reflect on the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, similar to the situation in Numbers 12. Hebrews 3:5This New Testament reference underscores Moses' faithfulness in God's house, contrasting with the rebellion of others. People Aaron, Miriam, MosesPlaces Hazeroth, Wilderness of ParanTopics Anger, Burned, Burneth, Burning, Departed, Kindled, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 12:9 6218 provoking God Numbers 12:1-11 8756 folly, examples Numbers 12:1-15 5550 speech, negative
5737 sisters Numbers 12:5-10 1454 theophany 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 12:9 NIVNumbers 12:9 NLTNumbers 12:9 ESVNumbers 12:9 NASBNumbers 12:9 KJV
Numbers 12:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
