Numbers 12:3

This is added as the reason why Moses took no notice of their reproach, but was one that heard it not, and why God did so speedily and severely plead Moses's cause, because he did not avenge himself. Quest.

1. Did it become Moses thus to commend himself? Answ.

1. The holy penmen of Scripture are not to be measured or censured by other profane writers, because they are guided by special instinct in every thing they write; and as they ofttimes publish their own and their near relations greatest faults, where it may be useful to the honour of God, and the edification of the church in after-ages; so it is not strange if for the same reasons sometimes they commend themselves, especially when they are forced to it by the insolence and contempt of their adversaries, which was Moses's case here, in which case St. Paul also commends himself, 2 Corinthians 11:5, &c. 2 Corinthians 12:11,12; which they might the better do, because all their writings and carriage made it evident to all men that they did not this out of vain-glory, and that they were exalted above the affectation of men's praises, and the dread of men's reproaches.

2. This might be added, as some other clauses were, by some succeeding prophet, which was no disparagement to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, seeing it is all written by one hand, though divers pens be used by it. Quest. 2: How was Moses so meek, when we oft times read of his anger, as Exodus 11:8, Exodus 16:20 32:19 Leviticus 10:16 Numbers 16:15, Numbers 20:10,11, compared with Psalms 106:32,33 ? Answ.

1. The meekest men upon earth are provoked sometimes, yea, oftener than Moses was.

2. True meekness doth not exclude all anger, but only such as is unjust, or immoderate, or implacable. Moses was and ought to be angry where God was offended and dishonoured, as he was in almost all the places alleged.