Miriam — Miriam seems to be first named, because she was the first mover of the sedition; wherefore she is more eminently punished. The Ethiopian — Either, Zipporah, who is here called an Ethiopian, in the Hebrew a Cushite, because she was a Midianite: the word Cush being generally used in scripture... [ Continue Reading ]
By us — Are not we prophets as well as he? so Aaron was made, Exodus 4:15, and so Miriam is called, Exodus 15:20. And Moses hath debased and mixed the holy seed, which we have not done. Why then should he take all power to himself, and make rulers as he pleaseth, without consulting us. The Lord hear... [ Continue Reading ]
Meek — This is added as the reason why Moses took no notice of their reproach, and why God did so severely plead his cause. Thus was he fitted for the work he was called to, which required all the meekness he had. And this is often more tried by the unkindness of our friends, than by the malice of o... [ Continue Reading ]
Suddenly — To stifle the beginnings of the sedition, that this example might not spread amongst the people. Come out — Out of your private dwellings, that you may know my pleasure and your own doom.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the door — While they stood without, not being admitted into the tabernacle, as Aaron used to be; a sign of God's displeasure.... [ Continue Reading ]
Among you — if you be prophets, yet know there is a difference among prophets, nor do I put equal honour upon all of them.... [ Continue Reading ]
In all my house — That is, whom I have set over all my house, my church and people, and therefore over you; and who hath discharged his office faithfully, and not partially as you falsely accuse him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mouth to mouth — That is, distinctly, by an articulate voice; immediately, not by an interpreter, nor by shadows and representations in his fancy, as it is in visions and dreams; and familiarly. Apparently — Plainly and certainly. Dark speeches — Not in parables, similitudes, dark resemblances; as b... [ Continue Reading ]
He departed — From the door of the tabernacle, in token of his great displeasure, not waiting for their answer. The removal of God's presence from us, is the saddest token of his displeasure. And he never departs, till we by our sin and folly drive him from us.... [ Continue Reading ]
From the tabernacle — Not from the whole tabernacle, but from that part, whither it was come, to that part which was directly over the mercy — seat, where it constantly abode. Leprous — She, and not Aaron, either because she was chief in the transgression or because God would not have his worship in... [ Continue Reading ]
Lay not the sin — Let not the guilt and punishment of this sin rest upon us, upon her in this kind, upon me in any other kind, but pray to God for the pardon and removal of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
As one dead — Because part of her flesh was putrefied and dead, and not to be restored but by the mighty power of God. Like a still — born child, that hath been for some time dead in the womb, which when it comes forth, is putrefied, and part of it consumed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Spit in her face — That is, expressed some eminent token of indignation and contempt, which was this, Job 30:10; Isaiah 50:6. Ashamed — And withdraw herself, from her father's presence, as Jonathan did upon a like occasion, 1 Samuel 20:34. So though God healed her according to Moses's request, yet h... [ Continue Reading ]
Journeyed not — Which was a testimony of respect to her both from God and from the people, God so ordering it, partly lest she should be overwhelmed by such a publick rebuke from God, and partly lest, she being a prophetess, the gift of prophesy should come into contempt.... [ Continue Reading ]
Paran — That is, in another part of the same wilderness.... [ Continue Reading ]