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Numbers 12:3
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Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the man Moses was very meek - How could Moses, who certainly was as humble and modest as he was meek, write this encomium upon himself? I think the word is not rightly understood; ענו anav, which we translate meek, comes from ענה anah, to act upon, to humble, depress, afflict, and is translated so in many places in the Old Testament; and in this sense it should be understood here: "Now this man Moses was depressed or afflicted more than any man האדמה haadamah, of that land." And why was he so? Because of the great burden he had to bear in the care and government of this people, and because of their ingratitude and rebellion both against God and himself: of this depression and affliction, see the fullest proof in the preceding chapter, Numbers 11 (note). The very power they envied was oppressive to its possessor, and was more than either of their shoulders could sustain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the man Moses was very meek-- (Exo 14:13; Exo 32:12-13; Num 14:13; Num 21:7; Deu 9:18). This observation might have been made to account for Moses taking no notice of their angry reproaches and for God's interposing so speedily for the vindication of His servant's cause. The circumstance of Moses recording an eulogium on a distinguishing excellence of his own character is not without a parallel among the sacred writers, when forced to it by the insolence and contempt of opponents (Co2 11:5; Co2 12:11-12). But it is not improbable that, as this verse appears to be a parenthesis, it may have been inserted as a gloss by Ezra or some later prophet. Others, instead of "very meek," suggest "very afflicted," as the proper rendering.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the man Moses was very meek,.... So that they might say anything against him, and he not be affronted, nor resent any injury; and this therefore is introduced as a reason why the Lord undertook the cause, and vindicated him, resenting the obloquies of Miriam and Aaron against him; because he knew he was so exceeding meek, that he himself would pass it by without taking notice of it, though he might hear it: hence the Targum of Jonathan"and he cared not for their words;''they gave him no concern or uneasiness, so meek, mild, and gentle was he: and this is to be considered; not as a self-commendation of Moses, but as a testimony of his character by God himself, by whom he was inspired in writing it; though it is possible this might be added by another hand, Joshua or Ezra, under the same direction and inspiration of the Spirit of God; who chose that such a character of Moses should stand here, in opposition to the calumnies cast upon him, and as giving a reason why not he himself, but the Lord, appeared in his vindication, he being so meek and lowly, as is said of his antitype, and by himself, Mat 11:29, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth; being seldom angry, and when he was, it was generally, if not always, when the honour of God was concerned, and not on account of his own person and character; though it must not be said of him that he was perfect in this respect, or free from passion, or from blame at any time on account of it, but, when compared with others, he was the meekest man that ever lived; whereby he became the fittest person to have to do with such a peevish, perverse, and rebellious people as the Israelites were, whom no other man could well have bore with.
Numbers 12:3
The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron
2“Does the LORD speak only through Moses?” they said. “Does He not also speak through us?” And the LORD heard this.3Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Moses, God's Servant: Last 40 Years
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:02:51MosesEXO 3:2EXO 4:1NUM 12:3PRO 29:18MAT 22:14JHN 15:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Moses and the lessons he had to learn before being used by God. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness, where he had to learn about himself and about God. Eventually, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, symbolizing the need for vision in serving the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation before being used by God, using the example of Moses and even Jesus, who was prepared for thirty years before his ministry began. The sermon also highlights the work that God commissioned Moses to do, including delivering the Israelites from Egypt and receiving the law and the pattern for the tabernacle. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize their own strengths and talents as tools for serving God, but to also rely on Him and be willing to be consumed and purified by His presence.
Old Testament Survey - Part 20
By Dick Woodward55927:33NUM 11:14NUM 12:3NUM 12:6NUM 20:12NUM 22:28This sermon delves into the book of Numbers, focusing on the greatness, meekness, and intimate relationship of Moses with God. It explores the concept of meekness, Moses' sin that prevented him from entering the promised land, and the burnout experienced by great biblical figures. The sermon also highlights the unconventional way God used a donkey to deliver a message, emphasizing the importance of availability over ability in serving God.
Studies in the Psalms 05 Handfuls From God
By Neil Fraser51546:00LEV 2:1NUM 12:31KI 17:10MAT 5:23MAT 14:20JHN 3:172CO 7:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their 45 years of full-time service for the Lord, emphasizing that they have never asked people for money. They highlight the idea that accumulating riches is detrimental and that God often uses the poor to meet their needs. The speaker then references the story of Elijah and the widow, where God miraculously provides for her through a handful of corn and a little oil. They connect this story to Psalm 72, which describes the glory and blessing that will come upon the earth during the millennial reign of the king's son. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will sustain and provide for His people until the day He sends rain upon the earth.
Those to Whom God Gives Revelation
By Zac Poonen44716:08NUM 12:3PSA 103:7MAT 27:43PHP 3:8HEB 11:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God, drawing parallels between Moses' deep understanding of God's ways and the need for humility to receive divine insight. It highlights how revelation transforms one's perspective on honor, sin, and wealth, leading to a radical shift in priorities and a deeper relationship with God. The message underscores the significance of humility in receiving spiritual enlightenment and urges believers to continually seek deeper revelation from God.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 173
By Don Courville29825:35Radio ShowGEN 4:8GEN 5:24GEN 5:27GEN 6:14NUM 12:3PRO 14:34JER 44:4MAT 11:28JHN 3:3ACT 7:59In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for individuals, families, churches, and communities to turn back to God and bring about a revival. He encourages listeners to approach their city fathers and local authorities to address the violation of God's principles in their communities. The speaker highlights the importance of repentance and acknowledges that America is in a desperate situation due to turning away from God and accepting unbiblical teachings and doctrines. He shares a powerful story of a man who was protected by God in battle, illustrating the significance of American history intertwined with faith.
A Very Little Worm
By Thomas Brooks0Assurance in GodHumilityGEN 18:27GEN 32:10NUM 12:3JOB 42:6PSA 22:6ISA 66:2EPH 3:8PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in God is accompanied by profound humility, as demonstrated by biblical figures like David, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, and Paul. Each of these individuals, despite their close relationship with God, recognized their insignificance and unworthiness, illustrating that genuine assurance does not lead to pride but rather to a humble acknowledgment of one's smallness before God. Brooks warns against the delusion of presumption, which inflates one's self-worth and leads to spiritual pride, contrasting it with the humility that comes from a true understanding of God's grace.
The Making of a Prophet
By T. Austin-Sparks0Prophetic MinistryIdentity in ChristGEN 3:24EXO 4:10NUM 11:14NUM 12:3DEU 18:151SA 8:51SA 15:23ACT 7:222CO 1:92CO 2:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolism of the Cherubim and the life of Moses, highlighting that true prophets are shaped by their experiences and must undergo a process of self-emptying to embody God's thoughts. Sparks argues that the identity of the prophet is inseparable from their message, and that genuine prophetic ministry arises from a deep, personal relationship with God, rather than academic training. He stresses the importance of humility and the necessity for prophets to be molded by their trials, ultimately becoming living expressions of God's truth. The sermon concludes with the idea that prophetic ministry is a life lived in alignment with God's will, rather than a set of teachings or doctrines.
Blessed Are the Meek
By Anton Bosch0NUM 12:3ISA 53:7MAT 5:5MAT 11:12MAT 11:29MAT 21:5MAT 27:14JHN 19:11ACT 26:141PE 2:23Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of meekness in Christianity, contrasting it with the aggressive nature often emphasized in modern beliefs. Meekness, as exemplified by Jesus, is not weakness but strength under God's control, surrendering to the Father's will without asserting oneself. True meekness is understanding that God is sovereign in our lives, guiding us through situations and people as tools in His hands. Learning meekness from Jesus brings rest and peace, unlike constant agitation and fighting against God's guidance.
Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0EXO 2:22NUM 12:31KI 19:10MAT 5:22ACT 7:35John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasizes Moses' role in leading the people out of Egypt, performing wonders and signs, and receiving the law from God. Chrysostom draws parallels between the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness and the rejection of Christ by his hearers, pointing out the consequences of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Just One. He encourages his audience to imitate Moses' boldness and gentleness, showing how anger, when used appropriately, can be a tool for defending others and correcting wrongs.
The Beatitudes the Third Beatitude
By A.W. Pink0MeeknessHumilityNUM 12:3PSA 25:9PSA 149:4ISA 61:1MAT 5:5MAT 21:5ROM 8:17GAL 6:1EPH 4:22PE 3:13A.W. Pink expounds on the third Beatitude, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,' emphasizing that meekness is synonymous with humility. He illustrates this by referencing biblical figures like Moses, who exemplified true humility by choosing God's path over worldly honors. Pink argues that meekness is essential for receiving God's guidance and blessings, as it reflects a spirit of lowliness and dependence on divine mercy. He also highlights that true meekness is not weakness but a strength that stands firm in faith and righteousness. Ultimately, the meek are promised both present contentment and future inheritance in God's kingdom.
Sectarianism
By John Newton0NUM 12:3PRO 2:62CO 12:9PHP 4:13John Newton emphasizes the importance of being persistent in seeking the truth and the Word of God, even if it means hearing the same message repeatedly. He acknowledges the eagerness of people to hear the preaching of the Gospel, attributing it to a genuine love for the truth and respect for the ministers. Newton humbly expresses his own inadequacies and the need for divine wisdom, meekness, and zeal to fulfill his ministry effectively, recognizing his dependency on Christ alone for guidance and strength.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the man Moses was very meek - How could Moses, who certainly was as humble and modest as he was meek, write this encomium upon himself? I think the word is not rightly understood; ענו anav, which we translate meek, comes from ענה anah, to act upon, to humble, depress, afflict, and is translated so in many places in the Old Testament; and in this sense it should be understood here: "Now this man Moses was depressed or afflicted more than any man האדמה haadamah, of that land." And why was he so? Because of the great burden he had to bear in the care and government of this people, and because of their ingratitude and rebellion both against God and himself: of this depression and affliction, see the fullest proof in the preceding chapter, Numbers 11 (note). The very power they envied was oppressive to its possessor, and was more than either of their shoulders could sustain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the man Moses was very meek-- (Exo 14:13; Exo 32:12-13; Num 14:13; Num 21:7; Deu 9:18). This observation might have been made to account for Moses taking no notice of their angry reproaches and for God's interposing so speedily for the vindication of His servant's cause. The circumstance of Moses recording an eulogium on a distinguishing excellence of his own character is not without a parallel among the sacred writers, when forced to it by the insolence and contempt of opponents (Co2 11:5; Co2 12:11-12). But it is not improbable that, as this verse appears to be a parenthesis, it may have been inserted as a gloss by Ezra or some later prophet. Others, instead of "very meek," suggest "very afflicted," as the proper rendering.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the man Moses was very meek,.... So that they might say anything against him, and he not be affronted, nor resent any injury; and this therefore is introduced as a reason why the Lord undertook the cause, and vindicated him, resenting the obloquies of Miriam and Aaron against him; because he knew he was so exceeding meek, that he himself would pass it by without taking notice of it, though he might hear it: hence the Targum of Jonathan"and he cared not for their words;''they gave him no concern or uneasiness, so meek, mild, and gentle was he: and this is to be considered; not as a self-commendation of Moses, but as a testimony of his character by God himself, by whom he was inspired in writing it; though it is possible this might be added by another hand, Joshua or Ezra, under the same direction and inspiration of the Spirit of God; who chose that such a character of Moses should stand here, in opposition to the calumnies cast upon him, and as giving a reason why not he himself, but the Lord, appeared in his vindication, he being so meek and lowly, as is said of his antitype, and by himself, Mat 11:29, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth; being seldom angry, and when he was, it was generally, if not always, when the honour of God was concerned, and not on account of his own person and character; though it must not be said of him that he was perfect in this respect, or free from passion, or from blame at any time on account of it, but, when compared with others, he was the meekest man that ever lived; whereby he became the fittest person to have to do with such a peevish, perverse, and rebellious people as the Israelites were, whom no other man could well have bore with.