Numbers 12:4
Numbers 12:4 in Multiple Translations
And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,
And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
And Jehovah spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting. And they three came out.
And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and Aaron and Miriam, Come out, you three, to the Tent of meeting. And the three of them went out.
All of a sudden the Lord called for Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, telling them, “The three of you, come to the Tent of Meeting.” The three of them did so.
And by and by the Lord sayd vnto Moses, and vnto Aaron, and vnto Miriam, come out yee three vnto the Tabernacle of the Congregation: and they three came forth.
And Jehovah saith suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, 'Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting;' and they three come out.
The LORD spoke suddenly to Moses, to Aaron, and to Miriam, “You three come out to the Tent of Meeting!” The three of them came out.
And the LORD spoke suddenly to Moses, and to Aaron, and to Miriam, Come out ye three to the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
Immediately he spoke to him, and to Aaron and Mary: Come out you three only to the tabernacle of the covenant. And when they were come out,
So immediately Yahweh spoke to Moses/me and to Aaron and Miriam. He said, “All three of you must go and stand at the Sacred Tent.” So they/we did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 12:4
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 12:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוָ֜ה
פִּתְאֹ֗ם
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
וְ/אֶֽל
אַהֲרֹן֙
וְ/אֶל
מִרְיָ֔ם
צְא֥וּ
שְׁלָשְׁתְּ/כֶ֖ם
אֶל
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
שְׁלָשְׁתָּֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
פִּתְאֹ֗ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
אַהֲרֹן֙
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מִרְיָ֔ם
Miryâm
H4813
Miriam
N-proper
צְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שְׁלָשְׁתְּ/כֶ֖ם
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁלָשְׁתָּֽ/ם
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 12:4
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
פִּתְאֹ֗ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַהֲרֹן֙
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִרְיָ֔ם
Miryâm
H4813
"Miriam"
N-proper
Miriam means rebellion and is the name of two Israelitesses, one the sister of Moses and Aaron, and another a woman of Judah. Miriam is first mentioned in Exodus as a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; daughter of: Mered (H4778)(?) and Bithiah (H1332); sister of: Shammai (H8060I) and Ishbah (H3431); half-sister of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Miriam = "rebellion" 1) elder sister of Moses and Aaron 2) a woman of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Miriam. See also: Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:15; Micah 6:4.
צְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
שְׁלָשְׁתְּ/כֶ֖ם
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
שְׁלָשְׁתָּֽ/ם
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
Study Notes — Numbers 12:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 12:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
Context — 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.
4And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,
5and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward, 6He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 76:9 | when God rose up to judge, to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah |
| 2 | Numbers 16:16–21 | And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well.” So each man took his censer, put fire and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” |
Numbers 12:4 Summary
This verse shows us that the Lord is always aware of what's going on and will step in when necessary to correct and guide us. When the Lord calls us to meet with Him, it's an opportunity for us to listen and learn, just like Moses, Aaron, and Miriam did in the Tent of Meeting. The Lord wants us to come to Him with humble hearts, as seen in Numbers 12:3, and to be willing to listen and obey, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:1 and Psalm 119:34. By responding to the Lord's call and being attentive to His voice, we can deepen our relationship with Him and grow in our faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Lord suddenly call Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting?
The Lord called them to address the issue of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses, as seen in the previous verses, Numbers 12:1-3, and to reaffirm His unique relationship with Moses as stated in Numbers 12:6-8.
What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in this context?
The Tent of Meeting was a sacred place where the Lord would meet with His people, as seen in Exodus 33:7-11, and in this instance, it serves as a setting for the Lord to confront and instruct Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility, as mentioned in Numbers 12:3?
The verse highlights the Lord's attention to the humble heart of Moses, as mentioned in Numbers 12:3, and demonstrates how the Lord responds to those who are humble and willing to listen, as seen in Proverbs 22:4 and Isaiah 66:2.
What can we learn from the Lord's sudden intervention in this situation?
The Lord's sudden call to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam teaches us that He is always aware of our actions and words, as stated in Proverbs 15:3, and that He will intervene when necessary to correct and guide us, as seen in Psalm 32:8-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a humble heart like Moses, and how can I apply this humility in my daily life?
- How do I respond when the Lord corrects or instructs me, and what can I learn from the example of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam in this verse?
- In what ways can I prioritize meeting with the Lord in my own 'Tent of Meeting', whether through prayer, scripture reading, or worship, and how can I make this a regular practice in my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to listen to the Lord's voice and instruction, and how can I be more attentive to His guidance and correction?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:4
And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam,.... As one greatly provoked, and highly displeased, and which was shown at once; and in order to prevent the complaint getting
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:4
And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. The Lord spake suddenly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
Suddenly; partly to show his great respect unto Moses, and unto the grace of meekness; and partly to stifle the beginnings of the sedition, that this example might not spread amongst the people, who had too much of that leaven among them. Come out, to wit, out of your private dwellings, and from amongst the people, both that you may not infect them by such scandalous words, and partly that you may know my pleasure and your own doom.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
Numbers 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.Ver. 4. And the Lord spake suddenly.] God takes his part ever that fights not for himself. Christ that said, "I seek not mine own glory," adds, "But there is one that seeks it, and judgeth." Here he appears as "a swift witness," a sharp revenger of his servant’ s injuries. The rule is, Iniuria illata legato redundat in legantem, Wrong done to a messenger reflects on him that sent him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
(4) Come out ye three . . . —There is nothing in these words which implies that Miriam entered into the Tabernacle itself. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were summoned to go out of the camp (comp. Numbers 11:30), and to come to the entrance of the Tabernacle, or rather of the court, inasmuch as the command to come as far as the entrance into the Sanctuary appears to have been given afterwards (Numbers 12:5). It must be remembered that there was but one court at this time.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
Verse 4. And the Lord spake suddenly] The sudden interference of God in this business shows at once the importance of the case and his displeasure.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:4
4. the tent of meeting] The narrative affords an instance of the way in which the tent was used. It was not intended for congregational purposes (see on Numbers 1:1), but for obtaining an oracular answer from God. And it is possible that this use explains the original meaning of its name, ’τhel mτ‛ ?ηd. The word mτ‛ ?ηd denotes ‘a fixed time,’ ‘sacred season.’ The Assyr. word βdβnu, from the same root, described one of the functions of Babylonian priests, i.e. that of determining the right or auspicious time for an undertaking. And it has been suggested, though it cannot at present be regarded as more than a guess, that the Heb. expression may originally have denoted ‘the tent where the proper time for an undertaking was determined,’ and hence, more generally, the ‘oracletent.’
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:4
4. Spake suddenly — Indicating the fierceness of Jehovah’s displeasure. Come out — Of the camp. Unto the tabernacle — Not into the tabernacle, into which only the priests were permitted to enter.