Tough Silence (Numbers 12:1-16) COMPLAINING

Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.
Numbers 12:3

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Today’s text is found in parentheses in some translations as many scholars believe it was added later by a scribe. 

In the previous chapter, the people complain against Moses. Their latest complaint is about the lack of meat. Moses is exhausted and overwhelmed. The pressure had been high for so many months now. He has had enough. He turns to the Lord in frustration and angry prayer. But the Lord is so gracious, He does not condemn him instead He provides for him. God sent quails. And now his own family turned against him. 

Miriam and Aaron are angry with Moses and start questioning his authority. The trouble was probably instigated by Miriam, which explains why the judgment later came to Miriam and not Aaron. They began by complaining about the Cushite wife that Moses took. They now moved to question his authority. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. Pride was at the root of their problem. However, Moses remained silent when accused. 

When God’s honor was at stake, Moses tried to do something about it, but when the accusations were against him personally, Moses is silent. That is a mark of true greatness. Truly great or strong people do not constantly defend themselves. 

Unfortunately, most of us feel a strong need to speak in our defense when people accuse us. We are quick to defend ourselves, but slow to speak up for the Lord. 

How do you respond when those you love, and trust, turn against you?

Lord, help me like Moses, be humble enough to be silent when I am attacked personally, I pray.

Extended Reading — Numbers 11-13

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