and said to Moses, "My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. and said to MosesAaron, the brother of Moses, speaks directly to him. This reflects the hierarchical structure within the Israelite community, where Moses is recognized as the leader and mediator between God and the people. Aaron's approach to Moses highlights the respect and authority Moses holds, as seen throughout the Pentateuch. This moment occurs after Miriam and Aaron have spoken against Moses, questioning his unique relationship with God ( Numbers 12:1-2). The appeal to Moses underscores the need for intercession, a role Moses frequently fulfills, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator ( 1 Timothy 2:5). My lord
Aaron addresses Moses with a term of respect, acknowledging his leadership and authority. This title, "my lord," is used in various contexts in the Old Testament to show deference and submission (Genesis 18:12, 1 Samuel 24:8). It indicates Aaron's recognition of Moses' God-given position and his own need for mercy. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where titles were significant in expressing social and spiritual hierarchies. please do not hold against us
Aaron pleads for forgiveness, recognizing the gravity of their actions. This phrase indicates a request for pardon and the removal of guilt. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of not holding sin against someone is central to the understanding of divine forgiveness (Psalm 32:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:19). It reflects the need for repentance and the hope for restoration, themes that are consistent throughout Scripture. this sin
The specific sin referred to is the speaking against Moses due to jealousy and pride (Numbers 12:1-2). Sin, in biblical terms, is a transgression against God's law and order. The acknowledgment of sin is crucial for reconciliation with God, as seen in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atoning work (Hebrews 9:22). we have so foolishly committed
Aaron admits the foolishness of their actions, which is a recognition of acting without wisdom or understanding. In biblical literature, foolishness is often contrasted with wisdom, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). This confession is an important step in the process of repentance, acknowledging the lack of discernment and the need for divine guidance. The humility in admitting foolishness is a precursor to receiving God's grace and mercy. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, and the first high priest of Israel. In this passage, Aaron acknowledges his wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses is addressed by Aaron as "my lord," showing respect and recognition of his leadership. 3. MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, who, along with Aaron, spoke against Moses. She was struck with leprosy as a consequence of their actions. 4. Sin of Speaking Against MosesAaron and Miriam criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, which led to God's anger and Miriam's punishment. 5. Wilderness of ParanThe location where this event took place, during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Teaching Points Acknowledgment of SinAaron's immediate recognition and confession of sin is a model for believers. We should be quick to acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek forgiveness. Respect for God-Ordained LeadershipAaron's address to Moses as "my lord" underscores the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in leadership positions. Consequences of SinThe incident reminds us that sin has consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those around us, as seen in Miriam's punishment. Intercession and ForgivenessMoses' role in interceding for Miriam teaches us the power and importance of intercessory prayer for others, even when they have wronged us. Humility in LeadershipMoses' response to Aaron's plea demonstrates humility and a forgiving spirit, qualities essential for godly leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's response to his sin in Numbers 12:11 serve as a model for how we should handle our own transgressions? 2. In what ways can we show respect and support for the leaders God has placed in our lives, as Aaron did for Moses? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy? 4. How can we practice intercessory prayer in our daily lives, following Moses' example of praying for Miriam? 5. What steps can we take to cultivate humility and forgiveness in our relationships, especially when we are in positions of leadership? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:14Highlights Aaron's role as Moses' spokesperson, showing the close relationship and shared responsibilities between the brothers. Leviticus 19:17Discusses the importance of not harboring hatred in one's heart, which connects to Aaron's plea for forgiveness and acknowledgment of sin. James 5:16Encourages believers to confess their sins to one another, similar to Aaron's confession to Moses. 1 John 1:9Emphasizes God's faithfulness in forgiving sins when we confess, paralleling Aaron's request for forgiveness. People Aaron, Miriam, MosesPlaces Hazeroth, Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Account, Acted, Alas, Beg, Beseech, Committed, Count, Foolish, Foolishly, Heads, Hold, Lay, O, Oh, Please, Punish, Sin, Sinned, Sinners, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 12:11 5072 Aaron, spokesman
8757 folly, effects of Numbers 12:1-11 8756 folly, examples Numbers 12:1-15 5550 speech, negative
5737 sisters Numbers 12:10-11 5182 skin
5436 pain Numbers 12:10-12 6227 regret Numbers 12:10-15 5298 doctors
8614 prayer, answers Library Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaNinth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ and the Christian's Citizenship in Heaven.
Text: Philippians 3, 17-21. 17 Brethren, be ye imitators [followers] together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship [conversation] is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
The arrangements of the synagogue, as hitherto described, combined in a remarkable manner fixedness of order with liberty of the individual. Alike the seasons and the time of public services, their order, the prayers to be offered, and the portions of the law to be read were fixed. On the other hand, between the eighteen "benedictions" said on ordinary days, and the seven repeated on the Sabbaths, free prayer might be inserted; the selection from the prophets, with which the public reading concluded--the …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 12:11 NIVNumbers 12:11 NLTNumbers 12:11 ESVNumbers 12:11 NASBNumbers 12:11 KJV
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