MPV Commentary

Miriam's and Aaron's Sedition.

1. The occasion of this seditious outbreak by Miriam and Aaron against Moses was an Ethiopian woman he had married (likely Zipporah). They were jealous of her influence on Moses' decision to adopt seventy rulers, which they saw as a threat to their own authority. As relatives who had previously advised Moses, they felt overlooked in the new arrangement.

2. The brothers questioned whether God had only spoken through Moses or also through them, since both Aaron and Miriam had received prophetic names (Exodus 4:15-16; Exodus 15:20). They saw Moses' exclusive authority as an encroachment on their rights.

3. Moses was known for his meekness (Exodus 14:13; Numbers 32:12, 13; Deuteronomy 9:18), which may explain why he didn't respond to their angry reproaches and why God intervened quickly to vindicate His servant. This self-description by Moses is similar to other instances where prophets were forced to defend themselves against opponents (2 Corinthians 11:5-12).

4. The Lord spoke directly to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, openly intervening to suppress the sedition and prevent it from spreading among the people.

5. God appeared in a pillar of cloud at the tabernacle entrance, refusing to enter as He normally would for Aaron (who was denied access by God). This public exclusion signified divine displeasure.

6-7. Moses' authority over God's house (church and people) gave him supremacy over Miriam and Aaron. As one who had been directly commissioned by God, he received clear manifestations of the presence and will of God, setting him apart from others.

8. With Moses, God spoke face-to-face, not through an interpreter or symbolic visions. His words were plain and unmistakable, without parables or dark speeches. He would behold the Lord's glory in a tangible way (Exodus 33:2; 34:5).