Now the man Moses was very meek, &c.— It has been supposed by many, that this passage was not written by Moses, but inserted by some other hand in after-times. The reason, however, urged for this supposition, namely, its containing a high encomium of himself, is by no means sufficient; for the encomium, as it here stands, evidently appears extorted from Moses as a necessary vindication of himself from calumny; in which situation, self-praise is not unbecoming even the most modest, nor at all unusual to the simplicity of ancient writers: nay, indeed, St. Paul, and even our Saviour himself, are put upon magnifying themselves, by the malignity of their enemies. John 10:36. 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Corinthians 10:18. This meekness of Moses is mentioned as an aggravation of Aaron and Miriam's fault, and as that which provoked the divine displeasure; and, certainly, it is a proof of the impartiality of Moses to recite, with such an honest simplicity, those defects of his own relations, which he might so easily have concealed. The Scripture affords many instances of the meekness of Moses: in particular, see Exodus 14:13; Exodus 32:10, &c. Exodus 32:31-32.Numbers 11:2; Numbers 12:13; Numbers 14:13; Numbers 14:45; Numbers 21:7 and Deuteronomy 18:22; Deuteronomy 18:22.
REFLECTIONS.—Of all in the camp, Miriam and Aaron were surely the last from whom Moses had need to apprehend complaint; they were near relations, and distinguished professors. Let no man think it strange that his nearest relatives are set against him; nor reckon his case hard, or be discouraged, if some eminent for religion reflect most unkindly and unjustly on his conduct. Moses was thus treated before him.
The complaint against him was, that, in the choice of the seventy elders, he had been influenced by his wife Zipporah; and Miriam, jealous of her authority, seems to have instigated Aaron to this ungrateful behaviour towards his brother, insinuating that they had equal authority from God, and therefore ought to have been consulted. Note; (1.) Contentions for superiority among Christians are too common, and very sinful. (2.) Nothing breeds bitterer disputes than jealousy about power. (3.) Through evil suggestions, like Miriam's; the dearest friends are often separated. (4.) When persons quarrel, they cannot be at rest unless they draw others into the dispute.
Moses maintained the same composure for which he is so famed; and in silence referred his cause to God, though from them this must have been peculiarly afflictive. The unkindness of professed friends is ever harder to be borne than the insults of professed enemies. He must be well disciplined in the school of Christ, who can, under such provocations, in patience and meekness possess his soul.