John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. The Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud , etc.] Which was over the most holy place of the tabernacle, and which was a symbol of the presence of the Lord; and who is said to come down, because that was above the tabernacle; whereas he came, as is next expressed, and stood [in] the door of the tabernacle ; where he set up his tribunal, and called them to his bar, courts of judicature being usually held in the gate; not suffering them to go into the tabernacle as they were wont to do, being delinquents: and called Aaron and Miriam ; to come nearer to him, and hear what he had to say to them; Moses keeping at a greater distance, it not being so proper that he should be within hearing of those commendations which were about to be given of him; and they both came forth ; Aaron and Miriam, and stood before the Lord.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - The patience of Moses was tried in his own family, as well as by the people. The pretence was, that he had married a foreign wife; but probably their pride was hurt, and their envy stirred up, by his superior authority. Opposition from our near relations, and from religious friends, is most painful. But this is to be looked for, an it will be well if in such circumstances we can preserve the gentlenes and meekness of Moses. Moses was thus fitted to the work he was calle to. God not only cleared Moses, but praised him. Moses had the spiri of prophecy in a way which set him far above all other prophets; yet he that is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he; and ou Lord Jesus infinitely excels him, Heb 3:1. Let Miriam and Aaro consider whom it was they insulted. We have reason to be afraid of saying or doing any thing against the servants of God. And those ar presumptuous indeed who are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, 2P 2:10. The removal of God's presence is the surest and saddest token of God's displeasure. Woe to us, if he depart! he never departs, till by sin and folly we drive him from us.
Original Hebrew וירד3381 יהוה3068 בעמוד5982 ענן6051 ויעמד5975 פתח6607 האהל168 ויקרא7121 אהרן175 ומרים4813 ויצאו3318 שׁניהם׃8147
