been disapproved by God.) The true reason, I appre- hend, was, that they were offended at his not having consulted them about the seventy persons whom he had selected to bear a part of his burthen with him : and it is possible enough that they might ascribe this to his wife's influence. They thought, that, as God had spoken by them as well as by Moses himself b, Moses should have treated them with more respect. (This is precisely the way in which many, yea and good people too, are prone to act. If overlooked in any instance wherein they think they had a right to be consulted, they forget all the distinguishing honours which they already enjoy, and become querulous on account of the supposed slight which is cast upon
them ) Of this complaint Moses took no
notice ; but meekly passed it over in silence. (Herein he shews how unreasonable murmurers and com- plainers should be treated. Would to God we were more like him in this particular! If querulous ob- jections be met by passionate answers, contentions soon arise c; whereas silence, or " a soft answer, would turn away wrath.") But the less anxious we are to vindicate our own character, the more readily and effectually will God interpose for us. " He heard," though Moses was as one that heard not; and he immediately summoned the offenders before him, in their presence vindicated the character of his servant Moses, and smote Miriam with a leprosy : and though, at the request of Moses, he restored her to health, yet he ordered her to be put out of the camp for seven days; and thus exposed to shame the persons, who, through the pride of their hearts, had arrogated to themselves an honour which belonged not to them.
On account of the importance of these subordinate circumstances, we have dwelt upon them somewhat longer than usual. But it is not our intention to enlarge any more on them: we wish rather to turn
b Compare ver. 2. with Mic. vi. 4.
c The common history of quarrels is, that they begin like those of the ambitious disciples, and proceed like those of the jealous tribes. Matt. xx. 21, 24. 2 Sam. xix. 43.