121 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite.
121 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian
121 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.
121 Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite woman).
121 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
121 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 12:1
Commentary on Numbers 12:1-9
(Read Numbers 12:1-9)
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, and it will be well if in such circumstances we can preserve the gentleness and meekness of Moses. Moses was thus fitted to the work he was called to. God not only cleared Moses, but praised him. Moses had the spirit 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 our Lord Jesus infinitely excels him, 2 Peter 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.