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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 12:5 and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/04_Num_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 12:5 - The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. 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When the two of them stepped forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam!” he called, and they stepped forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood <i>in</i> the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in the pillar of cloud and stood <i>in</i> the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent; and He called Aaron and Miriam. When they had both come forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and He called Aaron and Miriam. When they had both come forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and He called Aaron and Miriam. When they had both come forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and He called Aaron and Miriam. And then both came forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tabernacle, and He called Aaron and Miriam, and they came forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There the LORD appeared in a cloud and told Aaron and Miriam to come closer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in the column of smoke and stood at the entrance to the tent. He called to Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance of the Tent, and called out, "Aaron! Miriam!" The two of them stepped forward, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. So both of them went forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent; he then called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH comes down in the pillar of the cloud, and stands at the opening of the tent, and calls Aaron and Miriam, and both of them come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah cometh down in the pillar of the cloud, and standeth at the opening of the tent, and calleth Aaron and Miriam, and they come out both of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will come down in the pillar of the cloud, and will stand at the door of the tent, and will call Aaron and Miriam, and they two will come forth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The Lord came down in a pillar of the cloud, and stood in the entry of the tabernacle calling to Aaron and Mary. And when they were come, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />the Lord descended in a column of cloud, and he stood at the entrance of the tabernacle, calling to Aaron and Miriam. And when they had advanced,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a column of cloud, and standing at the entrance of the tent, called, “Aaron and Miriam.” When both came forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the entrance of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH descended in a pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the Time Tabernacle, and he called Ahron and Maryam and they both went out.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the three came forth to the tabernacle of witness; and the Lord descended in a pillar of a cloud, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of witness; and Aaron and Mariam were called; and both came forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=3899" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/12.htm">The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">came down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5982.htm" title="5982: bə·‘am·mūḏ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A pillar, column. Or ammud; from amad; a column; also a stand, i.e. Platform.">in a pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: ‘ā·nān (N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">of cloud,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">at the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hel (Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">to the Tent,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrew/4813.htm" title="4813: ū·mir·yām (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- A sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah. From mriy; rebelliously; Mirjam, the name of two Israelitesses.">and Miriam.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê·hem (Number-mdc:: 3mp) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">When both</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">of them had stepped forward,</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">Exodus 33:9</a></span><br />As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-15.htm">Deuteronomy 31:15</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-35</a></span><br />Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a></span><br />And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/99-7.htm">Psalm 99:7</a></span><br />He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-4.htm">Isaiah 6:4</a></span><br />At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/10-3.htm">Ezekiel 10:3-4</a></span><br />Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. / Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">1 Samuel 3:10</a></span><br />Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-1.htm">Job 38:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Acts 7:55-56</a></span><br />But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-34.htm">Luke 9:34-35</a></span><br />While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. / And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">2 Peter 1:17-18</a></span><br />For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” / And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10</a></span><br />On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Numbers 11:25</a></b></br> And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that <i>was</i> upon him, and gave <i>it</i> unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, <i>that</i>, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">Exodus 34:5</a></b></br> And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/40-38.htm">Exodus 40:38</a></b></br> For the cloud of the LORD <i>was</i> upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/12-4.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Door</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Doorway</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-17.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-22.htm">Stepped</a> <a href="/numbers/11-32.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/1-16.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/numbers/12-4.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/12-4.htm">Tent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/16-18.htm">Door</a> <a href="/numbers/16-18.htm">Doorway</a> <a href="/numbers/13-21.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Stepped</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/16-12.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Tent</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/12-11.htm">Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">God commands her to be shut out of the host</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/12-16.htm">The people encamp in the desert of Paran</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud</b><br>This phrase signifies a theophany, where God manifests His presence in a tangible form. The pillar of cloud was a visible sign of God's guidance and protection for the Israelites during their wilderness journey (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>). It symbolizes God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. The cloud also represents divine mystery and majesty, as it both reveals and conceals God's glory. This manifestation is consistent with other instances where God uses natural elements to communicate His presence, such as the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>) and the cloud on Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a>).<p><b>stood at the entrance to the Tent</b><br>The Tent refers to the Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, which was the central place of worship and where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites. The entrance of the Tent was a significant location, as it was where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will (<a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">Exodus 33:9-11</a>). This setting underscores the seriousness of the encounter and the authority of God's judgment. The Tent of Meeting was a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the true Tabernacle (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>), where God dwells with humanity.<p><b>and summoned Aaron and Miriam</b><br>Aaron and Miriam were leaders among the Israelites, with Aaron serving as the high priest and Miriam as a prophetess (<a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a>). Their summoning by God indicates a direct and personal confrontation regarding their actions and attitudes. This moment highlights the accountability of leaders before God and the importance of humility and obedience. The summoning also reflects the biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves (<a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>) and that leadership carries a higher standard of responsibility (<a href="/james/3.htm">James 3:1</a>).<p><b>When both of them had stepped forward</b><br>This phrase indicates their response to God's call, showing their willingness to come before Him. It sets the stage for the divine rebuke and correction that follows. The act of stepping forward can be seen as an acknowledgment of God's authority and a readiness to hear His judgment. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and the readiness to accept His correction, as seen in other biblical figures who responded to God's call, such as Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">1 Samuel 3:10</a>) and Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, God Himself, who intervenes directly in the situation involving Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pillar_of_cloud.htm">Pillar of Cloud</a></b><br>A manifestation of God's presence, often used during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness to guide and protect them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The brother of Moses and Miriam, serving as the high priest of Israel. He is one of the individuals summoned by God in this passage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/miriam.htm">Miriam</a></b><br>The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess in Israel. She is also summoned by God in this event.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/tent_of_meeting.htm">Tent of Meeting</a></b><br>The sacred place where God would meet with Moses and communicate His will. It serves as the setting for this divine encounter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_direct_intervention.htm">God's Direct Intervention</a></b><br>God personally intervenes in situations of conflict or misunderstanding among His people, demonstrating His active role in guiding and correcting His followers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_the_pillar_of_cloud.htm">The Significance of the Pillar of Cloud</a></b><br>The pillar of cloud represents God's presence and authority. It serves as a reminder that God is always with His people, guiding and protecting them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership_and_accountability.htm">The Importance of Leadership and Accountability</a></b><br>Aaron and Miriam, as leaders, are held accountable by God. This teaches us that those in leadership positions must be open to God's correction and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sacredness_of_the_tent_of_meeting.htm">The Sacredness of the Tent of Meeting</a></b><br>The Tent of Meeting is a place of divine encounter. It reminds us of the importance of having a designated space and time for meeting with God in prayer and reflection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_step_forward.htm">God's Call to Step Forward</a></b><br>When God calls us to step forward, it is an invitation to engage with Him directly. We should be ready to respond to His call with humility and openness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_church_of_god.htm">What defines the Church of God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_levites_in_2_chr_23_8.htm">What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_moses_need_hobab's_guidance.htm">Numbers 10:29-32: Why did Moses rely on Hobab's guidance if God was already leading them by cloud and fire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_exodus_33_11_align_with_33_20.htm">If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God 'face to face,' how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud.</span> The cloud which had been soaring above the tabernacle descended upon it (see <a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Numbers 11:25</a> and Numbers 12:10). <span class="cmt_word">And stood in the door of</span> <span class="cmt_word">the tabernacle.</span> It would seem most natural to understand by these words the entrance to the holy place itself, and this would manifestly accord best with the movements of the cloud, as here described; for the cloud seems to have sunk down upon the sacred tent in token that the Lord was in some special sense present within it. On the other hand, the phrase must certainly be understood to mean the entrance of the court, or sacred enclosure, in <a href="/leviticus/8-3.htm">Leviticus 8:3, 31, 33</a>, and probably in other places. As it is hardly possible that the phrase can have had both meanings, the latter must be preferred. <span class="cmt_word">And they both came forth.</span> Not out of the sanctuary, into which Miriam could not have entered, but out of the enclosure. The wrath which lay upon them both, and the punishment which was about to be inflicted upon one, were sufficient reasons for calling them out of the holy ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֤רֶד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·reḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a pillar</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַמּ֣וּד</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘am·mūḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5982.htm">Strong's 5982: </a> </span><span class="str2">A column, a stand, platform</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of cloud,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the entrance</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֣תַח</span> <span class="translit">(pe·ṯaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, entrance way</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the Tent,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹ֑הֶל</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and summoned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Aaron</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲרֹ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Miriam.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִרְיָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mir·yām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4813.htm">Strong's 4813: </a> </span><span class="str2">Miriam -- a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When both</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - mdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of them had stepped forward,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצְא֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/12-5.htm">OT Law: Numbers 12:5 Yahweh came down in a pillar (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 12:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>