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Numbers 12:4

And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

Numbers 12:4 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the immediate authority and power of the Lord as he speaks suddenly to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. The phrase "Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out." demonstrates the summons of the three siblings to come before the Lord at the tabernacle. This moment marks a significant event in the Bible, as the Lord directly addresses his chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron, along with Miriam, who played a crucial role as a prophetess in the Israelite community. The command to come out to the tabernacle of the congregation suggests a call to accountability and authority, as the three are summoned to a sacred space to receive a divine message or instruction. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence towards God's commands, as well as the responsibility that comes with being chosen as leaders in the community. It also highlights the significance of the tabernacle as a place of worship and communication with the divine.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the Lord speaking suddenly to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, commanding them to come out to the tabernacle of the congregation. This sudden and direct communication from the Lord signifies the importance of the message being delivered and the urgency of the situation at hand. The use of the word "suddenly" highlights the immediacy and seriousness of the divine command. The tabernacle of the congregation was a sacred place where the Israelites would gather to worship and seek guidance from the Lord. By summoning Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tabernacle, God is emphasizing the need for them to come together in unity and receive a message that requires their collective attention. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being attentive to God's voice and acting promptly on His instructions, even when they come suddenly and unexpectedly.

Numbers 12:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting. And they three came out.

World English Bible

Yahweh spoke suddenly to Moses, to Aaron, and to Miriam, “You three come out to the Tent of Meeting!” The three of them came out.

Douay-Rheims

Immediately he spoke to him, and to Aaron and Mary: Come out you three only to the tabernacle of the covenant. And when they were come out,

Geneva Bible (1599)

And by and by the Lord sayd vnto Moses, and vnto Aaron, and vnto Miriam, come out yee three vnto the Tabernacle of the Congregation: and they three came forth.