Moses the Humble

DAILY DEVOTIONAL: DAY 214

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).

In Moses’ time there were a lot of people in the world. That the Bible describes Moses as more humble than anyone on earth is, therefore, a high praise and a testament to the man’s character. Of all the things which could have been said in praise of Moses, it is interesting that the Bible chose to highlight his humility. The Bible inserted this comment after Aaron and Miriam had criticized Moses over his Ethiopian (Cushite) wife. In the face of this criticism, Moses maintained his composure. Being meek, he would rather be wronged than wrong others.

If anyone had reason to boast in life, Moses was the one. In the period around the Israelites’ departure from Egypt, you could say that Moses was probably the most influential person in the world. He had been raised by Pharaoh’s daughter in the palace. Naturally, therefore, he would have made friends in the highest levels of Egyptian royalty; he would have been well versed in Egyptian language, law, science, culture, diplomacy and politics. He had everything he needed for success.

But, as the Word of God testifies, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt . . .” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Under the direction of JEHOVAH, Moses performed breathtaking miracles in the presence of Pharaoh. He was the man who led tens of thousands of Israelites through the Red Sea. When Aaron and Miriam disrespected Moses, God rebuked them and reminded them of Moses’ exalted status in His sight (cf. Numbers 12:4-8). God spoke face to face with Moses, and even granted him the honor of seeing His form. With such an impressive resumé, Moses could have succumbed to pride. But in all of this, the Bible says he was more humble than anyone on the surface of the earth. A shining example of godliness!

Let us resist pride. Let us clothe ourselves with humility. Let us learn from Moses the Humble.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today! Amen.

For further study: Numbers 12:1-14