and He departed.
The departure of the LORD signifies a withdrawal of His presence, which in the Old Testament often indicates judgment or disfavor. This is a significant action, as God's presence among the Israelites was a source of guidance, protection, and blessing. Theologically, it serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and rebellion. In the broader biblical narrative, God's presence is central to the covenant relationship, as seen in the tabernacle and later the temple. The departure here foreshadows the ultimate separation from God that sin causes, which is reconciled through Jesus Christ, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity.

“So the anger of the LORD...” (Numbers 12:9)

• Scripture presents God’s anger as His righteous, holy response to sin rather than a loss of temper (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 7:11).

• In this chapter Miriam and Aaron questioned Moses’ unique calling, challenging the authority God Himself had established (Numbers 12:1-2). Their words were not mere sibling rivalry; they were rebellion against God’s chosen order, similar to Israel’s earlier grumbling that provoked divine displeasure (Numbers 11:1).

• God’s anger is therefore covenantal: He defends His purposes and His people from threats within and without (Deuteronomy 32:35-36; Hebrews 10:30).

• While believers relish His mercy, we must also remember that “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Reverence guards us from treating His holiness lightly.

“So the anger of the LORD burned against them...”

• The verb picture is intense, conveying the heat of divine wrath. Comparable scenes:

– Exodus 32:10, when Israel made the golden calf;

– Numbers 11:33, when the LORD struck the people with a severe plague for craving meat;

– 2 Samuel 6:7, when Uzzah touched the ark.

• God’s burning anger reflects His jealousy for His own glory (Isaiah 42:8). Miriam and Aaron tried to elevate themselves to equality with Moses, but God alone appoints leaders (Romans 13:1).

• The immediate consequence falls chiefly on Miriam (Numbers 12:10), underscoring that instigators often bear heavier judgment (James 3:1).

• Yet, even in anger, the Lord remains consistent with His character—He corrects to restore. Moses’ intercession (Numbers 12:13) and the seven-day quarantine show both justice and mercy at work (Psalm 103:9-10).

“...and He departed.”

• The visible sign of God’s presence—the cloud—leaving the tent signals broken fellowship (Numbers 12:5, 10). Similar moments appear when the glory cloud left the tabernacle in judgment (Exodus 33:3-4) and when Ezekiel watched the glory depart from a corrupt Jerusalem (Ezekiel 10:18-19).

• God’s departure is not a change in omnipresence but a withdrawal of manifest favor and protection (Hosea 5:6).

• For the people of God, His nearness is life and blessing (Psalm 16:11); His departure is severe discipline intended to awaken repentance (Isaiah 59:2).

• Contrast: in Christ we are promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), yet we can still “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30). The solution remains confession and humble submission (1 John 1:9).

Numbers 12:9 reveals the seriousness with which God guards His ordained leadership and His own glory. His anger kindles against Miriam and Aaron’s pride, burns to correct their rebellion, and culminates in His withdrawing presence to underline the rupture their sin caused. The verse reminds us to honor God’s assignments, revere His holiness, and cherish His nearness, knowing that discipline serves to bring us back into faithful fellowship with Him.