A silent unheard voice in the Old Testament: The Cushite woman whom Moses married in Numbers 12:1–10

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

It has been demonstrated that the biblical people had the greatest respect for Africa and Africans.

“It has been demonstrated over and over that the biblical people have the greatest respect for Africa and Africans (Adamo 1986;2014:500-530;2018:1-9).”

• cites Adamo 1986Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Adamo 2014:500-530Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Adamo 2018:1-9 sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Ebed-Melech, a man of African ancestry, was the only courageous man who challenged king Zedekiah for inappropriate action and then got the prophet Jeremiah delivered.

“When king Zedekiah evaded his responsibility and the aggressive nobles threw the prophet Jeremiah into the pit to die, a man of African ancestry called Ebed-Melech, was the only courageous man who challenged king Zedekiah for inappropriate action and then got the prophet Jeremiah delivered (Adamo 2018:6).”

• cites Adamo 2018:6 sourcePartly supported

  In the section on Jeremiah 38:7–10, the paper identifies Ebed-Melech as a man of African ancestry who courageously confronted Zedekiah and rescued Jeremiah after the king let the nobles act against him. It does not say Ebed-Melech was the only courageous man, so that exclusive claim is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The story of Ebed-Melech is adjudged to be one of the fairest stories in the Old Testament.

“When scholars examined Ebed-Melech's courage, compassion, dispatch, and ability to bring out the best in king Zedekiah, this story is adjudged to be one of the fairest stories in the Old Testament (Adamo 2018:6;Smith 1929:28).”

• cites Adamo 2018:6 sourceSupported
• cites Smith 1929:28Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In Numbers 12:1-10, the Cushite woman is given no name and no words are put in her mouth, despite the significant role her presence plays in the narrative.

“No name and no word were put in her mouth despite the significant role her presence played in the narrative.”

• Also stated in: § Introduction · plain

  “The narrator of the text did not only refuse to give her a name, there is no single word put in her mouth despite the dominant and significant role her presence played in the narrative.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Many modern scholars do not recognise the Cushite woman in Numbers 12 as an African woman.

“Many modern scholars do not even recognise her to be an African woman despite that she is referred to as a Cushite, which literally means black.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The Cushite wife of Moses is a minor figure in Numbers whose story occupies little scriptural space and receives less attention in biblical materials.

“The Cushite wife of Moses is one of the minor figures in the book of Numbers, whose stories occupy little scriptural space and receive less attention in the biblical materials.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

At one point, these characters are spoken to, except the Cushite woman.

“At one point, these characters are spoken to, except the Cushite woman.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In Numbers 12:1-10 there are about six main characters: Moses, the Cushite woman, Miriam, Aaron, God and the narrator.

“When one reads the narrative in Numbers 12:1-10 one notices that there are about six main characters in the narrative.These characters are Moses, the Cushite woman, Miriam, Aaron, God and the narrator.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

These three lists contain 17, 15 and 400 names respectively.

“These three lists contain 17, 15 and 400 names respectively.”

May combine two claims.

The Cushite woman did not speak to any of the characters and none of these characters spoke to her directly or indirectly.

“The Cushite woman did not speak to any of the characters and none of these characters spoke to her directly or indirectly.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The Scripture spoke about Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and God in other passages, but is silent about the Cushite woman alone.

“To make the situation worse, the Scripture spoke about Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and God in other passages, but is silent about the Cushite woman alone.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The term Cush is used in the Old Testament to cover a wide area corresponding to Ethiopia of the classical period.

“The term Cush is used in the Old Testament to cover a wide area corresponding to Ethiopia of the classical period.”

May combine two claims.

The Hebrew Bible and culture is male-oriented in authorship, subject matter, and perspectives.

“The Hebrew Bible and culture is male-oriented in authorship, subject matter, and perspectives (Ebeling 2010:8).”

• cites Ebeling 2010:8Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The inhabitants of Cush were described as tall and smooth-skinned people, and their blackness became proverbial.

“The inhabitants of Cush were described as tall and smooth-skinned people.Their blackness becomes proverbial (Is 18:2; Jr 13:23).”

• cites Is 18:2Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Jr 13:23Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ancient Egyptians referred to black Africans on their southern border as 'Kushu or Kush'.

“Ancient Egyptians seem to refer to black Africans in their southern border as 'Kushu or Kush' (Oswalt 1980:435).”

• cites Oswalt 1980:435Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

African women were beautiful and held in high esteem.

“The reason may not only be because Yahweh instructed him, but also because African women were beautiful and were held in high esteem.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Herodotus described Africans as the 'tallest and handsomest men in the whole world'.

“Herodotus also described Africans as the 'tallest and handsomest men in the whole world' (Herodotus 2:20; 3:14).”

• cites Herodotus 2:20Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Herodotus 3:14Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A close reading of Numbers 12 leaves no doubt that superior leadership experience cannot be excluded from the main reason why Miriam and Aaron raised an objection to Moses' marriage.

“A close reading of the text leaves no doubt that superior leadership experience cannot be excluded from the main reason why Miriam and Aaron raised an objection to the marriage.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Ancient Egypt or the Egyptians were black Africans and not from Europe or Europeans.

“Ancient Egypt or the Egyptians were black Africans and not from Europe or Europeans as some have maintained (Adamo 2013b:221-248).”

• cites Adamo 2013b:221-248Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Yahweh used foreign nations (Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians) for punishment and salvation, and also used Africa and Africans for punishment, salvation and deliverance.

“Yahweh used foreign nations (Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians) for punishment, and salvation.He also used Africa and Africans for punishment, salvation and deliverance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The Rabbinical interpretation of the Cushite woman is 'beautiful'.

“Secondly, the Rabbinical interpretation of the Cushite woman is 'beautiful'.This was based on the proverbial beauty of the Ethiopians (Gray 1910:121).”

• cites Gray 1910:121Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Most Egyptians were black by any one's definition.

“They maintain that 'most Egyptians were black by any one's definition' (Keener & Usury 1996:61).”

• cites Keener & Usury 1996:61Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The privileges that come with Moses' authority may include respect, gifts donated to authentic leaders by the people, such as harvest and possibly worship.

“These privileges may include respect, gifts donated to authentic leaders by the people, such as harvest and possibly worship.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

It is highly probable that after the death of Moses' wife or after she was divorced, or when she travelled to Midian, Moses needed another helpmate fit for him in his leadership responsibility.

“In the light of this, it is highly probable that after the death of Moses' wife or after she was divorced, or when she travelled to his country (Midian), Moses needed another helpmate fit for him in his leadership responsibility.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

There is a strong tradition that Moses married an Ethiopian woman, associated with Ethiopia south of Egypt whose capital was Meroe (Saba).

“Fourthly, there is a strong tradition which says that Moses married an Ethiopian woman and this Ethiopian was associated with Ethiopia, south of Egypt whose capital was Meroe (Saba).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Most of the silent unheard voices and unnamed characters in the Bible are women.

“Most of the silent unheard voices and the unnamed characters in the Bible are women (Brenner 1993:13;Reinhartz 1998:11).”

• cites Brenner 1993:13Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Reinhartz 1998:11 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Black people were highly respected in ancient times.

“Unlike the situation today when blacks and other racial groups are openly discriminated against and oppressed, black people were highly respected in the ancient time.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Cush or Cushite and Egypt or Egyptians were constantly mentioned together in the Old Testament because they both belong to the ancient African nations.

“Cush or Cushite and Egypt or Egyptians were constantly mentioned together in the Old Testament because they both belong to the ancient African nations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The inscriptions of Queen Hatshepsut attested that Punt is the place of origin of the Egyptians.

“The inscriptions of Queen Hatshepsut attested to the fact that Punt is their place of origin.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The appropriate translation of Jeremiah 13:23 is 'Would black Africans change their skin, or the leopards their spots? So also you who learnt to do evil, could do good'.

“What I consider to be the appropriate translation is, 'Would black Africans change their skin, or the leopards their spots?So also you who learnt to do evil, could do good'.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

One of the underlying reasons for the objection to Moses' authority is not only Miriam's jealousy, but also overprotection of Miriam over her brother whom she spent so much time and risk for.

“One of the underlying reasons for the objection to Moses' authority is not only that of Miriam' jealousy, but also overprotection of Miriam over her brother whom she spent so much time and risk for.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

At a grown-up age, Miriam continued to be jealous and protective of her brother, Moses.

“If at the tender age, she was courageously protective and using her intelligence to confront the prestigious daughter of Pharaoh with a brilliant plan to save her brother, it will be accurate to believe that at a grown-up age, she continued to be jealous and protective of her brother, Moses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Even though the Cushite woman was silent, her silence was meant to communicate something.

“The fact is that even though the Cushite woman was silent, her silence was meant to communicate something.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The modern prejudice has affected scriptural interpretation.

“The modern prejudice has affected their scriptural interpretation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Unlike the situation today when blacks and other racial groups are openly discriminated against and oppressed, black people were highly respected in the ancient times.

“Unlike the situation today when blacks and other racial groups are openly discriminated against and oppressed, black people were highly respected in the ancient times.”

May combine two claims.

The Cushite wife of Moses was a black African woman from Cush or Africa.

“I have discussed the fact that the Cushite wife of Moses was a black African woman from Cush or Africa.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The prophet wanted Judah to use black people as a yardstick for assessing themselves.

“The prophet wanted Judah to use black people as a yardstick for assessing themselves.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

It relieves the black church and black Christians from the inferiority complex imposed on Africa and Africans by the Euro-American slave masters, who believe that Africans are less than human beings.

“It relieves the black church and black Christians from the inferiority complex imposed on Africa and Africans by the Euro-American slave masters, who believe that Africans are less than human beings.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The Hebrew clause 'because of the Cushite woman which he married' strongly implies a recent marriage.

“strongly implies a recent marriage.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The Cushite woman did not keep silent because of racism.

“She did not keep silent because of racism.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The reasons for the objection were jealousy of Moses' authority and the privileges accorded to this authority.

“What appears to me to be the reasons for the objection, is jealousy of Moses' authority and the privileges accorded to this authority.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Miriam was the same sister of Moses in Exodus 2.

“One will be right to assume that Miriam was the same sister of Moses in Exodus 2, because there was no tradition that this sister of Moses was someone else other than Miriam.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

It has been demonstrated times and again that the biblical people have the utmost respect for Africa and Africans.

“It has been demonstrated times and again that the biblical people have the utmost respect for Africa and Africans (Adamo 1986;2014:500-530;2018:1-9).”

• cites Adamo 1986Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites 2014:500-530Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites 2018:1-9Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ebed-Melech is identified as of African ancestry because his grandparents were traced to Cush.

“As far as the identity of Ebed-Melech is concerned, the biblical writer identifies him as of African ancestry because his grandparents were traced to Cush (Jr 37:7-13).”

• cites Jr 37:7-13Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The culture of silence in Africa (Yoruba) is probably close to that of ancient Israel, especially when it pertains to the marginalisation of women and when they are to keep their silence when authorities are arguing.

“In the light of the above, one can say that the culture of silence in Africa (Yoruba) is probably close to that of ancient Israel, especially when it pertains to the marginalisation of women and when they are to keep their silence when authorities are arguing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Another Egyptian monument relating to Kush is the annals of Thutmose III at Karnack, which had three lists of the Cushite cities under his domain.

“Another Egyptian monument relating to Kush is the annals of Thutmose III at Karnack, which had three lists of the Cushite cities under his domain.”

May combine two claims.

The reason for the objection of Miriam and Aaron was not because she was black, or that she was from a black country, Cush.

“I have also objected to the fact that the reason for the objection of Miriam and Aaron was not because she was black, or that she was from a black country, Cush.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

It is very unlikely that black Africans will desire to be white because it is unnatural.

“Or that it is very unlikely that black Africans will desire to be white because it is unnatural (Dunston 1974:47).”

• cites Dunston 1974:47Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Miriam must be jealous not because the Cushite was black, but because her brother would not pay enough attention to her with two wives.

“She must be jealous not because the Cushit was black, but because her brother would not pay enough attention to her with two wives.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The African wife of Moses was silent not because she was a coward or inferior, but her silence was meant to convey some messages.

“The African wife of Moses was silent not because she was a coward or inferior, but her silence was meant to convey some messages.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The Cushite woman's silence and the silence of other actors about her make it difficult to identify her or know her contribution to the entire affairs.

“The Cushite woman's silence and the silence of other actors in the narrative about the Cushite woman, make it difficult to identify her or know her contribution to the entire affairs (Williams 2002:263).”

• cites Williams 2002:263Not checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The Christian canon, the Bible, is not a foreign book as such as the anti-colonial agitators have maintained.

“It means that the Christian canon, the Bible, is not a foreign book as such as the anti-colonial agitators have maintained.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Real authentic salvation experience for the ancient Israelites started in Africa.

“One will be quite correct to say that real authentic salvation experience for the ancient Israelites started in Africa.”

• cites Jeremiah 7:22, 25, 11:24, 16:14, 23:7, 32:21Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The over-protective spirit of Miriam cannot be left out of this objection.

“The over-protective spirit of Miriam cannot be left out of this objection.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The messages conveyed by the Cushite woman's silence include indifference on her part, sorrow, anger and disapproval of Miriam and Aaron's protest.

“These messages include indifference on her part, sorrow, anger and disapproval of Miriam and Aaron's protest.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

According to Jeremiah, it is unthinkable that black Africans and the leopard will want to change the way they look.

“According to the prophet Jeremiah, it is unthinkable that black Africans and the leopard will want to change the way they look (Adamo 2014:500-530;2018:6-7;Bailey 1991:171).”

• cites Adamo 2014:500-530Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites 2018:6-7Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bailey 1991:171 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Africa was used as valuation for ancient Israel.

“Africa was used as valuation for ancient Israel (Jr 13:23).”

• cites Jr 13:23Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The interpreters, mostly Western exegetes, were the ones who brought modern prejudice to the interpretation of the Bible.

“The interpreters, mostly Western exegetes, were the ones who brought modern prejudice to the interpretation of the Bible.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

There is no prejudice against black people in the Old Testament.

“As I have said above, there is no prejudice against black people, therefore she was not feeling any inferiority complex.”

• Also stated in: § Conclusion · plain

  “The main reason for this position is that the author of this article is aware, through several types of research on the subject, that there has been no prejudice against black colour or black people in the Old Testament.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Jeremiah would never have spent so much time prophesying vehemently against African nations and their military men if ancient Israel had not depended on them.

“The prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Jeremiah would never have spent so much time prophesying so vehemently against these African nations and their military men if ancient Israel had not depended on them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Although the Old Testament culture relegates women or wives to the background, the Cushite woman must have contributed to the achievement of Moses as a law-giver, as prophet and as a deliverer.

“Although the Old Testament culture relegates women or wives to the background, one will be correct to say that this Cushite woman must have contributed to the achievement of Moses as a law-giver, as prophet and as a deliverer, if we apply the saying that 'Behind any great man, there is a woman'.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

This translation agrees with Jeremiah's charge that the people of Judah are doers of evil and that black Africans and the leopard have learnt the advantages of who they are, that is, conqueror of territories.

“I believe that this translation agrees with the prophet Jeremiah's charge that the people of Judah are doers of evil and that black Africans and the leopard have learnt the advantages of who they are, that is, conqueror of territories.”