Numbers 12:4-9

God’s common method of communicating with His prophets was by giving them visions and dreams (Numbers 12:6). [Note: See Richard L. Ruble, "The Doctrine of Dreams," Bibliotheca Sacra 125:500 (October-December 1968):360-64. For more information on the structure of God’s words here, see J. S. Kselman, "A Note on Numbers xii 6-8," Vetus Testamentum 26:4 (October 1976):500-504.] Moses was a specially privileged prophet, however, with whom God spoke directly without any special mediation or reserve. He spoke with Moses as friends converse (Numbers 12:8; cf. Exodus 33:11). Michael Fishbane suggested that Paul had Numbers 12:8 in mind when he wrote 1 Corinthians 13:8. [Note: Michael Fishbane, "Through the Looking Glass: Reflections on Ezekiel 43:3, Numbers 12:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:8," Hebrew Annual Review 10 (1986):63-74. See also Edward J. Young, My Servants the Prophets, ch. II: "Moses and the Prophets," for an exposition of Numbers 12:1-8.]