Why Miriam Was Struck Leprous as Snow and Aaron Was Spared

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 12:10

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And behold, Miriam was leprous as snow." Because for evil speech afflictions come upon a person. What is "as snow"? She was smitten with a baheret (a bright spot), as we have learned: a bright baheret is intense as snow. Another interpretation: Why were Moses and Miriam smitten "leprous as snow"? Because they were of clean flesh. Another interpretation: Why were they smitten with one kind of affliction? Because both of them were smitten over the desire of their mouth. Moses was smitten because he said, "And behold, they will not believe me" (Exodus 4:1); Miriam was smitten because she spoke against her brother. "And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous." This teaches that Aaron too was smitten, for the burning anger was upon both of them, as it says, "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and He departed" (verse 9) — only that he was turned away from his leprosy. And why was Aaron turned away? Because the speech did not come forth from him first, but from Miriam, as it says, "And Miriam spoke, and Aaron…" (verse 1); it does not say, "And Aaron and Miriam spoke."

Themes

Divine JusticeWomenPriesthoodHumorWit

Biblical References

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