Why Aaron Pleaded That Miriam Not Be as One Dead

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 12:12

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Let her not be as one dead" (Numbers 12:12). From here we learn that a leper is reckoned as one dead. Another interpretation: Why is it said "as one dead"? For thus did Aaron expound: that a relative cannot view the plague-spots, since a leper is not declared pure except by the seeing of a priest, as it is said, "This shall be the law of the leper…" (Leviticus 14:2). And Aaron and his sons were relatives of Miriam — therefore it is said "as one dead." Just as the dead has no remedy, so too this one has no remedy. Another interpretation: "Let her not be as one dead." It speaks of the stillborn that dies in its mother's womb, for after it dies, before it emerges, half its flesh is consumed from that which was upon it. Therefore Aaron said: This, our sister, was with us in Egypt, and was with us in the song at the Sea, and now, when we seek to depart from the wilderness and to enter the Land, shall she dwell alone outside the camp?

Themes

PriesthoodWomenHumorWitHealing

Biblical References

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