Why Israel Waited Seven Days for Miriam Outside the Camp

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 12:15

"And the people did not journey," etc. Because Miriam waited when [Moses] was cast into the river, as it is said, "And his sister stood afar off" (Exodus 2:4), therefore the Holy One, blessed be He, repaid her: that the Ark of the Holiness and the clouds of glory waited for her, for the cloud did not go up from over the Tabernacle until she was healed from her leprosy. Just as she did not stir from guarding her brother until he was saved, behold — measure for measure.

Themes

Biblical References