It’s a question that goes way back, and one fascinating glimpse into it comes from the Book of Ben Sira.
Now, Ben Sira isn’t part of the core Jewish biblical canon as we know it (the Tanakh), but it is considered part of the Apocrypha – important Jewish writings from the Second Temple period. It offers wisdom and guidance on all sorts of topics, and surprisingly, it has quite a bit to say about health and healing.
Our passage from Ben Sira 38 begins with a direct and somewhat surprising instruction: "My son, in sickness be not negligent. Pray unto God, for he will heal.” So, what does that mean? Should we just pray and forget about everything else?
Not quite! The next lines provide crucial context. We’re told to "Flee from iniquity, and from respect of persons; And from all transgressions cleanse thy heart." This isn’t just about physical healing; it’s a holistic approach. Healing, according to Ben Sira, involves spiritual and moral cleansing as well. Addressing our wrongdoings, purifying our hearts—these actions create a space for healing to occur.
Then comes the intriguing line about offering a "sweet savour as a memorial." Some understand this as a call to prayer and offerings, aligning our actions with divine will. It’s about acknowledging God's role in our lives and showing gratitude, even—or especially—during times of illness. It’s about giving "fatness estimated according to thy substance" – a generous offering, fitting to your means.
But here's where it gets really interesting: "And to the physician also give a place; And he shall not remove, for there is need of him likewise." Wait a minute! After all that talk about prayer and spiritual cleansing, Ben Sira explicitly tells us to consult a doctor! He recognizes the value of medical intervention.
Why? "For there is a time when in his hand is good success," the text explains. There’s a place for both divine intervention and human skill. The physician has a role to play, a specific expertise that shouldn’t be ignored.
And it gets even better. Ben Sira continues: "For he too will supplicate unto God, That he will prosper to him the treatment (or draught), And the healing, for the sake of his living." The physician themselves is meant to pray! The doctor's work and prayer are intertwined, both seeking God's blessing on the healing process. They are working in partnership with the Divine.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Ben Sira offers a balanced perspective, recognizing the importance of both spiritual and medical approaches to healing. It's not an either/or situation. Prayer, repentance, and seeking medical help are all part of a comprehensive approach to well-being. It reminds us that healing is a multifaceted process, involving our bodies, minds, and souls. It's a tradition that values seeking help, valuing experts, and remembering that we are all part of something greater.