The story revolves around Miriam's affliction with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy, after she and Aaron speak critically of Moses. When Moses witnesses his sister's suffering, he cries out to God: "God, now, heal her now" (Numbers 12:13). But there's more to this simple verse than meets the eye.
The Rabbis, in their insightful way, offer a compelling interpretation. They suggest Moses is saying something profound: "Master of the universe, You have already rendered me a physician… If You heal her, that is fine. If not, I will heal her." This isn't arrogance, but a deep understanding of his role and abilities, which were, of course, granted by God. The midrash (rabbinic commentary) is cleverly expounding on the doubling of the word "now," implying a contingency: "God, heal her now, and if not, I will heal her now."
Rabbi Abba bar Kahana further illuminates this with a parable. Imagine a skilled apprentice, trained by a master physician. A sick woman seeks help, and the apprentice brings her to the master. The apprentice says, "Master, you've taught me everything. If you heal her, great. If not, I'll use my skills to heal her myself." Similarly, Moses, having learned the intricacies of dealing with leprosy from God, essentially says, "If You heal her, wonderful. If not, I'll use the knowledge You've given me."
But why such a fervent and, seemingly, confident plea? Another interpretation in Devarim Rabbah compares Moses's cry to that of a man who once wore a heavy chain. Having freed himself, he understands the pain when he sees the same chain around someone else's neck. People ask, "Why are you so upset?" He replies, "You don't understand the agony that chain inflicts. I know it intimately."
So, too, Moses understands Miriam's suffering because he, too, has experienced a similar "chain." Remember when God afflicted Moses's hand with leprosy, turning it "white as snow" (Exodus 4:6)? He knows the fear, the isolation, the pain. This shared experience fuels his empathy and intensifies his prayer.
Ultimately, after Moses prays, God heals Miriam. The Torah tells us, "The people did not travel until Miriam's readmission" (Numbers 12:15). This pause in their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of lashon hara (malicious speech) and the importance of remembering Miriam's ordeal. As Ginzberg retells it in Legends of the Jews, the delay was a mark of respect and a testament to Miriam's significant role in the community.
This passage from Devarim Rabbah is more than just a story about healing. It's a profound exploration of our relationship with God, the power of empathy, and the responsibility we have to use our gifts—whether divinely bestowed or learned—to alleviate suffering in the world. It challenges us to consider: How can we be more like Moses, recognizing the "chains" that bind others and offering our heartfelt prayers and skillful actions to help them break free?