The text presents a debate between Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Ilai and other, unnamed Rabbis, focusing on the clarity of prophetic vision. Rabbi Yehuda uses the prophet Ezekiel as his example. In Ezekiel 43:3, we find the words "appearance," "vision," and "saw" repeated, along with the plural "visions," adding up to nine separate instances. Rabbi Yehuda argues that these repetitions allude to the other prophets seeing their prophecies as if looking through nine layers of glass – a bit like looking through multiple layers of distortion.
But Moses? Ah, Moses saw through just one, clear looking glass, as the verse states in Numbers 12:8: “And a vision and not in riddles.”
The Rabbis, however, offer a slightly different take. They suggest that all the other prophets saw through a murky looking glass. As Hosea 12:11 says, “I spoke to the prophets; I proliferated visions and granted imagery to the prophets.” These visions were somehow clouded, less direct. But Moses, according to this interpretation, saw through a polished looking glass. Again, the proof text is Numbers 12:8: “And a vision and not in riddles.”
Rabbi Pinḥas, quoting Rabbi Hoshaya, adds a beautiful analogy. It's like a king who reveals himself fully to a member of his inner circle, without any curtains or veils obscuring the view. This direct, unmediated experience was unique to Moses.
So, what does this all mean? It suggests that while all prophets were able to perceive the Divine, Moses had a uniquely clear, unadulterated connection. His understanding was not filtered through layers of interpretation or obscured by murkiness. He saw directly, without the need for riddles or intermediaries.
And here’s a thought to ponder: This Midrash also hints at a future time when this clarity won't be limited to a select few. "The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see together that the mouth of the Lord has spoken," as Isaiah 40:5 promises. Imagine a world where the Divine Presence is not just available to prophets, but is revealed to everyone. A world where we all see with that same clarity that Moses possessed. Wouldn't that be something?