Numbers 12:13

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

And Moses {H4872} cried {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Heal {H7495} her now, O God {H410}, I beseech thee.

Moshe cried to ADONAI, "Oh God, I beg you, please, heal her!"

So Moses cried out to the LORD, โ€œO God, please heal her!โ€

And Moses cried unto Jehovah, saying, Heal her, O God, I beseech thee.

Commentary

Numbers 12:13 captures a pivotal moment of intercession, demonstrating the profound character of Moses and the power of prayer in the face of divine judgment. This short, fervent plea reveals deep spiritual truths about leadership, forgiveness, and God's nature.

Context

This verse follows a significant event where Mosesโ€™ siblings, Miriam and Aaron, publicly challenged his authority and questioned his unique leadership, particularly concerning his Cushite wife (Numbers 12:1). The Lord Himself intervened, defending Moses and affirming His unique relationship with him, speaking to him "mouth to mouth" and not through dark speeches (Numbers 12:8). As a direct consequence of her rebellion, Miriam was immediately struck with leprosy, becoming "white as snow" (Numbers 12:10). Aaron, recognizing the severity of their sin, pleaded with Moses to intercede for their sister (Numbers 12:11-12). Moses' response in verse 13 is a testament to his remarkable humility and compassion, choosing to pray for his sister's healing rather than harbor resentment over her judgment.

Key Themes

  • Intercessory Prayer: Mosesโ€™ immediate and passionate prayer for Miriam highlights the importance and power of praying on behalf of others, even those who have wronged us. It reflects a deep love and concern for his sister's well-being.
  • Moses' Humility and Forgiveness: Despite being the target of their criticism and rebellion, Moses does not harbor resentment. His quick intercession showcases his remarkable meekness and forgiving spirit, qualities for which he was notably commended by God as "very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3).
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: God's swift judgment on Miriam underscores the seriousness of challenging divine authority and His chosen leaders. However, Moses' prayer opens the door for God's mercy to be extended, demonstrating that God is both just in His judgments and compassionate in His responses to earnest pleas.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Heal her now" comes from the Hebrew verb rapha (ืจึธืคึธื), which means "to heal," "to restore," or "to mend." It implies a complete restoration to health. The urgency conveyed by "now" (ื ึธื - na) combined with "I beseech thee" (ืึฒื ึผึธื - anna, an emphatic and humble plea) emphasizes the desperate and heartfelt nature of Moses' prayer, appealing directly to God's character as the ultimate Healer and Restorer.

Practical Application

Numbers 12:13 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning their response to conflict and the power of prayer:

  • Pray for Those Who Offend You: Moses' example challenges us to respond to criticism, personal offense, or even rebellion with grace and prayer, rather than bitterness or retaliation. This aligns with Christ's teaching to pray for those who persecute you.
  • The Power of Earnest Prayer: The effectiveness of Moses' immediate and fervent plea reminds us that heartfelt and persistent prayer can move the hand of God and bring about healing and restoration, both physical and spiritual.
  • Reflect God's Character: In his selfless intercession, Moses mirrors God's own nature of combining justice with a willingness to show mercy when repentance and intercession occur, as seen in the broader narrative of God's dealings with His people (Exodus 34:6-7). This verse encourages us to pursue reconciliation and healing even in difficult family or community dynamics.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 12:21 (5 votes)

    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • Luke 6:28 (5 votes)

    Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

  • James 5:15 (5 votes)

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • Numbers 16:46 (2 votes)

    And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

  • Numbers 16:50 (2 votes)

    And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

  • Numbers 14:2 (2 votes)

    And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!

  • Isaiah 30:26 (2 votes)

    Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.