Numbers 12:13
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצְעַ֣ק
cried
H6817
וַיִּצְעַ֣ק
cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
1 of 10
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֕ל
her now O God
H410
אֵ֕ל
her now O God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
6 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
נָ֛א
H4994
נָ֛א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
7 of 10
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
רְפָ֥א
Heal
H7495
רְפָ֥א
Heal
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
Cross References
Historical Context
Moses' prayer contrasts sharply with his sister's attack on him. Miriam had led the criticism (verse 1, singular verb in Hebrew), yet Moses immediately sought her restoration. His meekness (verse 3) was proven genuine by gracious response to personal attack. This established the pattern that godly leaders absorb personal wounds without retaliating while maintaining community holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' immediate intercession for his critic model Christ-like forgiveness?
- What does it mean to be 'meek' in biblical terms versus worldly weakness?
- How should spiritual leaders respond to personal attacks while maintaining community standards?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' intercession 'Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee' is remarkably brief and gracious given Miriam's sin against him. The Hebrew refa na lah (heal now, I pray) is only five words, showing Moses' meek spirit and immediate forgiveness. He does not demand her continued punishment despite her slander. This exemplifies Christ-like meekness—praying for enemies (Luke 23:34). Moses' intercession demonstrates that spiritual leaders must intercede even for those who wrong them, reflecting God's character who makes intercession for rebels (Isaiah 53:12).