Moses' Prayer for Miriam
When his own sister Miriam was struck with leprosy for challenging his authority, Moses set aside any personal grievance and cried out to God with just five Hebrew words: Please, God, heal her now.
In the Book of Numbers, Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses' unique authority from God, resulting in Miriam being struck with leprosy as divine discipline while Aaron was spared. Moses immediately interceded with a concise plea, "Please, God, heal her," showing his humility and refusal to retaliate despite the personal attack. God responded with both mercy and measured justice by requiring a seven-day period of isolation before restoring Miriam, after which the community could proceed. This account emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in Scripture, the consequences of speaking against God's chosen leaders, and the balance of accountability with compassion in divine dealings.
Details
- Category
- Intercession
- Prayed by
- Moses
Key Chapters
Key Passages
The Prayer
Numbers 12:13
This brief prayer shows the power of intercession, reminding us to bring others' needs before God with faith and compassion.
13nd Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Did You Know?
Moses' prayer for Miriam is just five Hebrew words - the shortest prayer in the Bible.
Despite Miriam challenging his authority, Moses immediately interceded for her.
God healed Miriam but required her to stay outside the camp for seven days.