Weekly Portion – חֻקַּת – Chukkat – Statute; Numbers 19:1 – 22:1; Judges 11:1 – 33
The Bible reports the death of Miriam, and immediately afterward the cessation of water. This connection is no coincidence. Moses’ sister Miriam was like a hidden spring that accompanied the people through the wilderness. Her story reminds us that the most important people are often not those in the spotlight, but those who quietly bring the water of life.
In the middle of the portion Chukkat, a short, almost sober verse appears, yet it carries great depth and drama: “And Miriam died there and was buried there. And the congregation had no water.” Notice the immediate and surprising proximity of these two statements: Miriam dies, and immediately it is said that there was no water for the congregation. This connection is no coincidence. It teaches us that throughout the entire wilderness journey, Miriam was a source of living water for Israel. When she died, the well dried up, and the water ceased.
This opens a particularly profound perspective. It shows that alongside Moses, the great leader,...
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