The final section of Parashat Beha’alotekha tells the story of Miriam and Aharon’s disparaging remarks about their younger brother, Moshe. Miriam (who apparently initiated the conversation) was stricken by the tzara’at skin infection as punishment for her inappropriate speech about Moshe.
In describing this event, the Torah writes, “Miriam and Aharon spoke about Moshe… They said, ‘Has the Lord spoken only with Moshe? Did He not speak with us, as well?’ And the Lord heard” (12:2). Why does the Torah emphasize that “the Lord heard” what was said about Moshe?
Ibn Ezra and Chizkuni explain that Aharon and Miriam’s conversation took place in private, and not in Moshe’s – or anyone else’s – presence. The Torah stresses that although no person heard what was said, God heard and immediately reacted. Others, including the Ramban and Shadal, claim that Moshe was indeed present and heard what was said. Shadal proves this from the Torah’s account two verses later: “The Lord suddenly said to Moshe, Aharon and Miriam: Go, the three of you, to the Tent of Meeting.” This clearly implies that the three siblings were together during this incident. According to these commentators, the Torah emphasizes that “the Lord heard” to indicate that God reacted angrily even though Moshe did not. After recording Moshe and Aharon’s remarks, the Torah describes Moshe’s unparalleled humility, as a result of which he paid no heed to what was said about him. The phrase, “and the Lord heard” conveys the message that even if Moshe did not care, God did. Moshe acted as though he did not hear, but the Almighty certainly heard and did not allow this infraction on Moshe’s stature to go unpunished.
According to both interpretations, this phrase stresses the accountability we bear even for actions that appear to yield no impact upon others. We are responsible for what we say and do regardless of whether those actions or words affect anybody else. Even if nobody hears, we must remember that “va-yishma Hashem” – the Almighty assuredly hears and takes note. God’s constant presence suffices to demand proper speech and conduct under all circumstances and in every situation, even where it seems that our actions have no effect whatsoever on any other person.
Courtesy of Yeshivat Har Etzion - www.etzion.org.il