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Numbers 22:3 - Moab fears Israel's multitude

Numbers 22:3 - במדבר 22:3

Hebrew Text

וַיָּגָר מוֹאָב מִפְּנֵי הָעָם מְאֹד כִּי רַב־הוּא וַיָּקָץ מוֹאָב מִפְּנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Mo᾽av was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Mo᾽av was seized with dread because of the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va-yagar moav mi-pnei ha-am meod ki rav-hu va-yakatz moav mi-pnei bnei yisrael

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨גׇר מוֹאָ֜ב מִפְּנֵ֥י הָעָ֛ם מְאֹ֖ד כִּ֣י רַב־ה֑וּא וַיָּ֣קׇץ מוֹאָ֔ב מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיָּ֨גׇר מוֹאָ֜ב מִפְּנֵ֥י הָעָ֛ם מְאֹ֖ד כִּ֣י רַב־ה֑וּא וַיָּ֣קׇץ מוֹאָ֔ב מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 22:3, describing the reaction of Moav (Moab) upon seeing Bnei Yisrael encamped near their borders. This occurs after Bnei Yisrael's military victories over Sichon and Og, which instilled fear in the surrounding nations, including Moav.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Moav's fear was twofold:

  • "וַיָּגָר מוֹאָב" (And Moav was sore afraid): They were terrified because Bnei Yisrael were numerous, as the verse states, "כִּי רַב־הוּא" (because they were many).
  • "וַיָּקָץ מוֹאָב" (And Moav was seized with dread): Rashi explains that this phrase indicates an even deeper revulsion and loathing, as if Moav found Bnei Yisrael repulsive due to their overwhelming presence.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the fear of Moav was not merely due to Bnei Yisrael's numbers but also because of their recent military successes. Having witnessed the defeat of Sichon and Og—powerful kings—Moav understood that Bnei Yisrael were divinely protected and unstoppable.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 1) elaborates that Moav's dread stemmed from a misunderstanding. They assumed Bnei Yisrael would consume all their resources like locusts, as the verse uses the term "וַיָּקָץ", which can also imply being "consumed" or "devoured." This reflects their irrational fear, despite Bnei Yisrael having no intention of harming Moav (as they were commanded not to wage war against them—see Devarim 2:9).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses how nations often fear what they do not understand. Moav, seeing Bnei Yisrael's unity and divine protection, misinterpreted their presence as a threat, leading to panic and the eventual hiring of Bilam to curse them.

Halachic Implications

The Chizkuni (Rabbi Hezekiah ben Manoach) connects this fear to the broader theme of hashgacha pratit (divine providence). Moav's reaction underscores how Hashem instills fear in the enemies of Bnei Yisrael to protect His people, fulfilling the promise made to Avraham that those who curse Yisrael will be cursed (Bereishit 12:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Moab afraid of the Israelites?
A: Moab was afraid of the Israelites because they were numerous and powerful after leaving Egypt. Rashi explains that Moab saw how the Israelites had defeated other nations like Sichon and Og, which made them fearful (Rashi on Numbers 22:3). The Midrash adds that the sheer size of the Israelite camp also intimidated them (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1).
Q: What does this verse teach us about fear of the Jewish people?
A: This verse shows how nations sometimes fear the Jewish people without cause when we follow Hashem's ways. The Rambam teaches that when Jews are united in Torah and mitzvot, even our enemies recognize Divine protection (Hilchot Melachim 11:4). However, the Talmud also warns against unnecessary fear-mongering (Megillah 3a).
Q: How does this verse connect to the story of Balak and Bilaam?
A: This verse sets the stage for Balak's reaction. According to the Talmud, Moab's fear led King Balak to hire Bilaam to curse Israel, showing how fear can lead to poor decisions (Sanhedrin 105a). The Midrash explains that Moab should have learned from others' mistakes instead of opposing Israel (Tanchuma Balak 1).