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Numbers 22:38 - Divine words control prophet.

Numbers 22:38 - במדבר 22:38

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל־בָּלָק הִנֵּה־בָאתִי אֵלֶיךָ עַתָּה הֲיָכוֹל אוּכַל דַּבֵּר מְאוּמָה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יָשִׂים אֱלֹהִים בְּפִי אֹתוֹ אֲדַבֵּר׃

English Translation

And Bil῾am said to Balaq, Lo, I am come to thee: have I now any power at all to say anything? the word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Bil'am el-Balak hineh-bati elekha atah ha'yakhol ukhal dabber me'umah ha'davar asher yasim Elohim b'fi oto adaber.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל־בָּלָ֗ק הִֽנֵּה־בָ֙אתִי֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ עַתָּ֕ה הֲיָכֹ֥ל אוּכַ֖ל דַּבֵּ֣ר מְא֑וּמָה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָשִׂ֧ים אֱלֹהִ֛ים בְּפִ֖י אֹת֥וֹ אֲדַבֵּֽר׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל־בָּלָ֗ק הִֽנֵּה־בָ֙אתִי֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ עַתָּ֕ה הֲיָכֹ֥ל אוּכַ֖ל דַּבֵּ֣ר מְא֑וּמָה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָשִׂ֧ים אֱלֹהִ֛ים בְּפִ֖י אֹת֥וֹ אֲדַבֵּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Bil'am's Recognition of Divine Control

The verse (Bamidbar 22:38) demonstrates Bil'am's acknowledgment that his ability to speak blessings or curses is entirely dependent on Hashem's will. Rashi explains that Bil'am was telling Balak, "Even if you were to give me all the silver and gold in the world, I cannot transgress the word of Hashem to say anything other than what He permits me to say." This admission highlights the fundamental principle that prophecy is not a human-controlled ability but a divine gift granted only when aligned with Hashem's purpose.

The Nature of True Prophecy

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) teaches that true prophecy only comes to those who are spiritually prepared and morally upright. Bil'am, though possessing prophetic abilities, was fundamentally flawed in character—as the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) describes him as having an "evil eye, a haughty spirit, and an arrogant soul." His statement here underscores that even an unworthy prophet like Bil'am could not deviate from the words Hashem placed in his mouth, proving that prophecy is entirely divine in origin.

The Contrast with Moshe Rabbeinu

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) contrasts Bil'am's passive reception of prophecy ("the word that God puts in my mouth") with Moshe's active dialogue with Hashem ("I will speak with Him mouth to mouth" - Bamidbar 12:8).
  • While Moshe sought prophecy with pure intentions for the sake of Klal Yisrael, Bil'am sought to use prophecy for personal gain and harm.
  • This distinction explains why Bil'am describes prophecy as something forced upon him ("puts in my mouth"), whereas Moshe experienced prophecy as a natural communion with the Divine.

Theological Implications

The Malbim notes that Bil'am's phrasing reveals his understanding that he was merely a vessel for Hashem's words. This serves as an eternal lesson that no human—not even one with supernatural abilities—can ultimately oppose the divine will. The Sforno adds that this declaration was meant to warn Balak that any attempted curses would be ineffective, as they could only materialize if sanctioned by Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's prophecy and his inability to curse the Israelites, highlighting that he could only speak what God permitted.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the limitations placed on Balaam by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Bil'am mean when he says 'the word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak'?
A: Bil'am is acknowledging that he can only say what Hashem allows him to say, not his own words. Rashi explains that Bil'am was admitting his inability to curse Bnei Yisrael unless Hashem permitted it, showing that even a non-Jewish prophet could only speak with Divine permission.
Q: Why did Bil'am tell Balak that he could only speak what God put in his mouth?
A: Bil'am was reminding Balak that his power to bless or curse came solely from Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) teaches that this was a warning to Balak that Bil'am couldn't act independently against Bnei Yisrael if Hashem didn't will it.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am's statement in this verse?
A: We learn that true prophecy and Divine communication are entirely dependent on Hashem's will. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that a prophet is merely a conduit for Hashem's word, just as Bil'am describes here - he could only speak what Hashem placed in his mouth.
Q: How does this verse show Hashem's protection of the Jewish people?
A: This verse demonstrates that Hashem controlled Bil'am's speech to prevent him from cursing Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Berachos 7a) explains that Hashem turned Bil'am's intended curses into blessings, showing Divine protection over Am Yisrael even through their enemies.
Q: Why does the Torah include this conversation between Bil'am and Balak?
A: The Torah includes this to show that even a wicked prophet like Bil'am had to acknowledge Hashem's ultimate control. As the Sforno explains, this episode teaches that no one can harm the Jewish people when they are following Hashem's will, and all blessings and curses come only from Hashem.