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Numbers 23:4 - Divine encounter despite wrong intent?

Numbers 23:4 - במדבר 23:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקָּר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֶת־שִׁבְעַת הַמִּזְבְּחֹת עָרַכְתִּי וָאַעַל פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And God met Bil῾am: and he said to him, I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.

Transliteration

Vayikar Elohim el-Bil'am vayomer elav et-shiv'at hamizbe'ot arachti va'al par va'ayil bamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקָּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו אֶת־שִׁבְעַ֤ת הַֽמִּזְבְּחֹת֙ עָרַ֔כְתִּי וָאַ֛עַל פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וַיִּקָּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו אֶת־שִׁבְעַ֤ת הַֽמִּזְבְּחֹת֙ עָרַ֔כְתִּי וָאַ֛עַל פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 23:4) describes an encounter between Bil'am (Balaam) and Hashem, where Bil'am informs Hashem that he has prepared seven altars and offered sacrifices upon them. This occurs during Balak's attempt to hire Bil'am to curse Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 23:4) notes that Bil'am's mention of the seven altars was an attempt to evoke the merit of the Avos (Patriarchs). He explains that Bil'am thought:

  • The number seven corresponds to the seven altars built by the Avos (Avraham built four, Yitzchak one, and Yaakov two).
  • By replicating these offerings, Bil'am sought to arouse Divine judgment against Bnei Yisrael, as if to say, "If these offerings were sufficient for the Avos, why should their descendants require special protection?"

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) elaborates on Bil'am's strategy:

  • Bil'am knew that Hashem is "angered" (so to speak) each day for a brief moment, and he sought to time his curses during that moment.
  • His seven altars corresponded to the seven "heavens," attempting to manipulate spiritual forces.
  • However, Hashem "did not become angry" (Tehillim 7:12) during that time, thwarting Bil'am's plans.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:41), Rambam discusses Bil'am's prophetic experience:

  • Bil'am was unique among non-Jewish prophets in that he attained a level of prophecy similar to Moshe Rabbeinu in terms of direct communication with Hashem.
  • However, his intentions were corrupt, demonstrating that prophecy is a Divine gift not dependent on the recipient's moral stature.

Maharal's Interpretation

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh on Bamidbar 23:4) explains the significance of the number seven:

  • Seven represents the natural order (e.g., seven days of creation). Bil'am sought to use the natural order to override Bnei Yisrael's supernatural protection.
  • However, Bnei Yisrael exist beyond nature, as evidenced by their miraculous survival in the desert, rendering Bil'am's efforts futile.

Halachic Observation

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 511) notes that this episode teaches:

  • Sacrifices offered with improper intent (like Bil'am's) are invalid, even if technically correct in procedure.
  • This reinforces the principle that mitzvos require proper kavanah (intent) to be meaningful.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is discussed in the context of the story of Balaam (Bil'am) and his interactions with God, highlighting his attempts to curse the Israelites and God's intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bil'am prepare seven altars with sacrifices?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 23:4), Bil'am prepared seven altars to correspond to the altars built by the Patriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) and to invoke merit for his mission. The number seven is significant in Judaism, often representing completeness or divine connection.
Q: What is the significance of offering a bull and a ram on each altar?
A: The Ramban (Numbers 23:4) explains that these animals were commonly used for sacrifices to seek divine favor. A bull (par) represents strength, while a ram (ayil) often symbolizes submission to Hashem's will, as seen in the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak).
Q: Why did Hashem appear to Bil'am despite him being a non-Jewish prophet?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 15b) teaches that Hashem granted prophecy to Bil'am to prevent the nations from claiming, 'If we had a prophet like Moshe, we too would have repented.' However, Bil'am's prophecy was inferior—he only received communication when he sought it (unlike Moshe, who could hear Hashem at any time).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am's sacrifices?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) emphasizes that sincere intentions matter more than rituals. Though Bil'am performed elaborate sacrifices, his heart was not aligned with righteousness. This teaches us that mitzvot must be done with proper kavanah (intention) to be meaningful.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish worship today?
A: While we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the principle of devotion remains. The sages (Berachot 26b) connect prayers to sacrifices, showing that tefillah (prayer) replaces korbanot (offerings). Like Bil'am's altars, our prayers require focus and sincerity to connect with Hashem.