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Numbers 23:5 - Divine words control prophecy.

Numbers 23:5 - במדבר 23:5

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם יְהוָה דָּבָר בְּפִי בִלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר שׁוּב אֶל־בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר׃

English Translation

And the Lord put a word in Bil῾am’s mouth, and said, Return to Balaq, and thus thou shalt speak.

Transliteration

Vayasem Adonai davar befi Bilam vayomer shuv el-Balak vecho tedaber.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֧שֶׂם יְהֹוָ֛ה דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֣י בִלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל־בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר׃
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם יְהֹוָ֛ה דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֣י בִלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל־בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Control Over Bil'am's Speech

The verse (Bamidbar 23:5) states: "וַיָּשֶׂם יְהוָה דָּבָר בְּפִי בִלְעָם" ("And the Lord put a word in Bil'am's mouth"). Rashi explains that Hashem exerted complete control over Bil'am's prophecy, forcing him to bless Bnei Yisrael against his will. This demonstrates that even a wicked prophet like Bil'am could not deviate from the divine word when Hashem chose to speak through him.

The Nature of Bil'am's Prophecy

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) discusses how Bil'am's prophecy was unique—unlike the nevi'im of Israel, who actively sought divine connection, Bil'am was merely a vessel for Hashem's message in this instance. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) emphasizes that Bil'am's ability to prophesy was granted solely for the sake of blessing Israel, not due to his own merit.

Returning to Balak

The phrase "שׁוּב אֶל־בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר" ("Return to Balak and thus thou shalt speak") indicates that Bil'am was not free to deliver his own message. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) teaches that this was a rebuke—Bil'am, who sought to curse Israel, was now compelled to return to Balak empty-handed, forced to transmit only the words Hashem placed in his mouth.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Sovereignty: No one, not even a prophet with Bil'am's abilities, can oppose Hashem's will (Malbim).
  • Purpose of Prophecy: True prophecy serves divine intent, not personal ambition (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 2:45).
  • Protection of Israel: Hashem overturned Bil'am's curses into blessings, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to Bnei Yisrael (Targum Onkelos).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Balaam's prophecy and his inability to curse the Israelites, highlighting God's control over Balaam's words.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of Balaam's prophecies and his relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord put a word in Bil'am’s mouth'?
A: This means that Hashem directly controlled Bil'am's speech, forcing him to say only what Hashem wanted, despite Bil'am's own intentions to curse the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this demonstrates Hashem's complete control over prophecy and speech, even through someone like Bil'am who had negative intentions.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Bil'am to return to Balak and speak?
A: Hashem wanted Bil'am to deliver a message to Balak that he could not curse the Jewish people because they were blessed by Hashem. The Ramban explains that this was to show Balak that no human effort could override Hashem's will regarding the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem protects the Jewish people and that no curse or negative speech can harm them if it is against Hashem's will. The Talmud (Berachos 7a) discusses how Bil'am's intended curses were turned into blessings, showing that Hashem watches over Israel.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as Hashem protected the Jewish people from Bil'am's curses, we trust that Hashem continues to guard us from harm when we follow His ways. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) emphasizes that divine protection is constant for those who remain faithful to Torah and mitzvos.