Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that Bil'am saw Israel 'abiding according to their tribes'?
A: Rashi explains that Bil'am saw each tribe dwelling separately, with their boundaries clearly defined, yet united as one nation. This arrangement reflected the divine order and harmony among the tribes of Israel, which impressed Bil'am despite his initial intent to curse them.
Q: Why did the 'spirit of God' come upon Bil'am?
A: According to Ramban (Nachmanides), Hashem temporarily granted Bil'am divine inspiration to deliver blessings instead of curses. This demonstrated that even a non-Jewish prophet like Bil'am could only speak what Hashem permitted, emphasizing that Israel's protection comes from divine will.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am seeing Israel's encampment?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that Bil'am observed how the tents of Israel were arranged with modesty and privacy, showing their moral integrity. This teaches us the importance of maintaining proper boundaries and dignified conduct even in communal living.
Q: How does this verse show Hashem's protection of the Jewish people?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) explains that when Bil'am attempted to curse Israel, Hashem transformed his words into blessings. This verse marks the moment when Bil'am, under divine influence, was compelled to recognize Israel's special relationship with Hashem, showing that no enemy can truly harm us when we merit Hashem's protection.
Q: Why is this moment significant in the Torah's narrative?
A: As Rambam (Maimonides) discusses in Moreh Nevuchim, this event proves that true prophecy comes only from Hashem's will. Bil'am, who sought to use his prophetic abilities for harm, became an instrument of divine blessing instead, highlighting that all power ultimately derives from Hashem.
Bil'am's Vision of Israel
The verse states: "And Bil'am lifted up his eyes, and he saw Yisra'el abiding according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him" (Bamidbar 24:2). Rashi explains that when Bil'am "lifted up his eyes," he sought to cast an evil eye upon Israel, as was his intent from the beginning (Rashi on Bamidbar 24:2). However, instead of finding them vulnerable to his curses, he saw them dwelling in an orderly and dignified manner—each tribe in its designated place, with their tents arranged modestly, their entrances not facing one another to preserve privacy (Rashi, citing Midrash Tanchuma). This sight moved him to bless them rather than curse them.
The Divine Spirit Upon Bil'am
The phrase "the spirit of God came upon him" indicates that Bil'am was temporarily granted divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh) to speak words of blessing, despite his wicked intentions. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that prophecy can be granted even to non-Jews when it serves God's purpose, as was the case with Bil'am. However, unlike the prophets of Israel, Bil'am's prophecy was involuntary—he was compelled to bless Israel against his will (Talmud Sanhedrin 105b).
The Significance of Israel's Arrangement
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) elaborates that Bil'am saw the tribes arranged in the same formation as the encampment around the Mishkan (Tabernacle), symbolizing their unity and divine protection. The Sforno adds that their orderly dwelling reflected their adherence to Torah values, making them impervious to Bil'am's curses. This teaches that when the Jewish people live in harmony and righteousness, no harm can befall them.
Key Lessons from the Verse