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Numbers 24:3 - Prophet's vision despite wickedness

Numbers 24:3 - במדבר 24:3

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר נְאֻם בִּלְעָם בְּנוֹ בְעֹר וּנְאֻם הַגֶּבֶר שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן׃

English Translation

And he took up his discourse, and said, The speech of Bil῾am the son Be῾or, and the speech of the man whose eyes are open:

Transliteration

Va'yisa meshalu va'yomar ne'um Bil'am beno Ve'or une'um hagever shtum ha'ayin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר נְאֻ֤ם בִּלְעָם֙ בְּנ֣וֹ בְעֹ֔ר וּנְאֻ֥ם הַגֶּ֖בֶר שְׁתֻ֥ם הָעָֽיִן׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר נְאֻ֤ם בִּלְעָם֙ בְּנ֣וֹ בְעֹ֔ר וּנְאֻ֥ם הַגֶּ֖בֶר שְׁתֻ֥ם הָעָֽיִן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 24:3) introduces the third prophecy of Bil'am (Balaam), describing him as "the son of Be'or" and "the man whose eyes are open." This description holds deep significance in Jewish tradition, as Bil'am was a non-Jewish prophet with unique spiritual insight, albeit used for negative purposes.

Bil'am's Prophetic Status

Rashi explains that Bil'am was called "the son of Be'or" to highlight his lineage, as Be'or was his father. However, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) suggests that "Be'or" (בעור) can also be interpreted as "be'iver" (בעיוור), meaning "blind," hinting at Bil'am's spiritual blindness despite his prophetic abilities. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) discusses how Bil'am attained prophecy, albeit at a lower level than Jewish prophets, as his intentions were not aligned with divine will.

The Meaning of "Whose Eyes Are Open"

The phrase "שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן" (whose eyes are open) is interpreted in several ways:

  • Rashi: Bil'am was blind in one eye (based on the word "שְׁתֻם," meaning "closed"), symbolizing his partial spiritual blindness despite his prophetic vision.
  • Ibn Ezra: His eyes were "opened" to divine insight, but his moral vision was flawed, as he sought to curse Israel.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 12): Bil'am's "open eye" refers to his ability to perceive the exact moment of Hashem's anger, which he sought to exploit for cursing.

Contrast with Jewish Prophecy

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) contrasts Bil'am with Moshe Rabbeinu: while Moshe's prophecy was clear and direct ("the one who sees face to face"), Bil'am's was distorted ("the one whose eye is open"). This teaches that true prophecy aligns with moral clarity, not just supernatural vision.

Lessons from Bil'am's Description

The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual gifts misused for selfish ends. As the Mishnah (Avot 5:19) states, Bil'am represents those with an "evil eye" (ayin ra'ah), contrasting with Avraham Avinu's "good eye" (ayin tovah). True wisdom requires humility and alignment with divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's prophecies and his unique ability to see divine visions, highlighting his role as a prophet despite his negative portrayal.
📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the distinction between true and false prophets, with Balaam's open eyes symbolizing his prophetic insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Bil'am in the Torah?
A: Bil'am (Balaam) was a non-Jewish prophet mentioned in the Torah who was hired to curse the Jewish people. Despite his negative intentions, Hashem put blessings in his mouth instead. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses his unique prophetic abilities among non-Jews.
Q: What does 'the man whose eyes are open' mean in Numbers 24:3?
A: Rashi explains this phrase means Bil'am had a special level of prophetic vision when he spoke these words. The term 'open-eyed' refers to moments when Hashem granted him clear prophetic insight, unlike his usual state.
Q: Why does the Torah include Bil'am's prophecies?
A: The Ramban teaches that Bil'am's prophecies are included because they contain important messages about the future of the Jewish people and the nations of the world. Despite coming from a wicked person, these prophecies were divinely inspired and contain eternal truths.
Q: What can we learn from Bil'am calling himself 'son of Be'or'?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) explains that 'Be'or' means 'foolish one,' showing Bil'am's arrogance in mocking his own father while praising himself. This teaches us about the dangers of arrogance and disrespecting parents, even while possessing great abilities.
Q: How is Bil'am's prophecy relevant today?
A: Bil'am's prophecies about the Jewish people (including 'How goodly are your tents, O Jacob') remain eternally relevant. The Talmud (Berachos 12b) teaches we recite parts of his prophecies daily, showing how even words from a wicked person can contain eternal truths when divinely inspired.