share torah logo

Numbers 10:30 - Rejecting Moses' divine invitation?

Numbers 10:30 - במדבר 10:30

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו לֹא אֵלֵךְ כִּי אִם־אֶל־אַרְצִי וְאֶל־מוֹלַדְתִּי אֵלֵךְ׃

English Translation

And he said to him, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my kindred.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav lo elech ki im-el-artzi ve-el-moladti elech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו לֹ֣א אֵלֵ֑ךְ כִּ֧י אִם־אֶל־אַרְצִ֛י וְאֶל־מוֹלַדְתִּ֖י אֵלֵֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו לֹ֣א אֵלֵ֑ךְ כִּ֧י אִם־אֶל־אַרְצִ֛י וְאֶל־מוֹלַדְתִּ֖י אֵלֵֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 22:13) records the words of Balaam in response to Balak's request to curse the Israelites. Balaam initially refuses, stating his intention to return to his homeland rather than comply with Balak's wishes. The refusal is significant in the broader narrative of Balaam's interactions with Balak and his eventual, reluctant blessing of Israel.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Balaam's refusal stems from Hashem's explicit command not to accompany Balak's messengers or curse the Israelites. Balaam emphasizes his loyalty to divine instruction by declaring, "I will not go", but his phrasing—"I will depart to my own land"—hints at his underlying desire for reward, as he does not fully commit to rejecting Balak's offer outright. Rashi notes that Balaam's character is flawed, as he later seeks to circumvent Hashem's will (Rashi on Numbers 22:13).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:7) elaborates on Balaam's duplicity. While he outwardly refuses, his heart is drawn to the honor and wealth Balak promises. The phrase "to my kindred" suggests his alignment with Moab's values, contrasting with Avraham Avinu, who left his homeland for divine service. Balaam's attachment to his origins reveals his spiritual shortcomings.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:1-3) discusses Balaam as a prototype of false prophets who exploit divine gifts for personal gain. His refusal here is not purely virtuous; it is conditional, awaiting further negotiation. Rambam underscores that true prophets submit entirely to Hashem's will, unlike Balaam, whose hesitation exposes his moral ambiguity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Will vs. Personal Ambition: Balaam's response highlights the tension between obedience to Hashem and his own covetousness.
  • Contrast with Avraham: Unlike Avraham, who abandoned his homeland for a higher purpose, Balaam clings to his origins, symbolizing his spiritual stagnation.
  • Prophetic Integrity: The episode warns against prophets or leaders who prioritize material gain over divine truth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Numbers 10:30 and who is he talking to?
A: In Numbers 10:30, Hobab the son of Reuel (Moses' father-in-law) is speaking to Moses. After the Israelites left Mount Sinai, Moses asked Hobab to travel with them to the Promised Land, but Hobab declined, saying he wanted to return to his own land and family instead (Rashi on Numbers 10:30).
Q: Why did Hobab refuse to go with the Israelites?
A: Hobab refused because he preferred to return to his homeland and family in Midian rather than join the Israelites on their journey. Some commentaries suggest he may have lacked full faith in the Israelite mission or felt more connected to his native land (Midrash Tanchuma, Beha'alotcha 12).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hobab's refusal in this verse?
A: This teaches that not everyone is ready or willing to join the Jewish people's spiritual mission, even when invited. The Torah presents this honestly to show that people have free will to choose their path (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 1:1-3). However, some opinions suggest Hobab's descendants later joined Israel (Judges 1:16).