Numbers 22:13 - Divine refusal thwarts Balaam's journey

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־שָׂרֵי בָלָק לְכוּ אֶל־אַרְצְכֶם כִּי מֵאֵן יְהוָה לְתִתִּי לַהֲלֹךְ עִמָּכֶם׃

English Translation

And Bil῾am rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balaq, Go back to your land: for the Lord refuses to give me leave to go with you.

Transliteration

Vayakam Bilam baboker vayomer el-sarei Balak lechu el-artzechem ki me'en Adonai latiti lalechet imachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֤קׇם בִּלְעָם֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־שָׂרֵ֣י בָלָ֔ק לְכ֖וּ אֶֽל־אַרְצְכֶ֑ם כִּ֚י מֵאֵ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה לְתִתִּ֖י לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ עִמָּכֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Bil'am's Response to Balak's Princes

The verse states: "And Bil'am rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Go back to your land: for the Lord refuses to give me leave to go with you." (Numbers 22:13). This passage marks Bil'am's initial refusal to accompany Balak's messengers, citing divine prohibition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Bil'am's phrasing—"for the Lord refuses to give me leave"—indicates that Hashem had explicitly denied him permission to curse Israel. Rashi emphasizes that Bil'am, despite his wickedness, acknowledged Hashem's authority in this matter. This aligns with the broader narrative, where Bil'am is forced to recognize that his prophetic abilities are subordinate to divine will.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Will

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses the nature of prophecy and divine communication. Here, Bil'am's admission reflects the principle that true prophecy cannot contradict Hashem's will. Unlike false prophets who claim independent authority, Bil'am—though morally flawed—admits his dependence on divine permission.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 4) notes that Bil'am's refusal was not out of righteousness but because he feared divine retribution. His phrasing ("for the Lord refuses") reveals his awareness that defying Hashem would bring consequences.
The Midrash Rabbah (Numbers 20:1) contrasts Bil'am's reluctance with Avraham's immediate obedience to Hashem's commands, highlighting the difference between a righteous prophet and a self-serving one.

Talmudic Analysis

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses Bil'am's character, noting that his initial refusal was insincere. Though he claimed divine prohibition, his later actions (returning to Balak's messengers) reveal his true desire to curse Israel for personal gain. This duality underscores the tension between his recognition of Hashem's authority and his own corrupt intentions.

Key Lessons

Divine Sovereignty: Even a prophet like Bil'am cannot act against Hashem's will, reinforcing that all power ultimately derives from the Almighty.
Moral Hypocrisy: Bil'am's words ("the Lord refuses") mask his true intentions, teaching the importance of aligning outward speech with inner sincerity.
Contrast with Righteousness: Unlike Avraham or Moshe, Bil'am's obedience is conditional, illustrating the difference between true devotion and reluctant compliance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105a

The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's character and his interactions with Balak's princes, illustrating Balaam's initial refusal to go with them due to God's command.

📖 Sotah 11a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of Balaam's prophecy and his relationship with God, highlighting his obedience in this instance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bil'am refuse to go with Balak's princes?
A: Bil'am refused to go with Balak's princes because Hashem explicitly told him not to go (Numbers 22:12). As Rashi explains, Bil'am understood that Hashem did not permit him to curse the Jewish people, so he sent the princes back to Balak.

Q: What does this verse teach us about listening to Hashem?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of obeying Hashem's will, even when pressured by others. Bil'am initially listened to Hashem's command, showing that we must prioritize divine instruction over human demands. The Rambam emphasizes that following Hashem's word is a fundamental principle in Judaism.

Q: Why did Bil'am wait until morning to send the princes away?
A: According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:9), Bil'am waited until morning because he hoped that Hashem might change His mind overnight. This shows Bil'am's reluctance to fully accept Hashem's decision, teaching us that true acceptance of divine will should be immediate and unwavering.

Q: What is the significance of Bil'am saying 'Go back to your land'?
A: Bil'am's instruction for the princes to return to their land (Moab) demonstrates that he recognized Hashem's authority over his actions. As the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) discusses, Bil'am, though a prophet for the nations, had to submit to Hashem's decree regarding the Jewish people.

Q: How does this verse relate to the power of blessings and curses in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights that blessings and curses have power only if permitted by Hashem. Bil'am, known for his ability to curse, was restrained by Hashem's will. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that true blessing comes only from Hashem, and no human curse can harm those whom He protects.