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Numbers 22:22 - Divine anger blocks Balaam's path

Numbers 22:22 - במדבר 22:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּחַר־אַף אֱלֹהִים כִּי־הוֹלֵךְ הוּא וַיִּתְיַצֵּב מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה בַּדֶּרֶךְ לְשָׂטָן לוֹ וְהוּא רֹכֵב עַל־אֲתֹנוֹ וּשְׁנֵי נְעָרָיו עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And God’s anger burned because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

Transliteration

Vayikhar-af Elohim ki-holekh hu vayityatzev malakh Adonai baderekh l'satan lo v'hu rokhev al-aton u'shnei ne'arav imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף אֱלֹהִים֮ כִּֽי־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ הוּא֒ וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב מַלְאַ֧ךְ יְהֹוָ֛ה בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְשָׂטָ֣ן ל֑וֹ וְהוּא֙ רֹכֵ֣ב עַל־אֲתֹנ֔וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֥י נְעָרָ֖יו עִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף אֱלֹהִים֮ כִּֽי־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ הוּא֒ וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב מַלְאַ֧ךְ יְהֹוָ֛ה בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְשָׂטָ֣ן ל֑וֹ וְהוּא֙ רֹכֵ֣ב עַל־אֲתֹנ֔וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֥י נְעָרָ֖יו עִמּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 22:22) appears in the narrative of Balaam (Bilam), the non-Jewish prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Despite Hashem initially permitting Balaam to go with Balak's messengers, His anger is kindled when Balaam demonstrates eagerness to fulfill Balak's request, revealing his sinful intentions (Rashi, Bamidbar 22:22).

Why Did Hashem’s Anger Burn?

Rashi explains that Balaam's enthusiasm to curse Israel—despite Hashem's initial conditional permission—showed his wicked intent. The phrase "כי הולך הוא" ("because he went") implies he went with malicious joy, akin to the wicked who hasten to sin (Rashi, citing Sanhedrin 105a). Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Balaam sought to manipulate Hashem’s will, believing he could later persuade Him to allow the curse.

The Role of the Angel

The malach Hashem (angel of the Lord) acts as a "satan" (adversary), not as an evil force but as an agent of divine justice to obstruct Balaam’s path. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4b) teaches that Hashem often places obstacles before those pursuing sin to give them an opportunity to repent. The angel’s visible confrontation later in the story (with Balaam’s donkey) underscores this idea (Rashi).

Symbolism of the Donkey and Servants

  • The Donkey: Balaam’s donkey, which later speaks, highlights his spiritual blindness. Despite being a prophet, he fails to perceive the angel until his animal does (Ramban). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:14) contrasts Balaam’s donkey—which sees the angel—with Balaam himself, who is blind to divine intervention.
  • The Two Servants: Their presence may symbolize Balaam’s arrogance, as he travels with attendants despite his dishonorable mission (Ibn Ezra). Alternatively, the Midrash suggests they represent the two nations (Moab and Midian) conspiring against Israel (Tanchuma Balak 4).

Divine Justice and Free Will

This episode illustrates Hashem’s precision in judgment. Though Balaam was granted free will, Hashem intervened to protect Israel while still allowing Balaam to exercise his choice (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 5:4). The angel’s obstruction serves as a warning, reinforcing that no curse can prevail against Hashem’s chosen people (Bamidbar 23:8).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Balaam's journey and the divine intervention by the angel of the Lord.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of divine anger and the role of the angel as an adversary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was God angry with Balaam in Numbers 22:22?
A: According to Rashi, God was angry because Balaam was eager to go with Balak's messengers to curse the Israelites, despite God initially telling him not to go. Balaam's persistence showed his willingness to harm the Jewish people, which angered God.
Q: What is the significance of the angel blocking Balaam's path in this verse?
A: The angel stood as an adversary (שָׂטָן) to prevent Balaam from proceeding with his harmful intentions. The Midrash explains that the angel was sent to show Balaam that his journey was against God's will, even though God had permitted him to go (Numbers 22:20). The angel was a final warning to turn back.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Balaam was riding a donkey with his two servants?
A: Rashi explains that mentioning the donkey and servants highlights Balaam's arrogance—he was riding while his servants walked, showing his inflated self-importance. The donkey, which later speaks (Numbers 22:28), becomes a key instrument in humbling Balaam and demonstrating God's control over the situation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about divine intervention?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4b) teaches that God sometimes allows a person to proceed on a wrongful path to give them the opportunity to repent. Here, Balaam was given multiple warnings (through the angel and the donkey) to turn back, teaching that God guides us away from sin if we are open to recognizing His signs.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of free will in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1-4) explains that while God permits people to choose their path, He may intervene to protect others from harm. Balaam had free will to go with Balak, but God intervened to prevent him from cursing the Israelites, showing that divine justice can override human intentions when necessary.