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Numbers 22:24 - Divine path blocks Balaam

Numbers 22:24 - במדבר 22:24

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲמֹד מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה בְּמִשְׁעוֹל הַכְּרָמִים גָּדֵר מִזֶּה וְגָדֵר מִזֶּה׃

English Translation

But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

Transliteration

Va'ya'amod mal'ach Adonai b'mish'ol hak'ramim gader mizeh v'gader mizeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹל הַכְּרָמִ֑ים גָּדֵ֥ר מִזֶּ֖ה וְגָדֵ֥ר מִזֶּֽה׃
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹל הַכְּרָמִ֑ים גָּדֵ֥ר מִזֶּ֖ה וְגָדֵ֥ר מִזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 22:24, describing the incident where Balaam's donkey sees the angel of Hashem blocking the path. The angel stands in a narrow passage between vineyards, with walls on either side, preventing Balaam from proceeding.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the angel positioned himself in a narrow path between two walls of vineyards to emphasize Balaam's stubbornness. Despite the obvious divine intervention—first with the donkey speaking and now with the angel—Balaam refuses to acknowledge Hashem's will. The confined space symbolizes Balaam's spiritual blindness, as he is metaphorically "hemmed in" by his own arrogance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) elaborates that the vineyards represent the Jewish people, who are compared to a fruitful vine (as in Tehillim 80:9). The walls signify divine protection, illustrating that Hashem safeguards Israel even when enemies like Balaam seek to harm them. The angel's presence reinforces that no curse can prevail against Am Yisrael when they are under Hashem's care.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:15) discusses the nature of angels as divine messengers carrying out Hashem's will. Here, the angel acts as an instrument to redirect Balaam, demonstrating that prophecy and divine communication are controlled by Hashem alone—not by human desire, as Balaam mistakenly believed.

Symbolism of the Walls

  • Divine Boundaries: The walls represent the limits set by Hashem—Balaam cannot transgress them, just as he cannot curse what Hashem has blessed.
  • Protection of Israel: The enclosed path mirrors the idea that Klal Yisrael is shielded by divine decree, as later seen when Balaam blesses them instead of cursing.

Lesson for Today

This episode teaches that human arrogance and resistance to divine will are futile. Just as Balaam was physically and spiritually constrained, we must recognize the boundaries set by the Torah and submit to Hashem's guidance. The verse also reassures us of Hashem's unwavering protection over His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the angel standing between the vineyard walls mean in Numbers 22:24?
A: Rashi explains that the angel positioned itself in a narrow path between two vineyard walls to block Balaam's donkey, showing that Hashem was controlling events to prevent Balaam from cursing the Jewish people. The confined space made it impossible for Balaam to pass, demonstrating divine intervention.
Q: Why did the angel appear to Balaam's donkey but not to Balaam at first?
A: The Midrash teaches that sometimes Hashem reveals truth to humble creatures (like the donkey) before revealing it to arrogant people (like Balaam). This shows that spiritual perception depends on humility. Only later did Balaam's eyes open to see the angel (Numbers 22:31).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the angel standing in the narrow path?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives that just as Hashem protected Israel from Balaam's curses, He constantly protects the Jewish people in hidden ways. The 'narrow path' symbolizes life's challenges where divine protection may not always be visible, but is always present.