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Numbers 22:31 - Divine vision blocks prophet's path

Numbers 22:31 - במדבר 22:31

Hebrew Text

וַיְגַל יְהוָה אֶת־עֵינֵי בִלְעָם וַיַּרְא אֶת־מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה נִצָּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְחַרְבּוֹ שְׁלֻפָה בְּיָדוֹ וַיִּקֹּד וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לְאַפָּיו׃

English Translation

Then the Lord opened the eyes of Bil῾am, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell on his face.

Transliteration

Va-yigal Adonai et-einei Bil'am va-yar et-mal'ach Adonai nitzav ba-derech ve-charb'o shelufa be-yado va-yikod va-yishtachu le-apav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְגַ֣ל יְהֹוָה֮ אֶת־עֵינֵ֣י בִלְעָם֒ וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת־מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ שְׁלֻפָ֖ה בְּיָד֑וֹ וַיִּקֹּ֥ד וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לְאַפָּֽיו׃
וַיְגַ֣ל יְהֹוָה֮ אֶת־עֵינֵ֣י בִלְעָם֒ וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת־מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ שְׁלֻפָ֖ה בְּיָד֑וֹ וַיִּקֹּ֥ד וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לְאַפָּֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Opening Bil'am's Eyes

The verse states that "Hashem opened Bil'am's eyes", revealing the angel blocking his path. Rashi (Bamidbar 22:31) explains that Bil'am was initially spiritually blind to the angel's presence, as his corrupt intentions clouded his perception. Only through divine intervention could he perceive the angel, demonstrating that true spiritual vision is granted by Hashem.

The Angel with a Drawn Sword

The angel stood "with his sword drawn in his hand", symbolizing imminent judgment. The Ramban (Bamidbar 22:23) notes that the sword represents the severity of Bil'am's transgression—attempting to curse Israel despite Hashem's explicit prohibition. The drawn sword serves as a warning that Bil'am's path was leading to destruction.

Bil'am's Bowing and Prostration

Upon seeing the angel, Bil'am "bowed down his head and fell on his face". The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses this act, suggesting that Bil'am recognized his error and submitted to divine authority. However, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:14) contrasts this with Avraham's humility, noting that Bil'am's submission was incomplete—he bowed only after being forced to acknowledge Hashem's power.

Lessons from the Incident

  • Divine Providence: The Sforno (Bamidbar 22:31) emphasizes that Hashem controls all events, even the actions of those who oppose His will.
  • Spiritual Blindness: The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 22:31) teaches that sin obstructs one's ability to perceive truth, as Bil'am required divine intervention to see the angel.
  • Repentance vs. Forced Submission: Unlike true teshuvah, Bil'am's bowing was a reaction to fear, not sincere remorse (Meshech Chochmah, Bamidbar 22:31).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Balaam's prophetic abilities and his encounter with the angel of the Lord.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of Balaam's vision and his recognition of the divine presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 22:31 mean when it says 'the Lord opened the eyes of Bil'am'?
A: According to Rashi, Bil'am was initially unable to see the angel blocking his path because Hashem had concealed it from him. When 'the Lord opened his eyes,' it means Hashem granted him temporary spiritual vision to perceive the angel that was always there, teaching that divine intervention can reveal hidden truths.
Q: Why did the angel appear to Bil'am with a drawn sword?
A: The Midrash explains that the drawn sword symbolized divine judgment. Bil'am was attempting to curse the Jewish people against Hashem's will, and the angel's stance showed that his actions were endangering his own life. The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates how Hashem protects Israel even through hidden means.
Q: What is the significance of Bil'am bowing when he saw the angel?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) notes that Bil'am's bowing showed his immediate recognition of Hashem's authority, despite his previous arrogance. This teaches that even those opposed to holiness must ultimately acknowledge divine power when confronted with truth.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish belief about divine providence?
A: As the Sforno explains, this incident proves that Hashem actively oversees all events—even the movements of non-Jews like Bil'am—to protect Jewish interests. The sudden revelation of the angel emphasizes that what seems like coincidence is often divine intervention.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Bil'am seeing the angel?
A: The Kli Yakar teaches that just as Bil'am needed his 'eyes opened' to perceive spiritual reality, we must strive to recognize Hashem's presence in our daily lives. The sword represents the 'sharp' clarity of truth that cuts through deception when we humbly seek it.