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Numbers 22:35 - Divine words constrain Balaam

Numbers 22:35 - במדבר 22:35

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה אֶל־בִּלְעָם לֵךְ עִם־הָאֲנָשִׁים וְאֶפֶס אֶת־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־אֲדַבֵּר אֵלֶיךָ אֹתוֹ תְדַבֵּר וַיֵּלֶךְ בִּלְעָם עִם־שָׂרֵי בָלָק׃

English Translation

And the angel of the Lord said to Bil῾am, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak to thee, that thou shalt speak. So Bil῾am went with the princes of Balaq.

Transliteration

Va'yomer mal'ach Adonai el-Bil'am lekh im-ha'anashim ve'efes et-hadavar asher-adaber elekha oto tedaber va'yelekh Bil'am im-sarei Balak.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֩אמֶר֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־בִּלְעָ֗ם לֵ֚ךְ עִם־הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶ֗פֶס אֶת־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֣וֹ תְדַבֵּ֑ר וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ בִּלְעָ֖ם עִם־שָׂרֵ֥י בָלָֽק׃
וַיֹּ֩אמֶר֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־בִּלְעָ֗ם לֵ֚ךְ עִם־הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶ֗פֶס אֶת־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֣וֹ תְדַבֵּ֑ר וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ בִּלְעָ֖ם עִם־שָׂרֵ֥י בָלָֽק׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 22:35) occurs during the episode where Balak, king of Moab, sends messengers to Bilaam to curse the Jewish people. After initially refusing, Bilaam is granted permission by Hashem to go with Balak's messengers—but only on the condition that he speaks only the words Hashem commands him.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the angel's instruction to Bilaam, "Go with the men", was a test of his intentions. Hashem allowed Bilaam to proceed to see whether his heart was truly aligned with divine will or if he sought to curse Israel. Rashi emphasizes that Bilaam's eagerness to go ("So Bilaam went with the princes of Balak") revealed his sinful desire, as he did not wait for the princes to call him but instead hurried to join them (Rashi on Bamidbar 22:21).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 5:1) discusses free will and notes that Bilaam had the choice to resist his evil inclination but chose otherwise. The angel's words, "only the word that I shall speak to thee, that thou shalt speak", highlight that Bilaam was given the opportunity to align his speech with divine will, yet his later actions demonstrated his failure to do so fully.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) compares Bilaam to a dog on a leash—he could only go as far as Hashem permitted. His ability to curse or bless was entirely dependent on divine will.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Balak 5) teaches that Bilaam's journey symbolizes the futility of opposing Hashem's plans for Israel. Despite Balak's efforts, Bilaam could only speak blessings because Hashem had already decreed Israel's protection.

Moral Lessons

This verse teaches that even when granted permission to act, one's intentions are scrutinized by Hashem. Bilaam's outward compliance masked his inner desire to harm Israel, demonstrating that true righteousness requires aligning both actions and intentions with divine will (based on Mesillas Yesharim, Chapter 1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Balaam's prophecy and his interactions with the angel of the Lord, highlighting the divine restriction placed on Balaam's words.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing Balaam's character and his willingness to go with Balak's princes despite God's initial reluctance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Bil'am in the Torah?
A: Bil'am (Balaam) was a non-Jewish prophet who had a unique ability to communicate with Hashem. Though he was hired by King Balak to curse the Jewish people, Hashem only allowed him to speak the words that were given to him (Rashi on Numbers 22:35). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses his complex character—though he had prophetic abilities, his intentions were not pure.
Q: Why did Hashem allow Bil'am to go with Balak's messengers?
A: Hashem initially told Bil'am not to go (Numbers 22:12), but when Balak sent higher-ranking officers, Bil'am asked again. Hashem permitted him to go—but only to speak the words he was commanded (Rashi on Numbers 22:20). This teaches that Hashem sometimes allows a person to follow their flawed desires to ultimately reveal His will (Midrash Tanchuma, Balak 4).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am's obedience in this verse?
A: Even though Bil'am wanted to curse Israel for personal gain, he was forced to acknowledge that he could only say what Hashem allowed. This teaches that no one can oppose Hashem’s will—even someone with Bil'am's abilities (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1). It also shows that Hashem protects the Jewish people from harm.
Q: What is the significance of the 'angel of Hashem' speaking to Bil'am?
A: The angel (malach) represents divine intervention to ensure Bil'am follows Hashem’s command. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4b) explains that Hashem sometimes uses intermediaries to guide events, but the ultimate message comes from Him. Here, the angel reinforces that Bil'am must only speak the words given to him.
Q: How does this verse relate to the power of speech in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights that speech—especially blessings and curses—has real spiritual power when aligned with Hashem’s will. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:7) explains that Bil'am’s intended curses were transformed into blessings, showing that words must be used carefully and truthfully (see also Talmud, Arachin 15b on the impact of speech).