Numbers 22:5 - Balak fears Israel's might

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח מַלְאָכִים אֶל־בִּלְעָם בֶּן־בְּעוֹר פְּתוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַנָּהָר אֶרֶץ בְּנֵי־עַמּוֹ לִקְרֹא־לוֹ לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה עַם יָצָא מִמִּצְרַיִם הִנֵּה כִסָּה אֶת־עֵין הָאָרֶץ וְהוּא יֹשֵׁב מִמֻּלִי׃

English Translation

So he sent messengers to Bil῾am the son of Be῾or to Petor, which is by the river, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Miżrayim: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:

Transliteration

Va'yishlach mal'achim el-Bil'am ben-B'or P'tora asher al-hanahar eretz b'nei-amo likro-lo leimor hinei am yatza mi-Mitzrayim hinei chisa et-ein ha'aretz v'hu yoshev mimuli.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכִ֜ים אֶל־בִּלְעָ֣ם בֶּן־בְּעֹ֗ר^*(בספרי ספרד ואשכנז בְּע֗וֹר) פְּ֠ת֠וֹרָה אֲשֶׁ֧ר עַל־הַנָּהָ֛ר אֶ֥רֶץ בְּנֵי־עַמּ֖וֹ לִקְרֹא־ל֑וֹ לֵאמֹ֗ר הִ֠נֵּ֠ה עַ֣ם יָצָ֤א מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙ הִנֵּ֤ה כִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָאָ֔רֶץ וְה֥וּא יֹשֵׁ֖ב מִמֻּלִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 22:5) describes Balak, king of Moab, sending messengers to Bil'am (Balaam) to curse the Jewish people. The verse appears in the broader narrative of Parashat Balak, where Balak fears the Israelites after their miraculous exodus from Egypt and their military victories.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Balak's fear stemmed from seeing the Israelites' success in battle against Sichon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35). He notes that Balak exaggerated the Israelites' numbers by saying, "they cover the face of the earth", to incite Bil'am's concern. Rashi also highlights that "Petor" refers to Bil'am's hometown, emphasizing his status as a renowned sorcerer among the nations.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra focuses on the phrase "the land of the children of his people", suggesting that Bil'am was from a people closely related to Moab (possibly Midianites or Ammonites). He also notes that Balak's messengers were sent to persuade Bil'am by emphasizing the threat posed by the Israelites.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:7) elaborates on Balak's motives, stating that he recognized the divine protection over Israel and sought supernatural means (through Bil'am's curses) to counteract it. The phrase "they cover the face of the earth" is interpreted as a reference to the Israelites' encampments, which were arranged in an orderly, divinely prescribed manner (as per their tribes).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:36), Rambam discusses Bil'am as a prophet of the nations, contrasting his flawed character with the righteousness of true Jewish prophets. He explains that Balak sought Bil'am precisely because of his reputation for effective curses, demonstrating the pagan belief in the power of words.

Key Themes

Divine Providence: Despite Balak's efforts, Hashem's protection over Israel is unwavering, as seen later in the narrative when Bil'am's curses turn to blessings.
Power of Speech: The episode underscores the spiritual potency of words, both for blessing and curse, a theme central to Jewish thought.
Fear of Israel: Balak's exaggerated language reflects the awe and dread inspired by the Israelites' divinely guided journey.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105a

The verse is discussed in the context of the story of Balaam and Balak, focusing on the sending of messengers to Balaam and the implications of their mission.

📖 Sotah 11a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent events involving Balaam and the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Bil'am (Balaam) and why did Balak send messengers to him?
A: Bil'am was a non-Jewish prophet known for his ability to bless and curse people (Talmud, Sanhedrin 105b). Balak, the king of Moab, feared the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and sent messengers to Bil'am to hire him to curse the Jewish people (Rashi on Numbers 22:5).

Q: What does 'they cover the face of the earth' mean in Numbers 22:5?
A: This phrase describes how the Israelites appeared numerous and mighty to Balak, covering the land like a swarm (Rashi on Numbers 22:5). It reflects Balak's fear of their growing numbers after their exodus from Egypt.

Q: Where was Petor, the place Bil'am was from?
A: Petor was a city near the Euphrates River in Aram (modern-day Syria), as mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:5. Rashi explains that it was called 'Petor' because Bil'am would interpret dreams (from the Aramaic word 'pitron,' meaning interpretation).

Q: Why did Balak refer to the Israelites as 'a people come out from Egypt'?
A: Balak emphasized their exodus from Egypt to highlight their miraculous survival and strength, which made them a threat in his eyes (Ramban on Numbers 22:5). The Exodus was well-known among nations, increasing his fear of the Israelites.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Balak's reaction to the Israelites?
A: Balak's fear and hostility teach us how nations often oppose the Jewish people out of misunderstanding or jealousy. The story also shows that no curse can harm the Jewish people when they follow Hashem's will (Talmud, Brachot 7a).