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Numbers 22:9 - Divine inquiry tests prophet's intent.

Numbers 22:9 - במדבר 22:9

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא אֱלֹהִים אֶל־בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר מִי הָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

And God came to Bil῾am, and said, What men are these with thee?

Transliteration

Va'yavo Elohim el Bil'am va'yomer mi ha'anashim ha'eleh imach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֛י הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה עִמָּֽךְ׃
וַיָּבֹ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֛י הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה עִמָּֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 22:9) describes an encounter between Bil῾am (Balaam) and Hashem after Balak, king of Moab, sends messengers to hire Bil῾am to curse the Jewish people. This event occurs during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, as they approach the land of Canaan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Hashem's question, "What men are these with thee?" is rhetorical. Hashem already knew who the men were, but He asked Bil῾am to engage him in conversation and allow him to reflect on his intentions. This mirrors the way Hashem questioned Adam after the sin in Gan Eden (Bereishit 3:9), not because He lacked knowledge, but to give the individual an opportunity to repent or reconsider.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra suggests that Hashem's question was meant to test Bil῾am's honesty. Bil῾am, though a prophet for the nations, was known for his greed and moral ambiguity. By asking this question, Hashem gave Bil῾am a chance to admit the true nature of the men's mission—to curse the Jewish people—rather than conceal it.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:7) elaborates that Hashem's question was a rebuke to Bil῾am, implying: "Do you think you can outwit Me? I know their intentions, and I know yours." The Midrash compares Bil῾am to a donkey—stubborn and foolish—who thinks he can deceive his Creator.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:45) discusses the nature of prophecy and explains that Hashem's communication with Bil῾am was unique. Unlike the prophets of Israel, Bil῾am received prophecy in a manner that resembled a dialogue, highlighting the difference between true divine inspiration and Bil῾am's flawed character.

Key Lessons

  • Divine Omniscience: Hashem's question underscores that He knows all human thoughts and intentions, even when He engages in dialogue.
  • Moral Accountability: The question served as an opportunity for Bil῾am to examine his motives and choose righteousness.
  • Contrast with Jewish Prophecy: Bil῾am's prophecy was granted despite his unworthiness, emphasizing that Hashem sometimes uses even wicked individuals to fulfill His will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God ask Bil'am 'What men are these with thee?' when He already knew?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 22:9), God asked this question to engage Bil'am in conversation and give him an opportunity to reconsider his intentions. This follows a pattern in Tanach where God asks rhetorical questions to prompt self-reflection (like with Adam in Genesis 3:9 and Kayin in Genesis 4:9).
Q: What is the significance of God coming to Bil'am at night?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) explains that God appeared to Bil'am at night because that was when non-Jewish prophets would receive divine communication, unlike Jewish prophets who could receive prophecy at any time. This shows the difference in level between Bil'am's prophecy and that of Jewish prophets like Moshe.
Q: Why does the verse say 'God came to Bil'am' instead of the more common 'God appeared'?
A: The Malbim explains that the phrasing 'came to Bil'am' indicates that this was a lower level of prophecy. Unlike the clear visions granted to Jewish prophets, Bil'am received his prophecy in a more obscure manner, fitting his status as a non-Jewish prophet.
Q: What lesson can we learn from God's question to Bil'am?
A: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that this interaction demonstrates how God gives people opportunities to reconsider their actions before making final decisions. Even when Bil'am was being sent for by Balak's men, God engaged him in conversation to allow for repentance.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 5:1-3) uses this story to illustrate that every person has free will. Though God knew Bil'am's eventual choices, He still gave him multiple opportunities to choose correctly, showing that the final decision was entirely in Bil'am's hands.