Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Bil'am ask for seven altars and seven animals?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Bil'am requested seven altars and seven animals (oxen and rams) to correspond to the seven altars built by the forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) and to invoke spiritual forces. The number seven is significant in Judaism, representing completeness and the natural order (e.g., seven days of creation). Bil'am hoped this would give his curses power, but Hashem turned his words into blessings instead.
Q: What is the significance of the number seven in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, the number seven holds deep meaning—symbolizing completion and holiness (e.g., Shabbat on the seventh day, seven Noahide laws). Here, Bil'am uses seven altars and seven animals to mimic the sacredness of Jewish worship (as seen with the forefathers). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) explains that Bil'am sought to align his actions with spiritual patterns, but his intentions were flawed.
Q: Why did Bil'am need altars and sacrifices if he was a prophet?
A: The Ramban explains that Bil'am, though a prophet, relied on sorcery and pagan practices (unlike Jewish prophets who served Hashem directly). His use of altars and sacrifices (like idolaters) shows his spiritual impurity. The Midrash adds that Bil'am sought to 'force' Hashem's hand through rituals, but true prophecy depends on moral integrity, which he lacked.
Q: How does this verse relate to the power of blessings and curses?
A: This verse highlights that blessings and curses depend on Hashem's will, not human rituals. Bil'am's elaborate preparations (altars, sacrifices) failed because Hashem controlled his words (Numbers 23:5). The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that true blessings flow from righteousness—unlike Bil'am, who sought to manipulate spiritual forces for harm.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am's actions here?
A: The verse teaches that external rituals without proper intent are meaningless. Bil'am's focus on sacrifices and altars (rather than repentance or humility) shows his misplaced priorities. Jewish tradition (Ethics of the Fathers 5:19) contrasts Bil'am's selfish traits with Avraham's kindness, emphasizing that true connection to Hashem requires moral conduct, not just ceremonies.
Bil'am's Request for Seven Altars and Sacrifices
The verse describes Bil'am's instruction to Balak to prepare seven altars with seven oxen and seven rams. This request carries deep significance in the context of Bil'am's attempt to curse Israel, as understood by traditional Orthodox Jewish commentators.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 23:1) explains that Bil'am sought to invoke the merit of the Avot (Patriarchs) and Imahot (Matriarchs). The number seven corresponds to:
Bil'am understood that Israel's protection came from their ancestral merit, and he attempted to counteract this spiritual protection through his sacrifices.
Symbolism of the Number Seven
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) elaborates on the significance of the number seven in this context:
Bil'am's Strategic Error
The Ramban (Bamidbar 23:3) notes that Bil'am's approach was fundamentally flawed because:
Contrast with Jewish Sacrificial Service
The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 23:1) contrasts Bil'am's multiple altars with the Torah's prohibition against private altars (bamot) after the establishment of the Mishkan. This highlights: