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Numbers 23:16 - Divine words for reluctant prophet

Numbers 23:16 - במדבר 23:16

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקָּר יְהוָה אֶל־בִּלְעָם וַיָּשֶׂם דָּבָר בְּפִיו וַיֹּאמֶר שׁוּב אֶל־בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר׃

English Translation

And the Lord met Bil῾am, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go back to Balaq, and say thus.

Transliteration

Vayikar Adonai el-Bil'am vayasem davar be-fiv vayomer shuv el-Balak ve-kho tedaber.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקָּ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיָּ֥שֶׂם דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֑יו וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל־בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר׃
וַיִּקָּ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיָּ֥שֶׂם דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֑יו וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל־בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Encounter with Bil'am

The verse (Bamidbar 23:16) describes how Hashem "met" Bil'am (וַיִּקָּר יְהוָה אֶל־בִּלְעָם). Rashi explains that this term ויקר (from the root קרה, meaning "to happen") is used rather than וירא (from the root ראה, meaning "to see/appear") to indicate that Hashem's revelation to Bil'am was not a full, willing prophetic experience, but rather an accidental and reluctant encounter. This contrasts with how Hashem appears to true prophets like Moshe.

Hashem's Control Over Bil'am's Speech

The verse states that Hashem "put a word in his mouth" (וַיָּשֶׂם דָּבָר בְּפִיו). The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that this demonstrates how even a wicked prophet like Bil'am could not deviate from the exact words Hashem commanded him to speak. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) notes that this was to prevent Bil'am from cursing Israel, as Hashem transformed his intended curses into blessings.

The Command to Return to Balak

Hashem instructs Bil'am to "Go back to Balak and say thus" (שׁוּב אֶל־בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) explains that this shows Bil'am's mission was now completely under Hashem's control. Despite Bil'am's personal desire to curse Israel, he could only speak what Hashem dictated. The Ohr HaChaim adds that the phrase "and say thus" (וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר) implies exact wording, leaving no room for Bil'am's own interpretation.

Key Lessons from This Verse

  • Hashem controls prophecy and can use even unwilling agents to fulfill His will (Rashi, Rambam)
  • The difference between true prophets (who seek Divine connection) and false prophets like Bil'am (who experience reluctant revelation) (Rashi, Talmud)
  • No one can curse what Hashem has blessed (Midrash, Talmud)
  • Divine messages must be delivered exactly as received, without alteration (Ohr HaChaim)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's prophecy and his interaction with God, highlighting the divine influence on his words.
📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the unique relationship between God and Balaam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that God 'put a word in Bil'am's mouth' in Numbers 23:16?
A: According to Rashi, this means that God forced Bil'am to say only the words that He wanted him to say, even though Bil'am wanted to curse the Jewish people. This shows God's complete control over prophecy and His protection of Israel.
Q: Why did God tell Bil'am to return to Balak in Numbers 23:16?
A: The Midrash explains that God wanted Bil'am to deliver a specific message to Balak, emphasizing that the Jewish people are blessed and cannot be cursed. This was to teach both Bil'am and Balak that human efforts cannot override God's will.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 23:16 about speaking words?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) derives from this verse that a person's words are ultimately controlled by Heaven. This teaches us to be careful with our speech and to recognize that true blessings or curses come only from God, not from human power.
Q: How does Numbers 23:16 show God's relationship with the Jewish people?
A: Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that this verse demonstrates how God directly intervenes in history to protect the Jewish people. Even when enemies like Balak try to harm Israel, God controls the situation to ensure their safety.
Q: Why is Bil'am's prophecy in Numbers 23:16 important in Jewish tradition?
A: The Sages teach that Bil'am's forced blessings (starting from this verse) became part of Jewish liturgy. For example, 'Ma Tovu' (Numbers 24:5) is recited daily. This shows how even an enemy's words can be transformed into eternal praise when guided by God.