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Numbers 23:2 - False prophet's futile sacrifice

Numbers 23:2 - במדבר 23:2

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ בָּלָק כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר בִּלְעָם וַיַּעַל בָּלָק וּבִלְעָם פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And Balaq did as Bil῾am had spoken; and Balaq and Bil῾am offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Balak ka'asher diber Bil'am, va'ya'al Balak u'Bil'am par va'ayil ba'mizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּלָ֔ק כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֣ר בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיַּ֨עַל בָּלָ֧ק וּבִלְעָ֛ם פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּלָ֔ק כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֣ר בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיַּ֨עַל בָּלָ֧ק וּבִלְעָ֛ם פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 23:2) describes King Balaq's actions following Bil῾am's instructions to prepare offerings in an attempt to curse the Jewish people. This event occurs during the episode where Balaq hires Bil῾am to curse Israel, but Hashem turns the intended curses into blessings.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Balaq followed Bil῾am's instructions precisely, offering a bull and a ram on each of the seven altars they built. Rashi emphasizes that Balaq's compliance demonstrates his desperation to harm Bnei Yisrael, as he was willing to expend significant resources (bulls and rams) in his futile attempt.

Symbolism of the Offerings

  • Bull (פָּר): The bull symbolizes strength and might. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) suggests that Balaq and Bil῾am sought to invoke the spiritual forces associated with Esav (whose symbol was a bull) to overpower Yaakov's descendants.
  • Ram (אַיִל): The ram represents submission and dedication, as seen in the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak). Here, it may signify Balaq's attempt to align himself with spiritual forces, albeit for malevolent purposes.

Rambam's Perspective on Idolatrous Intent

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Avodah Zarah (1:1-2) explains that idolaters believed sacrifices could manipulate spiritual forces. Balaq and Bil῾am's actions reflect this pagan mindset, as they thought their offerings could sway divine will—despite Hashem's clear protection of Israel.

Ibn Ezra on the Futility of Their Efforts

Ibn Ezra notes that despite their meticulous preparations, their efforts were doomed from the start because Hashem had already decreed blessings for Israel. The verse highlights the irony of their actions—expending animals and effort for a goal that was impossible to achieve.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: No human scheme can override Hashem's will, especially concerning His chosen people.
  • Misguided Efforts: Even elaborate rituals (like multiple offerings) are meaningless when not aligned with divine intent.
  • Balaq's Blindness: Despite witnessing Bil῾am's inability to curse Israel, Balaq persists, illustrating the stubbornness of those who oppose Hashem's plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 23:2?
A: Numbers 23:2 describes how King Balak of Moab followed Balaam's instructions by offering sacrifices—a bull and a ram on each altar—in an attempt to curse the Israelites. According to Rashi, these offerings were meant to invoke divine assistance against Israel, but Hashem ultimately turned Balaam's intended curses into blessings (as seen later in the parsha).
Q: Why did Balak and Balaam offer sacrifices?
A: Balak and Balaam offered sacrifices (a bull and a ram on each altar) in hopes of gaining divine favor to curse the Israelites. The Midrash explains that Balaam believed these offerings would persuade Hashem to allow him to harm Israel, but his plans were thwarted because Hashem protects His people.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 23:2?
A: This verse teaches that human efforts to oppose Hashem's will—like Balak and Balaam's attempts to curse Israel—are ultimately futile. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:4) emphasizes that true success comes from aligning with Hashem's plan, not resisting it.
Q: Why are bulls and rams specifically mentioned in this verse?
A: Bulls and rams were common sacrificial animals in biblical times, representing strength and submission. Rashi notes that these offerings were standard for seeking divine intervention. However, their intentions were misguided, showing that the value of a sacrifice depends on the sincerity and righteousness of those bringing it.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem protects His people and that negative intentions against the Jewish nation will not succeed. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that we should trust in Hashem's providence and focus on living righteously rather than fearing those who wish us harm.