Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the phrase 'strength of a wild ox' mean in Numbers 23:22?
A: The phrase 'strength of a wild ox' (כְּתוֹעֲפֹת רְאֵם) symbolizes God's immense power in freeing the Israelites from Egypt. Rashi explains that just as a wild ox (רְאֵם) is strong and untamable, God displayed unstoppable might in redeeming His people from slavery.
Q: Why does the verse compare God's power to an ox?
A: The comparison highlights God's ability to overcome obstacles effortlessly, like a powerful ox plowing through barriers. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) teaches that just as an ox's horns are its strength, God's 'horns' represent His divine might in performing miracles for Israel.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning the Exodus in this verse?
A: The Exodus is central to Jewish faith, proving God's active role in history. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) states that belief in God's redemption from Egypt is a foundation of Torah. This verse reinforces that idea by emphasizing His unmatched strength in delivering us.
Q: How can we relate this verse to our lives today?
A: Just as God displayed power in the Exodus, we trust in His ongoing protection. The Talmud (Berachot 9b) teaches that remembering the Exodus daily reminds us of God's ability to help us overcome challenges, both nationally and personally.
Q: Who is speaking this verse in the Torah?
A: These words are part of Balaam's prophecy (Numbers 23-24), where he reluctantly blesses Israel. Despite Balaam's intentions to curse, God forces him to acknowledge Israel's divine protection, as explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b).
Understanding the Verse
The verse אֵל מוֹצִיאָם מִמִּצְרָיִם כְּתוֹעֲפֹת רְאֵם לוֹ׃ (Bamidbar 23:22) describes Hashem's power in liberating Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim, comparing His strength to that of a רְאֵם (wild ox). This imagery conveys the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of Hashem's might.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi interprets כְּתוֹעֲפֹת רְאֵם as an allusion to the horns of the wild ox, symbolizing Hashem's power to overthrow Egypt. He cites Midrash Tanchuma, which explains that just as a wild ox uses its horns to gore and dominate, Hashem "gored" Mitzrayim with plagues and miracles to free Bnei Yisrael.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) elaborates that the רְאֵם is the mightiest of animals, representing Hashem's unparalleled strength. The term תוֹעֲפֹת (lit. "eminences" or "loftiness") suggests the elevated and supreme nature of His deliverance—beyond human comprehension.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:70) discusses metaphorical descriptions of Hashem in Tanach, noting that comparisons like this verse are not literal but convey His absolute power in terms humans can grasp. The רְאֵם symbolizes invincibility, reinforcing that no force could resist Hashem's redemption of His people.
Symbolism of the Wild Ox
Halachic and Ethical Implications
The Sforno connects this verse to bitachon (trust in Hashem), teaching that just as Hashem displayed boundless strength in the past, we must rely on His power in all challenges. The imagery reminds us of the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim, a foundation of emunah (faith) reiterated daily in Keriat Shema.