share torah logo

Numbers 23:24 - Israel's unstoppable divine destiny

Numbers 23:24 - במדבר 23:24

Hebrew Text

הֶן־עָם כְּלָבִיא יָקוּם וְכַאֲרִי יִתְנַשָּׂא לֹא יִשְׁכַּב עַד־יֹאכַל טֶרֶף וְדַם־חֲלָלִים יִשְׁתֶּה׃

English Translation

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Transliteration

Hen-am k'lavi yakum v'cha'ari yitnasa lo yishkav ad-yochal teref v'dam-chalalim yishteh.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֶן־עָם֙ כְּלָבִ֣יא יָק֔וּם וְכַאֲרִ֖י יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּב֙ עַד־יֹ֣אכַל טֶ֔רֶף וְדַם־חֲלָלִ֖ים יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃
הֶן־עָם֙ כְּלָבִ֣יא יָק֔וּם וְכַאֲרִ֖י יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּב֙ עַד־יֹ֣אכַל טֶ֔רֶף וְדַם־חֲלָלִ֖ים יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 23:24, as part of the prophecy of Bilam (Balaam), who was compelled by Hashem to bless the Jewish people rather than curse them. The imagery of the lion symbolizes the strength and indomitable spirit of Israel.

Interpretation of the Lion Imagery

Rashi explains that the comparison to a lion (כְּלָבִיא) and a young lion (כַאֲרִי) signifies the Jewish people’s unwavering determination in fulfilling Hashem’s will. Just as a lion does not rest until it captures its prey, so too Israel does not relent in its divine mission until it achieves victory.

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the lion’s rise (יָקוּם) represents the Jewish people’s resilience in overcoming adversaries, both physically and spiritually.
  • Malbim emphasizes that the lion’s refusal to lie down (לֹא יִשְׁכַּב) until it consumes its prey reflects Israel’s persistence in defeating its enemies and securing its destiny.

Symbolism of "Eating Prey and Drinking Blood"

The phrase יֹאכַל טֶרֶף וְדַם־חֲלָלִים יִשְׁתֶּה is interpreted by Ibn Ezra as a metaphor for Israel’s triumph over its foes. The "prey" and "blood of the slain" represent the complete downfall of those who oppose the Jewish people.

Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 12) connects this imagery to the future redemption, suggesting that just as a lion is fearless in battle, so too will Israel ultimately prevail against all enemies in the Messianic era.

Spiritual and Historical Application

Sforno teaches that this verse also alludes to Israel’s spiritual zeal. Just as a lion is relentless in pursuit of its goal, the Jewish people remain steadfast in their devotion to Torah and mitzvot, never resting until they fulfill their divine purpose.

Kli Yakar highlights the historical fulfillment of this prophecy, noting that throughout exile, the Jewish people have demonstrated remarkable resilience, rising like a lion despite persecution and dispersion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the power and might of Israel, comparing them to a lion.
📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the characteristics and destiny of the Jewish people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 23:24 mean when it says 'the people shall rise up as a great lion'?
A: This verse, spoken by the prophet Balaam, describes the Jewish people's strength and determination. Rashi explains that it symbolizes how the Jewish nation, when awakened to fulfill Hashem's will, is powerful and unstoppable like a lion. The imagery emphasizes their courage and persistence in overcoming obstacles.
Q: Why is the lion used as a metaphor for the Jewish people in Numbers 23:24?
A: The lion is a symbol of majesty, strength, and fearlessness in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) teaches that just as a lion is the king of beasts, the Jewish people are meant to rise with nobility and spiritual strength. This metaphor highlights their role as a light unto the nations when they uphold Torah values.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'he shall not lie down until he eats of the prey' in Numbers 23:24?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5) teaches that this verse teaches perseverance in fulfilling mitzvot and pursuing justice. Just as a lion does not rest until it completes its mission, the Jewish people must be steadfast in their devotion to Torah and righteousness, never giving up until they achieve their spiritual goals.
Q: How does Numbers 23:24 apply to the Jewish people today?
A: The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that this verse reminds us of the enduring strength of the Jewish people. Despite challenges throughout history, we are called to rise with the courage of a lion in preserving our faith, defending our people, and sanctifying Hashem's name—never backing down from our sacred mission.