share torah logo

Numbers 23:28 - Pe'or's ominous prophetic view

Numbers 23:28 - במדבר 23:28

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח בָּלָק אֶת־בִּלְעָם רֹאשׁ הַפְּעוֹר הַנִּשְׁקָף עַל־פְּנֵי הַיְשִׁימֹן׃

English Translation

And Balaq brought Bil῾am to the top of Pe῾or, that looks out towards the desert.

Transliteration

Vayikach Balak et-Bilaam rosh ha-Pe'or hanishkaf al-pnei ha-Yeshimon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק אֶת־בִּלְעָ֑ם רֹ֣אשׁ הַפְּע֔וֹר הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃
וַיִּקַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק אֶת־בִּלְעָ֑ם רֹ֣אשׁ הַפְּע֔וֹר הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location of Pe'or

The verse describes Balak bringing Balaam to Rosh HaPe'or (the top of Pe'or), which overlooks the desert. Rashi (Bamidbar 23:28) explains that this was a high place dedicated to the idol Pe'or, a deity worshipped in that region. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) notes that Pe'or was associated with disgraceful acts, as its worship involved indecent exposure.

Strategic Choice of Location

Balak intentionally chose this location for Balaam's curse. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:23) suggests that Balak believed the spiritual impurity of Pe'or would amplify Balaam's ability to curse Israel. Additionally, the desert view ("haNishkaf al p'nei haYeshimon") may symbolize Israel's vulnerability, as they were journeying through the wilderness (Ramban on Bamidbar 23:28).

Divine Irony

Despite Balak's efforts, Hashem turned Balaam's intended curses into blessings. The Sforno (Bamidbar 23:28) highlights that this location, associated with impurity, became the stage for divine blessings—demonstrating that no force can oppose Hashem's will for Israel.

Later Consequences of Pe'or

  • Pe'or later became a stumbling block for Israel (Bamidbar 25:3), where they sinned with Moabite women and idolatry.
  • The Talmud (Sotah 14a) connects this incident to the eventual downfall of Balaam, who advised Balak to entice Israel with immorality.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Balaam's intentions and actions, particularly in relation to the incident at Peor.
📖 Sotah 43a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the locations and events involving Balaam and Balak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Balak bringing Balaam to the top of Peor?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 23:28), Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor because it was a place associated with idol worship (later mentioned in Numbers 25:3). Balak hoped that from this spiritually charged location, Balaam's curses against the Israelites would be more effective. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) explains that Balak kept changing locations, thinking that perhaps a different vantage point would allow the curses to take hold.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Peor overlooks the desert?
A: The mention of the desert (הַיְשִׁימֹן) is significant because, as Rashi explains, this was the direction where the Israelites were camped. The desert location emphasizes that the Israelites were in a vulnerable, exposed position, making them seem more susceptible to curses. Additionally, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:20) connects this to the idea that spiritual attacks often come when we are in 'wilderness' moments of life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Balak's persistence in trying to curse Israel?
A: The verse shows Balak's relentless efforts to curse the Israelites, teaching us that evil forces may persistently try to harm the Jewish people, but Hashem's protection is unwavering. As the Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains, Balaam ultimately could not curse what Hashem had blessed. This teaches us to trust in divine protection even when enemies seem determined against us.
Q: How does this verse connect to later events in the Torah?
A: This verse sets the stage for later events in Parshat Balak and Pinchas. Peor becomes significant later when the Israelites sin with the Moabite women and worship the idol Peor (Numbers 25:3). Rashi notes that this location was deliberately chosen by Balak, showing how places associated with negative spiritual energy can have lasting impact if not approached with caution.