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Numbers 23:29 - Seven altars for divine encounter?

Numbers 23:29 - במדבר 23:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל־בָּלָק בְּנֵה־לִי בָזֶה שִׁבְעָה מִזְבְּחֹת וְהָכֵן לִי בָּזֶה שִׁבְעָה פָרִים וְשִׁבְעָה אֵילִים׃

English Translation

And Bil῾am said to Balaq, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

Transliteration

Vayomer Bilam el-Balak b'neh-li ba-zeh shiv'a mizbe'ot v'hachen li ba-zeh shiv'a parim v'shiv'a eilim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ אֶל־בָּלָ֔ק בְּנֵה־לִ֥י בָזֶ֖ה שִׁבְעָ֣ה מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת וְהָכֵ֥ן לִי֙ בָּזֶ֔ה שִׁבְעָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ אֶל־בָּלָ֔ק בְּנֵה־לִ֥י בָזֶ֖ה שִׁבְעָ֣ה מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת וְהָכֵ֥ן לִי֙ בָּזֶ֔ה שִׁבְעָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Bil'am's Request for Seven Altars and Sacrifices

The verse describes Bil'am's instruction to Balak to prepare seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams. This request carries deep significance in the context of Bil'am's attempt to curse Israel, as understood by traditional Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 23:1) explains that Bil'am chose seven altars to correspond to the number of altars built by the forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) and the number of sacrifices they offered. He sought to invoke the merit of the Avot in his attempt to undermine their descendants:

  • Avraham built four altars (Bereshit 12:7, 12:8, 13:18, 22:9)
  • Yitzchak built one (Bereshit 26:25)
  • Yaakov built two (Bereshit 33:20, 35:7)

Bil'am believed that by matching this number, he could counteract the spiritual protection afforded to Bnei Yisrael through their ancestors' devotion.

Symbolism of the Number Seven

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:19) notes that the number seven represents completeness in the natural world (seven days of creation). Bil'am, who understood the precise moment when Hashem is "angry" each day (Berachot 7a), sought to manipulate spiritual forces through this complete, structured approach.

Rambam's Perspective on Bil'am's Methods

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:37), Rambam discusses how Bil'am employed pagan divination techniques, including sacrificial rituals, to attempt to influence divine will. The sevenfold sacrifice was a common pagan practice to invoke their deities' attention, showing Bil'am's syncretistic approach blending his prophetic knowledge with idolatrous customs.

Contrast with Jewish Sacrificial Service

The Talmud (Sotah 47a) contrasts Bil'am's seven altars with the single Mizbeach in the Beit HaMikdash, teaching that true divine service requires unity of purpose rather than multiplicity of altars. This highlights the fundamental difference between Bil'am's manipulative approach and authentic Jewish worship.

Malbim's Insight

Malbim explains that Bil'am specified "build for me" these altars, revealing his self-centered motivation. Unlike the Avot who built altars for Hashem's honor, Bil'am sought personal spiritual power, demonstrating the flawed nature of his prophetic gifts.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Balaam's intentions and his interactions with Balak, highlighting his use of sacrifices to attempt to curse Israel.
📖 Sotah 47a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the nature of Balaam's prophecies and his attempts to manipulate divine will through sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bil'am ask for seven altars, bulls, and rams?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, the number seven often symbolizes completeness in the Torah. Bil'am, though a non-Jewish prophet, was familiar with this concept and used seven altars and sacrifices to attempt to invoke divine power for his mission. However, his intentions were not pure, as he sought to curse the Jewish people against Hashem's will.
Q: What is the significance of the animals Bil'am chose (bullocks and rams)?
A: Bullocks (פָרִים) and rams (אֵילִים) were common sacrificial animals in biblical times. The Rambam explains that these were often offered to seek divine favor. Bil'am likely chose them because they were prestigious offerings, attempting to impress or influence Hashem—though his efforts were futile, as G-d had already blessed the Jewish people.
Q: Did Bil'am's sacrifices have any effect?
A: No. Despite Bil'am's elaborate preparations, the Torah makes it clear that Hashem would not allow him to curse the Jewish people (Numbers 23:8). The Midrash teaches that Bil'am's sacrifices were meaningless because his heart was not aligned with righteousness—he sought to harm Israel rather than serve G-d sincerely.
Q: Why does the Torah include details about Bil'am's sacrifices?
A: The Torah recounts these details to show the futility of Bil'am's efforts and to highlight Hashem's unwavering protection of the Jewish people. As the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) explains, Bil'am's story serves as a lesson that no force—not even powerful sorcery—can override G-d's will when He chooses to bless His people.
Q: Can we learn anything from Bil'am's actions today?
A: Yes. The story teaches that external rituals—like sacrifices—are meaningless without proper intentions. As the Mishnah (Avot 5:19) contrasts Bil'am's evil traits with Avraham's righteousness, we learn that true service of Hashem requires humility, sincerity, and alignment with His will—not just empty gestures.