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Numbers 23:3 - Can prophecy be forced?

Numbers 23:3 - במדבר 23:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם לְבָלָק הִתְיַצֵּב עַל־עֹלָתֶךָ וְאֵלְכָה אוּלַי יִקָּרֵה יְהוָה לִקְרָאתִי וּדְבַר מַה־יַּרְאֵנִי וְהִגַּדְתִּי לָךְ וַיֵּלֶךְ שֶׁפִי׃

English Translation

And Bil῾am said to Balaq, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: perhaps the Lord will come to meet me; and whatever he shows me I will tell thee. And he went to a steep place.

Transliteration

Vayomer Bil'am l'Valak hit'yatzev al olatecha v'elecha ulai yikareh Adonai likrati udvar mah yar'eni v'higadeti lach vayelech shefi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם לְבָלָ֗ק הִתְיַצֵּב֮ עַל־עֹלָתֶ֒ךָ֒ וְאֵֽלְכָ֗ה אוּלַ֞י יִקָּרֵ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לִקְרָאתִ֔י וּדְבַ֥ר מַה־יַּרְאֵ֖נִי וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי לָ֑ךְ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ שֶֽׁפִי׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם לְבָלָ֗ק הִתְיַצֵּב֮ עַל־עֹלָתֶ֒ךָ֒ וְאֵֽלְכָ֗ה אוּלַ֞י יִקָּרֵ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לִקְרָאתִ֔י וּדְבַ֥ר מַה־יַּרְאֵ֖נִי וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי לָ֑ךְ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ שֶֽׁפִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Bil'am's Approach to Divine Communication

In this verse, Bil'am instructs Balak to remain by his burnt offering while he seeks divine communication. The phrase "אוּלַי יִקָּרֵה יְהוָה לִקְרָאתִי" ("perhaps the Lord will come to meet me") suggests Bil'am's uncertainty about whether Hashem will respond to him. Rashi (Bamidbar 23:3) explains that Bil'am, despite his prophetic abilities, did not have consistent or reliable access to divine revelation like the prophets of Israel. His prophecy was conditional and sporadic, unlike the direct and clear communication granted to Moshe and the Jewish prophets.

The Nature of Bil'am's Prophecy

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) distinguishes between the prophecy of Bil'am and that of the Jewish prophets. Bil'am's prophecy was granted to him only when Hashem chose to communicate with him, as indicated by the tentative language "אוּלַי" ("perhaps"). This contrasts with the prophets of Israel, who were chosen by Hashem and whose prophecy was part of a covenantal relationship.

The Significance of "שֶׁפִי" (A Steep Place)

The verse concludes with Bil'am going to a "שֶׁפִי" (a steep or bare place). Rashi (Bamidbar 23:3) notes that this term implies a place of solitude, where Bil'am sought to separate himself from distractions to receive prophecy. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) elaborates that Bil'am, though a gentile prophet, understood the importance of humility and separation for divine communication, yet his intentions were flawed due to his desire to curse Israel.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Conditional Prophecy: Bil'am's uncertain language highlights that his prophetic ability was not inherent but granted only at Hashem's discretion.
  • Contrast with Jewish Prophets: Unlike the prophets of Israel, who were chosen for their righteousness, Bil'am's prophecy was utilitarian—used by Hashem to convey a specific message.
  • Preparation for Divine Communication: Even a figure like Bil'am recognized the need for solitude and focus when seeking divine revelation, though his motives were impure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's prophecy and his interactions with Balak, highlighting Balaam's attempt to receive divine communication.
📖 Nedarim 22a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about vows and divine encounters, illustrating the unpredictability of divine response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Bil'am mean when he says 'perhaps the Lord will come to meet me' in Numbers 23:3?
A: Bil'am acknowledges that his ability to prophesy depends entirely on Hashem's will. Unlike true prophets of Israel who received divine communication directly, Bil'am had to 'seek' a chance encounter with Hashem (Rashi on Numbers 23:3). This shows his inferior prophetic status compared to Jewish prophets.
Q: Why did Bil'am tell Balak to stand by his burnt offering in Numbers 23:3?
A: According to Rashi, Bil'am was telling Balak to remain by his sacrifices because idolaters believed their offerings could influence divine forces. Bil'am, though knowing Hashem's supremacy, still operated with this pagan mindset. The Torah contrasts this with the proper Jewish approach to serving Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am saying 'whatever He shows me I will tell you' in Numbers 23:3?
A: This teaches that even a non-Jewish prophet like Bil'am had to submit to Hashem's will when delivering prophecies. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses how Bil'am was constrained to only say what Hashem permitted, showing that no one can truly oppose Hashem's plan for Israel.
Q: What is the significance of Bil'am going to a 'steep place' in Numbers 23:3?
A: The Midrash explains that Bil'am sought elevated places hoping to encounter divine forces, reflecting pagan practices of high-altitude worship. This contrasts with the Jewish tradition where prophecy comes through moral elevation, not physical height (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12).
Q: How does Numbers 23:3 show the difference between Bil'am and Moshe?
A: Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that Moshe received prophecy directly while awake and standing, whereas Bil'am had to seek chance encounters ('perhaps'). This verse highlights how Bil'am's prophecy was inferior to Moshe's clear, direct communication with Hashem.