Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 23:30?
A: Numbers 23:30 describes how King Balak followed Balaam's instructions by offering sacrifices (a bull and a ram) on altars. According to Rashi, this was part of Balak's repeated attempts to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, despite Hashem's refusal to allow it. The verse highlights Balak's persistence in trying to harm the Jewish people through supernatural means.
Q: Why did Balak offer sacrifices in this verse?
A: Balak offered sacrifices (a bull and a ram) because Balaam instructed him to do so in hopes that Hashem might change His mind and allow Balaam to curse the Israelites (Rashi on Numbers 23:1-3). The Midrash explains that Balak believed these offerings could influence divine favor, but ultimately, Hashem protected the Jewish people from his schemes.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 23:30?
A: This verse teaches that human efforts to oppose Hashem's will—like Balak's repeated attempts to curse the Israelites—are ultimately futile. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:4) emphasizes that divine providence protects the Jewish people, and no curse can prevail against them when they follow Hashem's ways.
Q: Why are bulls and rams mentioned in this sacrifice?
A: Bulls and rams were common offerings in biblical times, often representing significant sacrifices due to their value. Rashi (on Numbers 23:2) notes that Balak offered these animals in large numbers, showing his desperation to influence Balaam's blessings or curses. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) also discusses how sacrifices symbolize submission to Hashem—though Balak's intentions were misguided.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish belief in divine protection?
A: Numbers 23:30 reinforces the Jewish belief in Hashem's unwavering protection. Despite Balak's efforts and sacrifices, Balaam could only bless the Israelites, as stated later in the parsha (Numbers 24:1). The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that Hashem's plans cannot be overturned by human schemes, emphasizing trust in divine providence.
Context in Parashat Balak
This verse (Bamidbar 23:30) appears in the narrative of Balak, king of Moab, who repeatedly attempts to curse Bnei Yisrael through the prophet Bilaam. After Bilaam's first unsuccessful attempt to curse Israel, he instructs Balak to build additional altars and offer sacrifices, hoping this will change the divine decree.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Balak followed Bilaam's instructions precisely ("ka'asher amar Bilaam") because he believed Bilaam's method would succeed in invoking divine wrath against Israel. Rashi notes that Balak's persistence in sacrificing "par va'ayil" (a bull and a ram) on each altar reflects his desperation to nullify Bnei Yisrael's merit.
Symbolism of the Sacrifices
Malbim's Insight
The Malbim observes that Balak offered identical sacrifices on multiple altars, unlike the Torah's system where offerings are brought once. This demonstrates his pagan mindset—believing that increased quantity could manipulate divine will, contrary to the Torah's emphasis on sincere devotion.
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
In Hilchot Avodah Zarah (1:1), the Rambam describes how ancient idolaters like Balak believed sacrificial repetition could influence supernatural forces. This verse illustrates the futility of such approaches when contrasted with authentic Avodat Hashem.