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Numbers 24:15 - Prophet's vision, divine words.

Numbers 24:15 - במדבר 24:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר נְאֻם בִּלְעָם בְּנוֹ בְעֹר וּנְאֻם הַגֶּבֶר שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן׃

English Translation

And he took up his discourse, and said, The speech of Bil῾am the son of Be῾or, and the speech of the man whose eyes are open:

Transliteration

Va'yisa m'shalo va'yomar n'um Bil'am b'no B'or un'um hagever shtum ha'ayin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר נְאֻ֤ם בִּלְעָם֙ בְּנ֣וֹ בְעֹ֔ר וּנְאֻ֥ם הַגֶּ֖בֶר שְׁתֻ֥ם הָעָֽיִן׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר נְאֻ֤ם בִּלְעָם֙ בְּנ֣וֹ בְעֹ֔ר וּנְאֻ֥ם הַגֶּ֖בֶר שְׁתֻ֥ם הָעָֽיִן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Numbers 24:3) introduces one of the prophecies of Balaam (Bil'am), a non-Jewish prophet hired by Balak to curse the Israelites. Despite his intentions, Balaam is compelled by Hashem to bless Israel instead. The phrasing of this verse holds deep significance in Jewish tradition.

Balaam's Identity: "Son of Be'or"

Rashi explains that "Be'or" refers to Balaam's father, but the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) suggests a deeper meaning: "Be'or" (בְּעֹר) is related to the word "basar" (בָּשָׂר, flesh), implying that Balaam was steeped in physical desires and immorality. This contrasts with the prophets of Israel, who were known for their spiritual refinement.

The "Man Whose Eyes Are Open"

The phrase "שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן" (whose eyes are open) is interpreted in several ways:

  • Rashi: Balaam was blind in one eye (based on the word "שְׁתֻם," meaning "closed"), yet his prophetic vision was clear when Hashem allowed him to see.
  • Ibn Ezra: His eyes were "opened" in the sense that he had prophetic insight, but only when Hashem granted it to him.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:45): This phrase emphasizes that Balaam's prophecy was not continuous like Moshe's but came in fleeting moments of divine inspiration.

Contrast with Jewish Prophecy

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) contrasts Balaam with Moshe: while Moshe's prophecy was clear and direct ("face to face"), Balaam's was obscured ("through a cloudy lens"). The phrase "whose eyes are open" thus underscores the limitations of his prophetic ability compared to the prophets of Israel.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:20) notes that Balaam's blessings were ultimately turned into curses for the nations, while Israel retained the blessings. This teaches that even when evil forces attempt harm, Hashem can transform their words for the good of His people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's prophecies and his unique ability to see divine visions, highlighting his role as a prophet despite his negative portrayal.
📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the distinction between true and false prophets, with Balaam's open eyes symbolizing his prophetic insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Bil'am in the Torah?
A: Bil'am (Balaam) was a non-Jewish prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Jewish people. Despite his negative intentions, Hashem put blessings in his mouth instead of curses, as seen in this verse and the surrounding passages. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses his unique prophetic abilities.
Q: What does 'the man whose eyes are open' mean in Numbers 24:15?
A: Rashi explains that 'whose eyes are open' refers to Bil'am's heightened spiritual perception when he delivered these prophecies. Unlike regular people, his 'eye was open' to divine visions (based on Numbers 24:4). Some commentaries suggest it may also hint that he was blind in one eye (Tanchuma Balak 10).
Q: Why does the Torah record Bil'am's words if he was wicked?
A: The Ramban explains that Bil'am's prophecies are recorded because they contain important messages about Jewish history and the Messianic era (particularly in Numbers 24:17-24). Even though Bil'am intended evil, Hashem used him as a vessel for true prophecy about Israel's future.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Bil'am calling himself 'son of Be'or'?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12) notes that Bil'am emphasizes his lineage to show pride in his father Be'or, who was also a wicked person. This teaches us about the danger of taking pride in negative traits passed down through generations, and the importance of breaking negative family patterns through Torah values.
Q: How is Bil'am's prophecy relevant today?
A: Bil'am's forced blessings (including 'How goodly are your tents, O Jacob' in Numbers 24:5) remind us that no enemy can truly curse the Jewish people when we follow Hashem's will. The Sages teach that his prophecies about later Jewish history (like the rise and fall of empires) give us perspective on current events through a Torah lens.