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Numbers 24:20 - Amalek: first nation, eternal downfall?

Numbers 24:20 - במדבר 24:20

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא אֶת־עֲמָלֵק וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר רֵאשִׁית גּוֹיִם עֲמָלֵק וְאַחֲרִיתוֹ עֲדֵי אֹבֵד׃

English Translation

And when he looked on ῾Amaleq, he took up his discourse, and said, ῾Amaleq was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be everlasting perdition.

Transliteration

Va-yar et Amalek va-yisa meshalo va-yomar reishit goyim Amalek ve-achrito adei oved.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֔ק וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר רֵאשִׁ֤ית גּוֹיִם֙ עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ עֲדֵ֥י אֹבֵֽד׃
וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֔ק וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר רֵאשִׁ֤ית גּוֹיִם֙ עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ עֲדֵ֥י אֹבֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 24:20) is part of the prophecies delivered by Bil'am (Balaam) at the request of Balak, king of Moav. Although Bil'am intended to curse Israel, Hashem compelled him to bless them instead. Here, Bil'am turns his attention to Amalek, foretelling their ultimate destruction.

Amalek as the "First of Nations"

Rashi explains that Amalek was the first nation to attack Israel after their exodus from Egypt (Shemot 17:8). The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Teitzei 9) elaborates that Amalek's attack was particularly brazen, as they initiated hostilities despite seeing the miracles Hashem performed for Israel. The phrase "first of nations" may also allude to Amalek's role as the archetype of evil and opposition to Hashem's will.

The Fate of Amalek

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4-5) discusses the mitzvah to utterly destroy Amalek, based on the Torah's command in Devarim 25:19. The phrase "his latter end shall be everlasting perdition" reflects this eternal decree. The Talmud (Megillah 6b) states that even when other nations rise and fall, Amalek's destruction will be complete and final.

Spiritual Significance

  • The Chofetz Chaim teaches that Amalek represents doubt (the numerical value of "Amalek" equals "safek," doubt). Their attack came when Israel questioned "Is Hashem among us or not?" (Shemot 17:7).
  • The Sfat Emet explains that Amalek's destruction is necessary for the complete revelation of Hashem's sovereignty in the world.
  • The Vilna Gaon connects this prophecy to the future era when "Hashem will be King over all the earth" (Zechariah 14:9), at which time Amalek's influence will be eradicated.

Contemporary Application

The Kli Yakar notes that just as Amalek attacked the weak and stragglers (Devarim 25:18), we must be vigilant against spiritual weakness. The battle against Amalek continues in every generation, as the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination) attempts to cool our enthusiasm for mitzvot (as hinted in the word "Amalek" sharing letters with "malak" - to diminish).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 20b
The verse is discussed in the context of the commandment to remember what Amalek did to Israel and to blot out the memory of Amalek.
📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the downfall of Amalek and the divine justice meted out to nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Amalek in the Torah?
A: Amalek was a nation descended from Esav's grandson (Genesis 36:12) who attacked the Jewish people soon after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). The Torah describes them as ruthless enemies of Israel. Our sages teach that Amalek represents the archetype of evil and those who oppose Hashem's will in the world.
Q: What does 'first of the nations' mean in Numbers 24:20?
A: Rashi explains that Amalek was 'first' in attacking Israel when they left Egypt, showing particular cruelty. The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Teitzei 9) adds that Amalek was also among the first powerful nations in the ancient world, making their aggression against Israel especially brazen.
Q: Why does the Torah say Amalek's end will be destruction?
A: The verse teaches that while Amalek may have been powerful, their evil actions guaranteed their ultimate downfall. The Rambam (Melachim 5:5) explains this reflects the Torah's principle that evil cannot prevail eternally. There is a mitzvah to remember Amalek's evil and erase their memory (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
Q: How does Amalek relate to us today?
A: Our sages teach that Amalek represents doubt and coldness toward spirituality (Baal Shem Tov). Just as Amalek attacked the weak and weary, the 'Amalek' within us tries to weaken our enthusiasm for mitzvot. The mitzvah to remember Amalek reminds us to fight against indifference to Torah values.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Balaam's prophecy about Amalek?
A: The Sforno explains that this teaches that no matter how powerful evil seems, its success is temporary. The Jewish people's survival throughout history, despite enemies like Amalek, proves the truth of this prophecy. We learn to have faith in Hashem's ultimate justice.