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Numbers 24:25 - Prophets' paths diverge mysteriously

Numbers 24:25 - במדבר 24:25

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיָּשָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ וְגַם־בָּלָק הָלַךְ לְדַרְכּוֹ׃

English Translation

And Bil῾am rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balaq also went his way.

Transliteration

Vayakam Bilam vayelech vayashov limkomo vegam Balak halach l'darko.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣קׇם בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ וַיָּ֣שׇׁב לִמְקֹמ֑וֹ וְגַם־בָּלָ֖ק הָלַ֥ךְ לְדַרְכּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֣קׇם בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ וַיָּ֣שׇׁב לִמְקֹמ֑וֹ וְגַם־בָּלָ֖ק הָלַ֥ךְ לְדַרְכּֽוֹ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of Bil'am and Balaq's Departure

Rashi (Bamidbar 24:25) explains that the phrase "וַיָּשָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ" ("and returned to his place") indicates Bil'am did not repent or change his ways after failing to curse Israel. Instead, he returned to his previous state of wickedness and continued advising nations on how to harm the Jewish people (as seen later in the incident at Shittim, Bamidbar 31:16).

Ibn Ezra on Their Separate Paths

Ibn Ezra notes that the verse emphasizes how each went his own way ("וְגַם־בָּלָק הָלַךְ לְדַרְכּוֹ") to show their relationship ended without reconciliation. Balaq, disappointed that Bil'am blessed Israel instead of cursing them, saw no further use for Bil'am and parted ways.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:24) states Bil'am returned to Aram Naharaim to continue his idolatrous practices, while Balaq went back to Moav to devise other strategies against Israel.
  • Some Midrashim suggest Bil'am later advised the Midianites to seduce Israel (as per Sanhedrin 106a), showing his persistent hatred despite witnessing Divine favor upon Israel.

Rambam's Perspective on Bil'am's Character

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:2), Rambam cites Bil'am as the archetype of someone who recognizes truth but rejects it due to base desires—his knowledge of Hashem's will did not lead him to genuine repentance, only temporary compliance under duress.

Kli Yakar's Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 24:25) observes that their parting ways reflects the fate of Israel's enemies: they may unite temporarily against the Jewish people, but ultimately their alliances fracture due to conflicting interests and Divine intervention.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 24:25 mean when it says Bil'am and Balaq went their separate ways?
A: This verse concludes the story of Bil'am's failed attempts to curse the Jewish people. After realizing that Hashem would not allow him to curse Israel (as seen in the previous blessings he was forced to give), Bil'am returned home, and Balaq, king of Moav, also left in disappointment. Rashi explains that this shows the futility of their efforts against the Jewish people when Hashem protects them.
Q: Why is it significant that Bil'am returned to his place in Numbers 24:25?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Bil'am returned to his place to teach that he did not repent or change his ways. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:24) notes that later, Bil'am gave Balaq evil advice to lure the Jewish people into sin (as seen in the incident with the daughters of Moav). This shows that even after witnessing Hashem's power, Bil'am remained wicked.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 24:25 about dealing with enemies?
A: This verse teaches that when Hashem protects the Jewish people, no enemy can succeed against them, even if they try repeatedly (like Balaq and Bil'am did). The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) explains that trust in Hashem means recognizing that all obstacles ultimately dissolve when we follow His will, just as Balaq and Bil'am's plans failed.
Q: How does the Torah describe the departure of Bil'am and Balaq differently in Numbers 24:25?
A: The Torah states that Bil'am 'returned to his place,' while Balaq simply 'went his way.' Rashi points out that Bil'am returned to his home to continue his wicked ways, whereas Balaq went back to his kingdom without further conflict. This subtle difference highlights Bil'am's persistent evil nature compared to Balaq, who merely gave up after failing.