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Numbers 24:9 - Israel: lion of divine protection?

Numbers 24:9 - במדבר 24:9

Hebrew Text

כָּרַע שָׁכַב כַּאֲרִי וּכְלָבִיא מִי יְקִימֶנּוּ מְבָרֲכֶיךָ בָרוּךְ וְאֹרְרֶיךָ אָרוּר׃

English Translation

He couched, he lay down like a lion, and like a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesses thee, and cursed is he that curses thee.

Transliteration

Kara shakav ka'ari uchlavi mi yekimeno mevorachecha baruch ve'orerecha arur.

Hebrew Leining Text

כָּרַ֨ע שָׁכַ֧ב כַּאֲרִ֛י וּכְלָבִ֖יא מִ֣י יְקִימֶ֑נּוּ מְבָרְכֶ֣יךָ בָר֔וּךְ וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ אָרֽוּר׃
כָּרַ֨ע שָׁכַ֧ב כַּאֲרִ֛י וּכְלָבִ֖יא מִ֣י יְקִימֶ֑נּוּ מְבָרְכֶ֣יךָ בָר֔וּךְ וְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָ אָרֽוּר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 24:9 as part of Bilam's blessing over the Jewish people. Though Bilam intended to curse Israel, Hashem compelled him to deliver blessings instead. The imagery of a lion reflects the strength and invincibility of the Jewish nation when they fulfill Hashem's will.

Interpretation of the Lion Imagery

Rashi explains that the phrase "כָּרַע שָׁכַב כַּאֲרִי" ("He couched, he lay down like a lion") symbolizes the Jewish people's fearless rest, like a lion that no other creature dares to disturb. The lion's posture indicates confidence and security, showing that Israel dwells securely under Hashem's protection.

The Kli Yakar adds that the double mention—"like a lion" and "like a great lion"—refers to both physical and spiritual strength. The Jewish people are unshakable in both realms when they remain faithful to Torah.

Blessings and Curses

The second half of the verse—"Blessed is he that blesses thee, and cursed is he that curses thee"—echoes Hashem's promise to Avraham in Bereishit (Genesis) 12:3. The Ramban explains that this reinforces the eternal covenant: those who support Israel share in their blessing, while those who oppose them incur divine retribution.

  • Rashi: The blessing and curse apply not only to individuals but to nations—those who assist the Jewish people prosper, while their enemies ultimately fall.
  • Sforno: This principle holds true in all generations, demonstrating that Hashem's providence over Israel is unchanging.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 12) connects this verse to the future redemption, teaching that just as a lion rises with renewed strength after resting, so too will the Jewish people rise powerfully in the days of Mashiach. No force will prevent their ultimate triumph.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings and curses related to the Jewish people, illustrating the divine protection over them.
📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the power and invincibility of the Jewish people, likened to a lion that cannot be easily roused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 24:9 mean when it says 'He couched, he lay down like a lion'?
A: This verse, spoken by the prophet Balaam, describes the Jewish people as strong and untouchable like a resting lion. Rashi explains that this symbolizes Israel's power and security—when they are at rest, no one can easily disturb them, just as one would not dare wake a sleeping lion.
Q: Why does the verse say 'Blessed is he that blesses thee, and cursed is he that curses thee'?
A: This reflects the divine promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, reaffirming that those who support the Jewish people will be blessed, while those who harm them will face consequences. The Rambam teaches that this principle remains eternally relevant, showing G-d's protection over Israel.
Q: How does Numbers 24:9 apply to Jewish life today?
A: The verse reminds us that the Jewish people have a unique spiritual strength and divine protection. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that even when Israel seems vulnerable, they are like a lion—resilient and guarded by G-d’s promise. This encourages trust in divine providence.
Q: Who is the 'lion' referring to in this verse?
A: The lion symbolizes the Jewish people. Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 12) explains that just as a lion is fearless and dominant, Israel carries a spiritual majesty and strength under G-d’s protection, making them unconquerable when they remain faithful to Torah.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 24:9?
A: The verse teaches that G-d’s covenant with Israel is eternal. The Sforno notes that those who recognize Israel’s holiness and treat them kindly share in their blessings, while opponents invite misfortune. It emphasizes the importance of standing with the Jewish people.