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Rishon
- Balak requests from Balaam to curse the Jewish people:
- The meeting to discuss the threat: Balak the son of Tzippor, the king of Moav at that time, saw all that the Jewish people did to the other nations and Moav became very frightened of the Jewish people. Moav met with the elders of Midian and discussed the threat that “Now they will chew up our entire surroundings like the ox chews the vegetation of the field.
- Hiring Balaam: He sent emissaries to Balaam the son of Beor to come curse the Jewish people. They told him that a nation has left Egypt and has covered the eye of the land and is now standing opposite me [i.e. Moav]. “Now, please come and curse this nation for me, as they are much more powerful than me, and perhaps I will be successful in driving them out, as I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whom you curse is cursed.” The emissaries arrived at the house of Balaam to deliver the request.
- The response of Hashem to Balaam, and Balaam to Balak:
- Hashem instructs Balaam not to go: Balaam replied to the messengers that they should stay the night as he must discuss with Hashem whether he may fulfill their request. Hashem appeared to Balaam and inquired as to who the visitors were. Balaam replied that they are messengers of Balak, the king of Moav, who are asking from him to curse the nation who left Egypt. Upon hearing Balaam’s reply, Hashem told him not to go with them and not to curse the Jewish people, as the Jewish people are blessed.
Q&A on Rashi
📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 22:2–12
22:2 — Balak Sees Israel
Q1. What did Balak see that scared him?
A. He saw that Israel defeated Sichon and Og, who were powerful kings that protected the surrounding nations.
Q2. Why did this frighten Moav so much?
A. Because if those strong kings could not stand against Israel, Moav certainly could not.
22:3 — Fear of Moav
Q3. What does “ויגר” mean?
A. It means Moav was afraid.
Q4. What does “ויקץ מואב” mean?
A. It means Moav became disgusted and distressed because of Israel’s presence.
22:4 — Moav and Midian Unite
Q5. Why did Moav seek advice from Midian?
A. Even though they were enemies, they made peace out of fear of Israel.
Q6. Why specifically ask Midian?
A. Because Moshe had lived in Midian, so they thought Midian knew the secret of Israel’s strength.
Q7. What did Midian tell them?
A. That Israel’s power lies in their mouth, meaning prayer.
Q8. What plan did Moav develop from this?
A. To fight Israel using someone whose power is also in his mouth, namely Bilaam.
Q9. What does “כלחך השור” mean?
A. Like a bull eating grass, meaning total destruction without leaving anything.
Q10. Why was Balak king only “at that time”?
A. He was not originally king but was appointed temporarily after Sichon’s death.
22:5 — Sending to Bilaam
Q11. What does “פתורה” mean?
A. It can mean his place name, or it hints that Bilaam was like a money-changer whom everyone consulted.
Q12. Why did Hashem give prophecy to Bilaam, who was wicked?
A. So the nations could not say they lacked prophets and therefore could not serve Hashem properly.
Q13. How did Bilaam misuse his prophecy?
A. He encouraged immoral behavior and corruption among the nations.
Q14. What does “לקרוא לו” imply?
A. That Bilaam was being offered payment and benefit for coming.
Q15. What does “כסה את עין הארץ” mean?
A. It refers to the destruction of Sichon and Og, who had been the “eyes” or protectors of the land.
Q16. What does “יושב ממלי” imply?
A. That Israel was positioned in a way that threatened complete destruction.
22:6 — Balak’s Request
Q17. What does “נכה בו” mean?
A. Either to strike them or to reduce their numbers.
Q18. What did Balak believe about Bilaam’s power?
A. That whoever he blesses or curses will be affected.
Q19. What difference is there between Balak and Bilaam’s intent?
A. Balak only wanted to drive Israel out of the land, but Bilaam wanted to destroy them completely.
22:7 — Elders and Magic
Q20. What are “קסמים בידם”?
A. Magical tools or signs, so Bilaam would not claim he lacked what he needed.
Q21. Why did the elders of Midian leave?
A. They saw Bilaam delayed answering, which to them indicated he would not be successful.
22:8 — Bilaam’s Delay
Q22. Why did Bilaam tell them to stay overnight?
A. Because prophecy for non-Jewish prophets only came at night.
Q23. What hint does Rashi give about Bilaam’s motives?
A. He hoped for greater honor or a better offer from more important messengers.
22:9 — Hashem Questions Bilaam
Q24. Why does Hashem ask “Who are these men”?
A. To allow Bilaam to make a mistake and reveal his flawed thinking.
Q25. What mistake did Bilaam make?
A. He thought Hashem might not know everything or might be unaware at times.
22:10 — Bilaam’s Response
Q26. Why does Bilaam mention Balak being a king?
A. To show his own importance, since even kings seek his help.
22:11 — Request to Curse
Q27. What does “קבה לי” mean?
A. A stronger form of curse that involves invoking Hashem’s Name.
Q28. How did Bilaam change Balak’s request?
A. He exaggerated it, saying he wanted to destroy Israel completely, not just drive them away.
22:12 — Hashem’s Answer
Q29. What did Hashem forbid Bilaam from doing?
A. He told him not to go with them and not to curse Israel.
Q30. What happened when Bilaam suggested other options?
A. Hashem rejected all of them, saying Israel is already blessed and needs nothing from him.
Q31. What is the parable Rashi gives?
A. Like telling a wasp, “We need neither your honey nor your sting,” meaning Bilaam’s blessings and curses are both unwanted.