Parshas Bamidbar: The Power of Our Words

Avi Becker (’24)

Our words are very powerful. As is a message repeated countless times throughout the Torah Diveri Halacha and shiurim. This idea is again exemplified in Bamidbar. The word “bamidbar” (רבדמב) can be read as two words “bam dabeir” (רֵבַד - מָבּ) — “in them you should talk.” This idea appears also in the Gemara (Yoma 19b) as commentary on the words “Vedibarta bam,” “Speak of them,” i.e. of Torah — and not devarim beteilim, idle or forbidden talk.

Noach’s Ark; what is unique about the days of Mashiach?

In Noach’s time the whole world was in danger of destruction. In such circumstances there is no time for fighting, and enemies naturally become allies and struggle together for survival. In the days of out of fear. Bilaam told them, “What you are witnessing is true unity. G-d is giving them the Torah, which will be their source of strength and which will unite them with common goals of study and observance.”

Upon hearing this, the nations exclaimed, “We realize G-d will bless His people with peace; through Torah they will have a blessing of peace and not peace necessitated by crisis.”

Last Week’s Solution

This use of speech is so powerful in the Torah that it is often regarded as the greatest miracle when G-d spoke to us at Har Sinai. The Gemara (Zevachim 116b) relates that, when Hashem gave the Torah to the Jewish people, His mighty voice was heard throughout the entire world and all the kings were gripped with fear. They gathered around the prophet Bilaam and asked, “What is the meaning of this mighty roar? Perhaps there is another flood coming to the world!”

Bilaam replied that Hashem had a valuable treasure which he had safeguarded for 974 generations before creation and was now giving it to His children, as stated in the verse “G-d will give might (Torah) to His nation” (Psalms 29:11).

Immediately, they all responded “G-d will bless His nation with peace,” (ibid.).

But why did the nations of the world think another flood was coming?

The prophet, speaking of the miraculous events of the days of Mashiach, states that “the wolf will dwell together with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6). This also occurred in

Mashiach there will be universal prosperity and peace.

Unfortunately, in tranquil times, people often find time to quarrel.

The prophet therefore foretells the miracle that will occur in the days of Mashiach, when everyone will have all they need in an abundance. Even then there will be absolute peace, and the wolf and lamb will live together.

Concerning the preparations for receiving the Torah, it is stated, “Vayichan sham Yisrael neged hahar” — “And Israel encamped there opposite the mountain” (Shemot 19:2). Rashi explains that the word “Vayichan,” in singular, teaches us that the great multitude encamped as a single person with a single desire.

Upon witnessing such unity, the nations of the world came to Bilaam fearing another flood and wondering if the Jews had united

This concept of peace is further seen because the Torah says Bamidbar Sinai and not just Sinai. The words “Midbar Sinai” (יניס רבדמ) have the numerical value of 376, which is the same as the word ”shalom” (םולש). When the Jews arrived at Sinai to receive the Torah we are told that, “Vayichan sham Yisrael” — “And Israel encamped there” (Shemot 19:2). Rashi writes that the word “Vayichan” is in the singular to teach us that the Jewish people were “like one person with one desire.” A prerequisite for receiving the Torah was shalom. Shalom here is clearly something humans bestow upon themselves with the help of G-d. If we don’t seek peace ourself, peace will never come. And similarly, if G-d weren’t to graciously bestow it upon us it would never come.

But there’s another reason it was chosen to be in Sinai. Since the wilderness is considered ownerless it teaches that since the Torah was given in no one in specific’s land, it belongs equally to everyone. We all have a right to learn and teach and practice and understand the Torah and we should take advantage of that opportunity and do all those things while understanding that that is a gift from Hashem to each of us.