Parashat Balak: Why Israel Is Compared to a Lion

One of Bilam's most famous blessings appears in this week's parsha:

"Behold, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; it does not lie down until it has eaten prey, and drinks the blood of the slain" (Numbers 23:24).

The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh uncovers a remarkable message hidden within these words. What appears at first to be a poetic description of strength is actually a prophecy about the unique nature of the Jewish people and their ability to overcome challenges throughout history.

Bilam's Unwilling Admission

The Ohr HaChaim notes that Bilam used the word "behold" against his will.

Our sages teach that an evil angel is sometimes forced to answer Amen against its will. In a similar way, Bilam found himself compelled to acknowledge a truth he did not want to admit. Although he had come to curse the Jewish people, he was forced to declare their greatness and strength.

In effect, Bilam was saying: Yes, this is what the Jewish people will be. They will rise like a lioness and stand strong like a lion.

These were not words Bilam chose to say. They were words Heaven placed in his mouth.

Why Mention Both a Lioness and a Lion?

At first glance, the verse seems repetitive. Why does it compare the Jewish people first to a lioness and then to a lion?

The Ohr HaChaim explains that each phrase describes a different stage in the history of the Jewish people.

The words "a people rises like a lioness" refer to the nation's beginning.

Most nations do not emerge strong from the start. A newly formed people generally lacks military experience, organization, and confidence. It takes time to develop strength and learn how to face powerful enemies.

The Jewish people were different.

For generations they had been slaves in Egypt, crushed by suffering and oppression. Yet almost immediately after leaving Egypt, they confronted mighty enemies and achieved extraordinary victories. They defeated powerful kings such as Sichon and Og despite having no natural military background.

Like a young lioness that already possesses courage and strength, the Jewish people displayed remarkable power from the very beginning.

Growing Stronger With Time

The second phrase, "and lifts itself up like a lion," refers to the generations that follow.

The Ohr HaChaim cites the teaching of Chazal that there are certain creations that grow stronger with age, and one of them is the lion.

For most living creatures, aging brings weakness. A lion, however, develops even greater strength and presence over time.

This, says the Ohr HaChaim, is the secret of the Jewish people.

Unlike other nations that may be weakened by repeated wars and hardships, the Jewish people possess a unique spiritual resilience. The challenges they endure do not destroy them. Instead, they often emerge stronger because of them.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced exile, persecution, and countless attempts to erase them. Yet they continue to survive and flourish.

Like the lion described by Chazal, they grow stronger through the very struggles that should have weakened them.

The Secret of Jewish Strength

The blessing of Bilam reveals a remarkable truth.

The Jewish people do not follow the ordinary rules of history. Their strength is not based solely on numbers, military power, or political influence. From their earliest days until the present, they have demonstrated a resilience that cannot be explained by natural factors alone.

First they rise like a lioness, displaying strength from the very beginning.

Then they grow like a lion, becoming stronger through the passage of time and through every challenge they face.

Bilam came to curse the Jewish people, but instead he found himself proclaiming one of their greatest qualities: the extraordinary ability to rise, endure, and grow stronger no matter what stands in their way.