S.A.L.T. - Wednesday

Two days ago, we encountered the following verse from Bilam's second blessing to Am Yisrael: "Lo, a people that rises like a lion, leaps up like a lion… " (23:24). As we saw, Rashi cites two explanations for the metaphor of the lion in this context. First, Rashi presents the Midrash's approach, that Bilam here lauds Benei Yisrael's fervent and enthusiastic observance of mitzvot: "When they arise from their sleep in the morning, they are strong as a lion in their grabbing of mitzvot: to wear tzitzit, to recite shema, and to lay tefillin." Targum Onkelos, by contrast, presents an interpretation that appears more in line with the straightforward reading of the verse, as a description of the nation's successful conquest of Eretz Yisrael.

In truth, these two explanations may be closer to one another than may at first appear. In Chazal's view, Benei Yisrael's strength lies primarily in its spiritual might, in its persistent and tireless pursuit of Torah and mitzvot. Only this spiritual power enables our nation to exert military strength for its survival.

The relationship between "peshat" (the straightforward meaning) and "derash" (the homiletic approach) in this verse becomes clearer in light of a passage in Masekhet Ta'anit (20). The Gemara asserts that "the curse with which Achiya Ha-shiloni cursed Yisrael was better than the blessing with which the wicked Bilam cursed them." The Gemara explains that in Melakhim I 14:15, the prophet Achiya Ha-shiloni, in forewarning the destruction of the kingdom of Yeravam Ben Nevat, declares, "God will strike Yisrael until it sways like a reed in water." Whereas Achiya likens Benei Yisrael to a reed, Bilam, in his blessing, compares them to a cedar tree (24:6). Although reeds are easily battered by stormy weather, not even the strongest winds can uproot it; it forever remains firmly attached in the ground. By contrast, the powerful cedar trees can withstand harsh conditions; rain and wind generally have no effect on the robust cedar. However, says the Gemara, "when a southern wind blows, it uproots it and casts it down on its face." Despite the cedar's ability to withstand gusty winds, it has one weakness that renders it vulnerable to the southern wind, which can destroy it.

Reeds, which were generally used as pens in the ancient world, symbolize scholarship and wisdom, the world of the spirit. Cedars, used in the construction of strong buildings, represent the external realm of the physical. Even when blessing Am Yisrael, Bilam saw only the nation's external qualities, its outward demonstration of force and prowess. This form of power is effective but to a limit: ultimately, the enemies capitalize on the mighty nation's weakness and destroy it. The Jewish prophet, however, recognizes Benei Yisrael's inner strength even when foreseeing their downfall. Thus, although the reed is windswept and beaten, its roots remain strong and firm. Am Yisrael has suffered continual beatings and oppression at the hands of the changing winds of history, but has never been uprooted. Its roots, the eternal wisdom of the Torah, have ensured its continuity and improbable survival.

Thus, both Targum Onkelos and the Midrash interpret the lion metaphor correctly. Bilam spoke of Benei Yisrael's impressive military achievement in their conquest of Eretz Yisrael. Chazal, however, read into his prophecy a little deeper. Am Yisrael's strength ultimately flows from its spiritual wellsprings, the unending supply of Torah and mitzvot. Only these spiritual elements have formed the "lion" of Benei Yisrael, its eternal strength and resilience, which have allowed it to prevail over the centuries of oppression and overcome the formidable obstacle of time.

(Based on an article by Rav Yaakov Ariel)

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