Deuteronomy 23:6 - Divine love transforms curses.

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Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־אָבָה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹעַ אֶל־בִּלְעָם וַיַּהֲפֹךְ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְּךָ אֶת־הַקְּלָלָה לִבְרָכָה כִּי אֲהֵבְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

But the Lord thy God would not hearken to Bil῾am; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.

Transliteration

Ve-lo avah Adonai Elohecha lishmoa el Bilam vayahafoch Adonai Elohecha lecha et haklala livracha ki ahevecha Adonai Elohecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־אָבָ֞ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ לִשְׁמֹ֣עַ אֶל־בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיַּהֲפֹךְ֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֧יךָ לְּךָ֛ אֶת־הַקְּלָלָ֖ה לִבְרָכָ֑ה כִּ֥י אֲהֵֽבְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 23:6) explains that Hashem did not merely ignore Bil'am's curses—He actively transformed them into blessings. This demonstrates that Hashem's love for Israel is so profound that even the attempts of their enemies to harm them are turned into sources of good. Rashi further notes that this incident is referenced in Bamidbar 23-24, where Bil'am, intending to curse Israel, is compelled by Hashem to bless them instead.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:41), Rambam discusses Divine Providence and how Hashem intervenes in human affairs to protect the Jewish people. The transformation of Bil'am's curses into blessings exemplifies how Hashem's hashgachah pratit (individual providence) operates for the sake of Israel, ensuring their survival and flourishing despite external threats.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:20) elaborates that Bil'am's intended curses were not merely nullified—they were repurposed for Israel's benefit. For example, when Bil'am sought to say, "May their tents be destroyed," Hashem compelled him to say, "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob" (Bamidbar 24:5). This Midrash emphasizes that Hashem's love for Israel is so great that even hostile intentions are redirected for their advantage.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 431) connects this verse to the prohibition against making peace with Moav (Devarim 23:7), teaching that we must recognize Hashem's intervention in history and avoid alliances with those who sought our harm.
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 23:6) highlights that this event serves as a perpetual reminder of Hashem's unwavering protection, reinforcing the mitzvah of bitachon (trust in Hashem).

Kabbalistic Insight

The Arizal (in Likutei Torah) teaches that Bil'am's curses contained negative spiritual energies, but Hashem elevated these forces, transforming them into brachot (blessings). This reflects the principle of it'aruta d'letata (awakening from below)—when Israel merits, even adversarial forces are uplifted for their benefit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 105b

The verse is discussed in the context of Balaam's inability to curse the Israelites, highlighting God's intervention to turn curses into blessings.

📖 Nedarim 31a

The verse is referenced to illustrate the power of divine love and how God transforms negative intentions into positive outcomes for His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:6 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 23:6 recounts how Hashem (God) refused to let Bil'am (Balaam) curse the Jewish people and instead turned his intended curses into blessings. This demonstrates Hashem's love and protection for the Jewish nation, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.

Q: Why is the story of Bil'am important in Judaism?
A: The story of Bil'am is important because it shows that no one can harm the Jewish people when Hashem protects them. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses how Bil'am's attempts to curse Israel were transformed into blessings, reinforcing the idea of divine providence over the Jewish people.

Q: What can we learn from Hashem turning Bil'am's curse into a blessing?
A: We learn that Hashem has the power to transform negative intentions into positive outcomes for those He loves. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:20) explains that this teaches us to trust in Hashem's protection and recognize that even seemingly harmful situations can be turned into blessings.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 23:6 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem watches over the Jewish people and can turn adversity into good. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that recognizing Hashem's kindness in our lives strengthens our faith and encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Q: Why did Hashem love the Jewish people in this verse?
A: Hashem's love for the Jewish people is rooted in the covenant with our forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) and our acceptance of the Torah. As Rashi explains on this verse, Hashem's love is eternal, and He protects us because of our unique relationship with Him.