1)

What did Bil'am mean when he said "Lo Hibit Aven be'Ya'akov"?

1.

Rashi #1 (citing Targum Onkelos) and Targum Yonasan: He meant that he perceived no idolatry in the House of Ya'akov and no falsehood in Yisrael. 1

2.

Rashi #2 and Rashbam: He meant that, even when they transgress His commands, Hashem does not take them to task, 2 to examine what they have done.

3.

Ramban #1 (citing the Ibn Ezra): It means that Hashem did not perceive in Ya'akov sin 3 and falsehood nor perversity or anger 4 in Yisrael. 5

4.

Ramban #2: It means that he did not see lies in Ya'akov and falsehood in Yisrael. 6 Based on the previous two Pesukim, what Bil'am means is that all the B'rachos and promises that they were promised will materialize, 7 because there is no falsehood in the One who issued them - "because Hashem their G-d 8 is with them". 9

5.

Rashbam: It means that Hashem does not want to watch them when they sin and to punish them. 10

6.

Da'as Zekenim and Hadar Zekenim (on Pasuk 20): It means that it is proper that Hashem bless them, becuse, since He does not see sin in them, He has no problems with them.


1

See Oznayim's Kashya on this translation of "Aven"..

2

Rashbam: As the Pasuk states in Iyov, 11:11.

3

See Ba'al ha'Turim.

4

Ramban: Deeds that anger Hasham.

5

Ramban: Which is why He is "with them".

6

Ramban: Both with reference to something that does not materialize, as in Chavakuk, 3:7 and in Tehilim, 10:7.

7

Ramban: As in Yeshayah, 20:5, 6 and 22:11.

8

Ramban: Who does not lie and who does not relent.

9

See also Oznayim la'Torah.

10

Rashbam: As in Iyov, 11:11.

2)

What is the definition of "Amal"?

1.

Rashi: "Amal" is another word for 'sin'.

2.

Ramban (citing Ibn Ezra): Refer to 23:21:1:3.

3.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: It refers to swearing falsely.

3)

What did Bil'am mean when he said "Hashem Elokav Imo"?

1.

Rashi: He meant that, even when they anger Him and rebel against Him, Hashem does not abandon them.

2.

Ramban #1 (citing Ibn Ezra): Refer to 23:21:1:3**.

3.

Ramban #2: Refer to 23:21:1:4*.

4.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: He meant that Hashem's command supports them.

4)

What is the meaning of "u'Seru'as Melech bo"?

1.

Rashi (citing Targum Onkelos) 1 and Rashbam: It means that the friendship of the King is with them' 2 ? demonstrating that they are worthy (Hadar Zekenim on Pasuk 20). 3

2.

Ramban: It means that the blowing of the Shofar of a mighty King is with them - a King who will never be vanquished.

3.

Seforno: It refers to the Teru'ah that they blew on the Shofar whenever the Mishkan traveled in the desert. 4

4.

Targum Onkelos: It means that the Shechinah of the King is with them.

5.

Targum Yonasan: It means that the blowing of the Shofar of Mashi'ach is (will be) among them.


1

See answer #4.

2

Rashi: As in Shmuel 2, 15:37 and in Shoftim, 15:6 (and in Mishlei, 18:24 - Rashbam).

3

Since one does not tend to befriend a robber or a thief.

4

Seforno: As a sign of rejoicing with their King.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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