In this week’s parashah, the Moabite king, Balak, hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. However, once the prophet reaches the Israelites, he issues several blessings. This week, we’ll examine the enduring meaning of those blessings.
How fair are your tents, Jacob,
Your dwellings, Israel!
Like palms they stretch forth,
Like gardens upon the river bank,
Like aloes planted by Adonai,
Like cedars upon the water,
Their boughs drip with moisture
Their roots sit in abundant water…
– Numbers 24:5-7
Balaam’s third blessing describes the Israelite desert encampment as a lush oasis and begins with a verse of praise for their dwellings. This first verse has since been incorporated into the daily liturgy as the Mah Tovu prayer, which is to be recited when worshippers first enter the prayer space in the morning. Thus, we have come to understand this verse as an indication of our connection to the spiritual realm.
However, as the next verse reveals, the initial implication of the verse is that it exclusively praises Israel’s connection to the physical realm, namely, life-bringing water sources. One can understand how association with water is significant in the Ancient Near East, but the blessing seems to suggest far more. A proper relationship with water results not only in simple nourishment but in full abundance (gardens upon the river bank), spiritual care (aloes planted by Adonai), and strength (cedars upon the water).
Balaam’s blessing illustrates that the Israelites’ relationship with water bequeaths them all manner of blessings, suggesting that our relationship with the natural world has profound effects , including our comfort, our identity, and our resilience. How might we develop an enduring relationship with the natural world that fulfills these blessings?
– Rabbi Josh Knobel