A Nation that Dwells Alone/2
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A Nation that Dwells Alone
Exegetical Approaches
Secure
Bilaam's words refer to the security of the nation of Israel.
Meaning of "בָדָד"
- Alone – The Targumim, Rashi, and Seforno understand the word to mean alone, and assert that Bilaam is prophesying that in the future the Children of Israel alone will inherit the Land and not be destroyed with other nations.
- Secure – R"Y Bekhor Shor and Chizkuni, in contrast, explain that the word simply means secure, pointing to the parallel verse, "וַיִּשְׁכֹּן יִשְׂרָאֵל בֶּטַח בָּדָד" as support.1 R"Y Bekhor Shor does suggest an etymological connection to the meaning of "alone", suggesting that one who is not afraid is called "בדד" because he does not need others.
"וּבַגּוֹיִם לֹא יִתְחַשָּׁב" – These sources disagree regarding how they understand this part of the verse and its relationship to the previous clause:
- Elaboration - According to Onkelos and Rashi this clause parallels the first, reinforcing the message of safety. In the future, Israel will not be counted amongst the nations when Hashem judges and destroys them.
- Reason for future security – According to Targum Pseudo-Jonathon, this phrase expresses the reason for the nation's ultimate status. Because they do not take on the customs of the surrounding nations, they will merit to inherit the world.
- Reason for present security - R"Y Bekhor Shor maintains that Israel, sitting securely, is not considered as the rest of the nations that it can be cursed.
The full blessing
"ה' בָּדָד יַנְחֶנּוּ וְאֵין עִמּוֹ אֵל נֵכָר"
Are we meant to be part of the larger world?
Separate
Special
Bilaam was prophesying about the unique status of the Children of Israel, Hashem's chosen nation.
