“‘Behold, a people rises like a lioness, and as a lion it lifts itself; it will not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.’ Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!’ But Balaam replied to Balak, ‘Did I not tell you, “Whatever the LORD speaks, that I must do”?'” (Num 23:24-26).
The name chosen for Israel’s military operation to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities is “Operation Rising Lion,” which is taken directly from the Torah portion Parashat Balak—the portion that recounts Balak’s three failed attempts to curse the people of Israel (Numbers 22–24). I don’t know who selected this name or the reasoning behind it. But ironically, the name reflects a biblical truth which—though absolutely true—is, for now, hidden from the eyes of my people.
In this Torah portion, Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel. On his journey, Balaam attempts three times to bypass the Messenger of the LORD while riding his donkey, only to fail each time. Then, his eyes are supernaturally opened (Num 22:28–31). The story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22 foreshadows Balaam’s own role in Numbers 23–24. This time, Balaam himself becomes the spiritually enlightened “donkey”—speaking what God commands despite human opposition.
The name “Rising Lion” is drawn from Numbers 23:24, which appears during Balak’s second attempt to compel Balaam to curse Israel.
The deeper spiritual meaning of this Torah portion emerges during Balaam’s third prophetic speech (Numbers 24). On Balak’s third and final attempt to manipulate Balaam (Num 24:10), Balaam receives a divine vision (Num 24:1–2). With opened eyes (Num 24:3–4), he sees Israel’s Messianic King, who will arise “like a lion” (Num 24:9) in the “last days” (Num 24:14) to bring blessing to the nations (Num 24:9) and defeat to all of God’s enemies (Num 24:17–19).
Whether by human coincidence or divine providence, the name “Operation Rising Lion” reminds us of a salvation far greater than any military campaign could ever achieve. It reflects the salvation God offers to Israel—and to all nations—through the coming Lion of Judah, the King-Messiah (Gen 49:1, 8–12).
And it cannot be mere coincidence that the prophetic reading (the Haftarah) associated with this Torah portion—Micah 5—tells us exactly where this Lion-King is to be born:
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Mic 5:2).
O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel!
