Parshat Balak; Numbers 22:2– 24:9 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger
This week’s Torah portion is named for the Moabite King, Balak son of Zippor and an enemy of the Children of Israel. This week he brings the prophet and shaman Baalam to curse the children of Israel in an effort to stop their advance towards the Promised Land.
But this king, Balak, will learn that although he has plans for the Children of Israel—God has greater plans. God protects the Children of Israel on their journey. A human king will not foil God’s plan.
This becomes clear as the story in the portion unfolds. The prophet and shaman, Baalam seemingly is the pawn of King Balak, at first refusing to come as ordered and then acquiescing to do the work of cursing the Children of Israel. Balaam petitions God for permission to go on this royal mission. At first God denies his request saying, “Do not go with them. You must not curse that people, for they are blessed.” (Num. 22:12) But later God comes to him at night and gives him permission. (Num. 22:20) to accompany the Moabite messengers. But God tells Baalam that he will have to obey God’s every command.
Baalam recognizes and honors the true voice of God. The truth is God’s will controls even the pagan prophet. As God did in Egypt, showing the true Divine Power over the false gods and goddesses of the ancient near east and their servants. God turns the words of curse that Baalam was prepared to say into words of blessing. And Baalam, the prophet and seer (even as a pagan), recognizes the power of God and continues to bless the children of Israel through his poetic oracles.
This is much to the horror and surprise of the King of Moab. Who at one point after hearing the words come from Baalam’s mouth says, “Don’t curse them and don’t bless them.” (Num 23:25). In other words, don’t say another word!. Balak continues later, “I called you, to damn my enemies, and instead you have blessed them these three times.” (Num. 24:10).
Balak realizes all too late that he can’t foil the power of the God who protects Israel. But this is precisely the point God wants to make and God uses Baalam to make that point to the Moabites. And in the fourth and final oracle that Baalam recites informs the Moabites of their impending doom, “ A meteor comes forth from Israel’ It smashes the brow of Moab” (Num. 24:17). The point is driven home, “ Israel is triumphant.” (Num 24:18).
The king of Moab Balak can not win against the power not only of Israel but of its God who is supreme.
Posted by Lee at July 11, 2006 09:33 AM
