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Balak, the King of Moab, is shaken when he hears the power of the Israelites and how they have dealt with the Emorites. Recognizing that he cannot fight them directly, he sends messengers to Balaam, a seer who lives along the water (a common place for prophets to settle - see Ezekiel 1:1). Balak hopes that spells cast by Balaam will help him defeat the Jewish nation and he begs him to curse the Israelites. After being briefed by Balak's messengers on the history of the Exodus, Balaam invites the messengers to stay overnight. That night G-d appears to Balaam, who repeats to G-d the entreaties of Balak's men, although he changes certain details of the story (compare 22:5-6 with 22:11). G-d suggests that Balaam not accompany Balak's men because the Israelites are a blessed people and thus cannot be cursed.
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| Thoughts to Consider and Discuss |
1. By what methods did Balak's officers attempt to convince Balaam to curse the Israelites?
2. Is the story told to Balaam by the officers true? Did they leave out any details?
3. What is the significance of the fact that G-d appeared to a non-Jewish prophet? Is this a challenge to the notion that the Jews are a chosen people?
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"Man's natural talents do not determine his spiritual status, nor do the talents bestowed on him from Above. Even the supreme gift of prophecy cannot turn him into a saint against his will or without his own endeavors. Man's own will is the sole factor determining whether he will use his qualities, talents and even the gift of prophecy bestowed upon him for good or, G-d forbid, misuse them for evil. It depends solely on his own free will to aspire to the sainthood of a Moses or descend to the villainy of a Balaam."
Nehama Leibowitz, Studies in Bamidbar
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What is the true nature of prophecy? Who is qualified to be a prophet?
Must a person with the powers of prophecy follow G-d's command?
Is there any room for individual predilection when it comes to Divine command?
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