Rabbi Chaim Lobel
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH STATE
June 25, 2010
As the children of Israel were approaching the promised land, Balak, the king of Moab, was frightened by what Israel had done to the mighty Emorite kings, Sihon and Og. Balak sent messengers to Bilam, the prophet of Midian, to help him defeat Israel by weakening them through imprecation.
Bilam, however, refused to go with Balak's messengers. "Return to your land for God refuses to allow me to go with you" (Numbers 22:13). Balak sent messengers a second time but Bilam stood his ground. "If Balak were to give me a house full of silver and gold, I would be unable to transgress the word of God" (Numbers 22:18).
Subsequently, God did allow Bilam to travel with the messengers of Balak with the condition that Bilam cannot imprecate a blessed nation and only do or say what God places in his mind.
Bilam made three attempts to curse Israel but failed. Each time, Bilam was forced to say what God had placed in his mind -- blessings.
Apparently even the prophets of the nations of the world understand that God alone controls the universe.
The Ralbag asks (Toelet Hashlishi), if God controls every facet of the world what difference does it make if Bilam curses the Jewish people? Why is it necessary to warn Bilam numerous times to not curse Israel? The Ralbag answers that God was doing this for Israel's benefit. God did not want Bilam to curse Israel for one reason alone; the next time God punishes Israel, the Jews should know their suffering is punishment for their sins and not because of someone's curse.
Bilam's curse would have provided the Jewish nation with an excuse to not repent for their mistakes -- the next time God punishes Israel. God taught Israel that they have no excuses by making sure Bilam does not curse the Jewish people. Bilam never had a say in the matter because ultimately God controls the world. God did give Bilam powers, as Balak said, "For I know whomever you (Bilam) bless is blessed and whatever you curse is cursed." However, those powers were still controlled by God.
The entire parsha of Balak and Bilam's struggle to weaken Israel is devoted to teaching Israel that their punishments come for their own personal wrongdoings and lack of teshuva, repentance.
Rabbi Chaim Lobel is the spiritual leader of Young Israel of Aberdeen, www.yiaberdeen.com. He welcomes comments on his articles, and can be reached at rabbi@yiaberdeen.com.