Balaq || Devastator || בלק

Description

Precept upon precept, line by line reading. Week 40 Torah Portion - Balaq (Devastator) Numbers 22:2-25:9. Translation: Cepher

(7.16.24)

The Torah portion Balak, tells the story of Balak, the king of Moab, and his efforts to curse the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness. Concerned about the growing strength of the Israelites, Balak seeks the help of Balaam, a renowned sorcerer, to curse them and halt their progress.

Balak sends messengers to Balaam with offers of wealth and honor if he agrees to curse the Israelites. Initially, Balaam seeks Yah's guidance and is told not to go. However, after repeated entreaties and promises of greater rewards, Balaam is given permission to go, but with strict instructions to speak only what Yah tells him.

On his journey, Balaam's donkey sees an angel of Yah blocking their path and refuses to proceed. After Balaam strikes the donkey three times, Yahuah opens the donkey's mouth, and it speaks to Balaam, revealing the presence of the angel. Balaam's eyes are then opened, and he sees the angel, who reiterates that he must only say what Yahuah commands.

When Balaam finally meets Balak, he attempts to curse the Israelites but is instead compelled by Yahuah to bless them three times. Frustrated and angry, Balak dismisses Balaam without the promised reward. Despite this, Balaam prophesies the future downfall of Moab and other nations.

The portion concludes with the Israelites succumbing to the seductions of Moabite women and engaging in idolatry. This leads to a plague that kills 24,000 Israelites, which is only halted by the zealous actions of Phinehas, who executes an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in blatant immorality. This decisive act restores order and earns Phinehas a covenant of peace from Yahuah.

Balak highlights themes of divine sovereignty, the futility of opposing Yah's will, and the consequences of moral and spiritual lapses. It emphasizes that Yah's blessings cannot be undone by human machinations and underscores the importance of faithfulness and integrity among the Israelites.

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