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Balak - Shishi

Get Out of My Sight!

Balak took Balaam to yet another vantage point. Again, they built the altars and offered the sacrifices. Balaam, seeing that G-d was intent on blessing Israel, did not seek to harness the power of sorcery against them. Instead, he looked over the plains and related G-d's message.

"This is the word of Balaam, the man with the seeing eye. This is the word of one who gets his messages from G-d. How good are the tents of Israel. They're like plants growing by a river, planted by G-d. They're like cedar trees by the water. They will enjoy abundance. When they build their nation, it will exceed that of Amalek. Since G-d brought them out of Egypt, they are a sign of His might. He will consume His enemies while Israel stands by, like a lion. Who would dare mess with a lion? Those who bless Israel will be blessed, while those who curse Israel will be cursed!”

Balak was furious. “I brought you here to curse them and now you’ve blessed them three times! I suggest you get out of here as soon as possible!”

“I told you at the outset that I could only say what G-d directed me. You knew what you were getting.”

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz