19 July 2024
Week of 14-20 July 2024
Torah portion: Numbers 22:2-25 :9 Haftarah: Micah 5 :6-6 :8
Theme: Human and Divine Agency
Parashat Balak tells a compelling narrative about the Moabite King Balak and the prophet, Balaam. Concerned by the Israelites’ presence and their previous military successes, Balak seeks to curse them by enlisting Balaam, renowned for his blessings and curses. However, the story underscores the divine supremacy and the futility of human machinations against God’s will.
Balaam’s journey is marked by divine interventions, notably his encounter with a talking donkey. This episode emphasizes the theme that true vision and understanding come from God. Despite Balaam’s reputation, he is shown to be spiritually blind until God opens his eyes. Although it may be a humorous story, Etz Hayim affirms that the underlying message is a serious one that “God continues to watch over Israel and extend divine protection to them, despite their recalcitrant behavior and lack of appreciation.” [Etz Hayyim, 894] It speaks of the faithfulness and unconditional love of God towards creation.
Throughout the parashah, Balaam attempts to curse Israel but ends up blessing them instead, articulating one of the most beautiful poetic blessings in the Torah: “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel” (Numbers 24:5). This highlights the inherent blessing of the Israelites and God’s unwavering protection over them.
While some rabbinical sources view Balaam positively as a prophet of God, there is considerable debate on this issue. According to Etz Hayim, “Some rabbinical sources see Balaam as an authentic prophet, sent to the gentiles as Moses was sent to the Israelites, [while] others see Balaam as a pathetic, arrogant fraud whose only successful trick was to fool himself into believing that God approved of his intentions” (Etz Hayim, p. 894).
In “Bewilderments: Reflections on the Book of Numbers,” Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg offers a nuanced interpretation of Parashat Balak. She explores the complexities of Balaam’s character, his interactions with God, and his ultimate role in the narrative. Zornberg delves into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of Balaam, highlighting his internal conflicts and the irony of his situation. She suggests that Balaam, despite being a prophet, is ultimately blinded by his own desires and ambitions. His struggle between his will and God’s will reflects broader themes of human agency and divine control. [Chapter 9, loc. 4661 (Kindle version)]
Reflection for discussion: 1)Where do we draw the line between human and divine agency?; 2) In discernment, how do we know if we are acting according to God’s will? 3) How have you experienced a change of heart like Balaam?
Bibliography: Lieber (ed.), Etz Hayyim: Torah and Commentary (Philadelphia, 2001); Zornberg, Bewilderments: Reflections on the Book of Numbers (New York, 2015)
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Sr. Petite Lao, RNDM, Philippines, Bat kol Alumna 2010, 2014, 2019
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