2. Balak - בלק : "Balak" Torah: Numbers 22:2-25:9 Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8
Brit Chadesha: 2Pe 2:9-22; Ro 11:25-32
Psalms: 40, 94, 136
Gospels: Luke 18

3. Fun Facts about Balak 40th of 54 portions 7th of 10 in B’midbar.
Fun Facts about Balak
40th of 54 portions
7th of 10 in B’midbar
Written on 178 lines in a Torah
33rd in length overall and it’s the 8th in B’midbar
Balak contains none of the 613 mitzvot
Balak is one of 17 (of 54) portions with no mitzvot. Only one of two no-mitzvah portions in the book of B’midbar.
Here's the no-mitzvah portion count per book:
Genesis - 9 of 12, (the family album, so to speak, telling a lot about the LORD’s character and His family)
Exodus - 3 of 11, (The family starts to get some house rules)
Leviticus - 0 of 10, (It’s all law and order)
Number - 2 of 10, (Some more law and order and a little bit of YHVH’s character)
Deuteronomy - 3 of 11 (More house rules, some review and family stories)
I want to talk about the miraculous aspect of this Torah portion. This portion is the first one since early parts of Exodus that takes place without a multitude of witnesses. Actually, while the people pitched their tents on the plains of Moab, no one from the camp was present to witness the conspiracy against them. So how do we even know about this bit of history, because NO Israelite saw:
the elders of Moab and Midian approach Balaam
the donkey speak
the meeting of Balak and Balaam
the altars being built
the animals being offered to God
And Balak’s frustration
Yet every believer in the Most High God knows this story. How do we know it? YHVH told Moshe what happened, because He wanted us to know it. He told Moshe, so that it would be written in Torah for everyone to know.
What does He want us to know?
That this was a time when YHVH took care of the whole thing (as He often does) without anyone in the camp even suspecting there was danger lurking.
People went on doing whatever they did living in the Wilderness. They were absolutely clueless of the plot, and He protected them completely—when Balaam opened his mouth, God even changed Balaam's evil prophecy into one of strength and dignity. This is just one more example of God's graciousness.
Ro 8:31, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
The miracle of YHVH’s revelation in this portion HAS TO tell us something. How many times has an enemy plotted and planned to harm us (or destroy us) only to be thwarted by God watching over us? We have no idea how many times He has saved us from pain and suffering or death. AND I’m sure He will continue to protect us because:
Ps 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
We find that at the end of the portion, the destruction of 24,000 was by their own doing because they turned to worship Baal Peor. Sure sometimes we see innocent people caught in the crossfire of our evil world, but still, People blame God when most often destruction comes by our own doing.

4. How is the Haftarah like Balak?.
How is the Haftarah like Balak?
Micah 6:7-8, “Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
In this week's haftarah Micah gives a series of short prophecies meant to encourage a people in exile.
We are exiles, aren’t we? So, we have quite a lot to identify with in this week’s study.
Micah says that though the people may feel like droplets of dew, hopelessly spread out upon other nations, their renewal will come from YHVH. This transformation, from a
“tiny drop of water” to “the lion among the beasts of the forest”
symbolizes the changes that will come to the “remnant of Jacob.”
We will go from being very weak to very strong. Sometimes, do you feel very weak? God knows, we can’t hide it. He wants us to know that He is our strength.
Even while Micah is encouraging the exiled nation, he warns them that on the very same day that they vanquish their foes:
their own idols and false gods will be demolished
Soothsayers and sorcerers will be destroyed.
YHVH will wreak havoc on those who still believe in other gods.
Micah invites the mountains, hills, and the firm foundation of the world to bear witness as God recounts how poorly His people have treated Him. YHVH has brought us all out of Egypt, and has given us strong leaders: Moshe, Aharon and Miriam.
God reminds His people about the prophecy of Balaam bought and paid for by Balak the King of Moab to curse the people; but YHVH changed Balaam's merchandised prophecy into one of strength and dignity. This is just one example of God's graciousness. YHVH is saddened that we seem to think we can please Him with a steady stream of offerings (like a making a payment as Balak had done), instead of by acting honorably and kindly. Finally, Micah closes with a famous summation of what God wants from His people: "He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice, and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with God." (Micah 6:8)

5. .
Why is Balak afraid?
Numbers 22:2-3, “And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.”
Balak’s position is one that would be called a “vassal king”—one who
governs the people,
musters troops,
collects taxes
and all of this is done in allegiance to a stronger king. Balak probably was not even a Moabite, but was a foreign noble, a chosen leader under the protection of the Amorite Kings, Sihon and Og.
Commentary in Stone’s Edition offers us a little insight into our enemy Balak, it says:
“Although he was the king of Moab, his title is not mentioned here, possibly because he was renowned a mighty warrior long before he became king. Thus the Torah wishes to imply that even Balak was not a mere king who relied on others to fight his battles…”
So basically, we have a mighty warrior king who is all that is left of a defeated kingdom. He most likely assumed that he is the next target of an invading horde; but his fear had gotten the best of him and were needless—YHVH had already warned Israel not to harass the Moabites or provoke them to war.
God had promised this land to Lot’s children and Abraham’s children were to have something else—but Balak did know. He decided that is Sihon and Og could not defeat these people, he would need supernatural help and then he remembered Balaam.

6. What’s so special about Balaam?.
What’s so special about Balaam?
Numbers 22:5, “He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:”
He is nothing but another priest in a self made religion who despises true and humble worship of the Most High God—in other words he’s just another anti-semite.
The name Balaam actually means: not of the people or tribe. (Strong’s Ref #1109)
Now, the Mishna gives a unique account, stating that:
Balaam is none other than Laban, Jacob/Israel's arch-enemy
who (in olden days) had wanted to root out entirely Jacob and all his family,
and who had incited Pharaoh and Amalek against the people of Israel to bring about their destruction.
It’s also interesting to note that “son of Beor” may not have been a reference to his genealogy at all—but to his religious practice.
There isn’t any recorded lineage in the Word (or other sources) to lineage of Beor. However, there is another reference to “son of Beor”—it is Bela, the first king of Edom.
Now the text states that Bilaam is living by the river Pethor in Aram, are they brothers? It’s hard to say, there is no other apparent link. So, they could be linked by following the same religious practice and not be related. It certainly gives new meaning to:
Re 2:14, “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”
The point is that the text in this particular portion is not portraying Bilaam as the scoundrel that he really is. Here are some other places where you can study the depth of his hatred toward Israel:
Nu 31:8, “And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.”
Why were they slain?
Nu 31:16, “Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.”
De 23:5, “Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.”
Jos 13:22, “Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.”
2Pe 2:10-15, “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.;”
Jude 1:11, “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.”
(pretty nasty bunch to be compared to—perhaps a collection of the most Godless men who knew of God.)

7. Why was YHVH angry that Balaam went, when He had told him to go?.
Why was YHVH angry that Balaam went, when He had told him to go?
Numbers 22:22, “And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.”
When more prestigious men came a second time and offering more money, Balaam could hardly wait. He did seek the LORD first before he agreed to go with them and the LORD answered in:
Nu 22:20, “And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.”
He left with every intention of earning that money that was offered. YHVH had read his heart and knew that Balaam was pumping himself up to change the LORD’s mind.
Now think about it, have you ever done that? You know what God expects and wants, but you hope he’ll change his mind, if only you can build a good case…

8. How many times did the angel appear, but Balaam could not see?.
How many times did the angel appear, but Balaam could not see?
Numbers 22:27, “And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.”
You know what is really amazing to me? Balaam reacts to a talking donkey like it happened everyday. In fact he argued with the donkey, like he had a point to make!! Numbers 22:28, “And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
It was a jaw dropping miracle and he still went forward to meet Balak—and let me tell you—we all ignore the obvious when our heart is intently set on sin. So, I want to encourage you that it’s better to stop pretending. Balaam pretended he was following the LORD’s instruction, but down deep inside his causeless hatred lurked. The LORD would have helped him to overcome it—he made a donkey talk! How much easier would it have been to heal Balaam, if only he had asked?

9. How determined was Balaam to curse Israel?.
How determined was Balaam to curse Israel?
Site of attempts and where they are found
Balaam seeks to sway YHVH with offerings
Numbers 23:4
Heights of Baal
7 Altars
A bullock & ram on each
Numbers 23:14
Mount Pisgah
Numbers 23:29
Mount Peor
Balaam tries to convince YHVH to allow him to curse Israel. He built 21 altars and offered 21 bulls and 21 rams in total to impress the LORD:
Nu 23:4 And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram. (Heights of Baal)
Nu 23:14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. {Mount Pisgah: or, the hill}
Nu 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. (Mount Peor)
We can perform all the religious acts and offer the best that money can buy, but when do anything with an ulterior motives, it is all for nothing!
Proverbs 24:12, “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”
The LORD has a plan and a purpose. He is not for hire.

10. What moved Balaam to utter such a tenderhearted comment?.
What moved Balaam to utter such a tenderhearted comment?
Numbers 24:5, “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!”
The Torah tells us how Balaam, a Midianite with spiritual insight and power, tried to curse the Children of Israel. Each time, YHVH forced him to give a blessing instead.
This happened three times, but the last time was different. Balaam underwent a temporary change of heart as he stood on a hilltop overlooking the camp of the Jews. He himself was moved to give them a blessing: "How good are your tents, Jacob... They are like gardens by the river, like fragrant herbs planted by YHVH..."
Through the years, sages attempted to explain why Balaam was so moved by the sight of the tents of the Jewish people. Rashi thought that from the way they were pitched he could sense an atmosphere of modesty and privacy. From the entrance of one tent, you could not peep inside the entrance of any other.
It was clear to Balaam that with these people, there was great respect for the integrity of family life and for the sanctity and privacy of the person.
This ideal of modesty and privacy applies to both men and women. It relates to clothes, behavior, speech and thought.
Why is modesty considered so important in believer’s life?
A basic human perception is the idea is that if something holy it is also something special, that is kept apart, reserved, sometimes even hidden.
For example, due to the holiness of the Temple, one could not always go there, and certain areas were restricted to the Priests. The Holy of Holies could be entered only once a year, on Yom Kippur, and then only by the High Priest.
Similarly a Torah Scroll is generally kept hidden. It is kept wrapped in its mantle or silver case in the Ark, unless it is actually being read in the synagogue. If for some reason it has to be taken from one location to another, it is usually wrapped in a tallit. These images suggest ways in which one might respect the sanctity of the human body, created in the Divine Image, with the task to make the world a dwelling for the Divine.

11. Where do we find Balaam’s Messianic prophecy?.
Where do we find Balaam’s Messianic prophecy?
Nu 24:7, “…his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.”
Nu 24:8, “God brought him forth out of Egypt… he shall eat up the nations…”
Nu 24:17, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”
As Balaam looked over Mount Peor he saw into the children of Israel’s future. He saw a mighty King of Israel brought forth—our King Yeshua—that would overcome all the anti-Semites the world could produce.
In verse 8 we find the prophecy of Messiah Yeshua brought out of Egypt. The fulfillment of the prophecy occurs when Joseph and Mary fled with Yeshua to Egypt in order to avoid Herod’s order to kill all the young children in Bethlehem.    God warns the family to escape to Egypt and then He calls them back out of Egypt once the danger had passed when Herod died. This prophecy is very specific and is another requirement that Yeshua met as Messiah.  Through out this prophecy, it appears as though Balaam is in the center peering back and forth from the end of days and back to the birth of Yeshua and then to the end of days again.
At first, verse 17 reads like a riddle, but we definitely see the Messianic implications of the Bethlehem Star and Yeshua the conquering king. Balaam was allowed to see the coming king of Israel utterly defeating the enemies of Israel, crushing Moab, subduing Edom and all of mankind.
Nu 24:19, “Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.”

12. What did Balak finally resort to in order to overcome Israel?.
What did Balak finally resort to in order to overcome Israel?
Numbers 25:1, “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.”
King Balak was weaker than his neighboring kings and he had been witness to their defeat by this desert nation.
he knew a military solution was foolishness
So, he sought to spiritually curse them instead
He knew that the key to overcoming them was on a spiritual plane and not the physical one. When the occult manipulations did not work, he decided to tempt them into their own demise. Instead of going to battle with Israel, he invited them to dinner.
The daughters of Moab and Midian went out to the men of Israel and invited them to a banquet. They told them they were having a great feast and would they come and share in the festivities—there would be plenty to eat and much to enjoy…
At first glance, this chapter’s not even good subject matter for adults with graphic imagery of manipulation, entrapment, lust and violence. Our adversary is a lot like king Balak; he knows he is powerless and cannot harm us, so the trick is to get us to harm ourselves.
We blame sin on the enemy, but when we give in to temptation, we really do all the work ourselves. This is a common tool of the adversary: lure a believer into fellowship with worldly people; then spark some romantic interest with an unbeliever in a romantic entanglement.
There even appears to be an illustration of vigilantism, but as it turns out, Phinehas has truly saved the nation with his swift action to bring justice. 24,000 men died before the plague was stopped—probably more than would have been lost on a battlefield. We need to be as alert and quick acting as Phinehas was in fighting the war against our own lust.
1Jo 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
We have to be vigilant to remember, the enemy cannot curse us—but our choices will bring down curses on ourself.

13. .
Summary
Balak hopes to buy a curse for children of Israel. On the way to meet the king, Balaam’s donkey speaks.
3 times from 3 points of view, Balaam tries
YHVH changes his curses into blessings
Balaam pronounces a Messianic prophecy
Israelites are tempted by daughters of Moab
Pinchas stops the plague
Balak, the King of Moab, summons the prophet Balaam to curse the people of Israel.
On the way, Balaam is berated by his ass, who sees the angel that YHVH sends to block their way before Balaam does.
Three times, from three different vantage points, Balaam attempts to pronounce his curses; each time, blessings issue instead.
Balaam also prophecies on the end of the days and the coming of Moshiach.
The people fall prey to the charms of the daughters of Moab and are enticed to worship the idol Peor.
When a high-ranking Israelite official publicly takes a Midianite princess into a tent, Pinchas kills them both, stopping the plague raging among the people.