Balak - בלק
Torah : Numbers 22:2-25:9
Haftarah : Micah 5:6-6:8
Gospel : Mark 11:12-26

Thought for the Week:

Through the mouth of Balaam, the LORD explained to King Balak why Israel cannot be cursed: God has already promised to bless them. God is not fickle. Having already promised to bless Israel, He cannot reverse Himself. He cannot change His mind. Unlike human beings, God's integrity is absolute. Therefore, the attempt to place a curse upon Israel is utterly futile.

Commentary:

Balaam the wicked prophet set out on his donkey to curse Israel. The Angel of LORD blocked Balaam's path three times. Each time, Balaam did not see the angel, but the donkey did. The three incidents are meant to correspond to Balaam's three attempts to curse Israel. Each time the LORD stood in his way, so to speak, and changed his curse into a blessing.

Balaam referred to himself as "the man whose eye is opened" (Numbers 24:4) and as the man "who sees the vision of the Almighty...having his eyes uncovered." (Numbers 24:15-16) He is full of himself. He is the model of spiritual pride...