We will continue to develop the power of speech that is emphasized in this Parasha Barak. It is interesting to note that such was the power of speech that even the donkey has something to say. There is a truth that cannot be denied which is that as Hashem speaks that is what is coming to be. Balaam understands this but decides to go to Balak after rejecting him twice.
Bamidbar 22: 20. God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If these men have come to call for you, arise and go with them, but the word I speak to you-that you shall do."
Hashem says that it is okay to go with these men only if Balaam speaks the word of Hashem. However even though Hashem gives Balaam the go ahead it is still the free choice of Balaam to go to Barak. Because of this Hashem is angry with Balaam and sends his angel to thwart him along the way. Three times the donkey that Balaam is riding upon stops so as not to run into the angel that is blocking the way. Balaam in a fit of anger strikes the donkey even after it speaks to him.
Bamidbar 22: 28. The Lord opened the mouth of the she-donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?"
Finally Hashem opens the eyes of Balaam to see the angel of the Lord.
Bamidbar 22: 35. The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, "Go with these men, but the word I will speak to you-that you shall speak." So Balaam went with Balak's dignitaries.
Balaam is bound by the word of Hashem no matter what. Even though he participates in the actions of trying change Hashem's plans he cannot persuade Hashem who gives the spirit of prophecy to Balaam causing him to bless Israel each time stronger than the next until after three tries Balak sends Balaam away who gives one more blessing to Israel in parting.
Bamidbar 23: 5. How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!
Hashem has decreed good for Israel and no man may subvert the will of Hashem Balaam was a prophet however, the fact that he tried to help Barak even when he knew he would fail shows that he used his prophecies for evil purposes. Even so his understanding was bound up in completely recognizing that Hashem rules over all.
The power of speech that prophets display is only as powerful as the will of Hashem in all things. This becomes the central component of everything that Moshe accomplishes for Israel in that he first listens or asks Hashem how he should proceed and then with Hashem's blessing he moves forward.
Learning how to discern this kind of discrimination takes perhaps a lifetime of study and even then it can become a difficult task. However in the moment when we reach up to Hashem for our answer that is when we are connected and where we have to pay special attention to what that answer is not just when we are reaching up but throughout the ensuing moments.
Many times there will be an answer that seems to come right away or in the coming days and weeks. The important thing to remember is to proceed as if the answer is already there with complete faith that Hashem will be with us.
On a most basic level we are able to discern right from wrong and yet because of distractions and their like we are directed away from what would be our best course. It is because of this that we are to be especially mindful of our thoughts and our speech because this is what we will be guided by along the way.
B"H
For LOCAL INFO on Kabbalah, Torah and a local events calendar click here
Comments