From Unseen Curses to Visible Seduction: God's Protection and Israel's Failure in Parashat Balak
Introduction Parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9) is a dramatic narrative in which Israel is unknowingly protected by God from a supernatural assault, only to fall prey to a much subtler, seductive attack. It contrasts divine sovereignty and providence with human vulnerability and moral failure. This portion contains timeless lessons about spiritual warfare, the hidden protection of God, and the danger of internal compromise. 1. The Hidden Plot: Balak and Balaam's Curse King Balak of Moab, terrified by Israel’s victories over Sihon and Og, seeks to defeat them not by sword but by spiritual manipulation. He hires the prophet-diviner Balaam to curse Israel, hoping that words of malice from a spiritually powerful figure would undermine Israel's success. Balaam's Reputation: Balaam is a complex figure. Though he speaks with God, he is not portrayed as righteous. Rabbinic and later Christian interpretations often see him as greedy and self-serving (cf. Pirkei Avot 5:19...