Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Balak and why did he go to meet Balaam?
A: Balak was the king of Moab who feared the Israelites after seeing their victories. He went to meet Balaam, a non-Jewish prophet, to hire him to curse the Jewish people, as he believed this would weaken them (Rashi on Numbers 22:2-4).
Q: Why did Balak meet Balaam at the border of Arnon?
A: The border of Arnon was the farthest point of Moab's territory, showing Balak's eagerness to meet Balaam quickly. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:4) also teaches that this location was significant because it was where miracles had previously happened for Israel, hinting that Balak's plans would fail.
Q: What can we learn from Balak's actions in this verse?
A: We learn that even powerful leaders like Balak can act out of fear and desperation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses how Balak's hatred for Israel blinded him, teaching us the dangers of letting negative emotions guide our decisions.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the specific location where Balak met Balaam?
A: The Torah often includes geographical details to teach lessons. Rashi explains (on Numbers 21:13-14) that the Arnon border was where miracles occurred for Israel, showing that Hashem protects His people even when enemies plot against them.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish belief in divine protection?
A: This verse sets up the story showing human attempts to harm Israel, which ultimately fail. As the Rambam teaches (Yesodei HaTorah 7:7), no curse can harm the Jewish people when they follow Hashem's will, demonstrating divine protection.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 22:36) describes King Balak of Moab's reaction upon hearing that Balaam had arrived. Balak went out to greet Balaam at a Moabite city on the border of the Arnon River, which marked the extreme boundary of Moab. This event occurs during the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land, when Balak seeks to curse them through Balaam's divination.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that Balak went to the furthest border of Moab to meet Balaam, emphasizing his eagerness and desperation. Rashi notes that Balak's actions reflect his fear of the Israelites, as he sought supernatural means to weaken them rather than confronting them militarily. The location—Arnon's border—was significant because it was the site where Moab had previously suffered a military defeat (as alluded to in Bamidbar 21:26-30), heightening Balak's anxiety.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:7) elaborates that Balak's choice to meet Balaam at the border was strategic. Since Balaam was coming from Aram, Balak intercepted him before he could enter Moab proper, ensuring that Balaam would not see the Israelites' camp from within Moabite territory. The Midrash suggests that Balak feared Balaam might sympathize with the Israelites if he observed their orderly encampment (as described later in Bamidbar 24:2-5).
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (3:41) discusses Balaam's unique prophetic status among non-Jews. He explains that Balak, aware of Balaam's reputation, believed in the power of curses and blessings uttered by a diviner. Thus, Balak's journey to the border underscores his superstitious reliance on Balaam's abilities, despite the Torah's later affirmation that Hashem controls all outcomes (Bamidbar 23:8).
Symbolism of the Border