בס "ד

The Torah portion of Balak teaches a principle that has repeated itself throughout the generations. Balak and Balaam sought to harm the people of Israel through their power, wisdom, and schemes. Yet in the end, it became clear that not only did all their efforts fail, but they were transformed into blessings. “Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed” (Numbers 24:9) was prophesied by the Balaam in his prophecy over the people of Israel, and it constitutes an almost exact quote of the original promise given by Hashem to Abraham in the Book of Genesis 12:3. The question is, does this ancient prophecy relate to contemporary events? Is it relevant to our generation?

In our generation we see how nations and rulers are following the acts of Balaam and Balak and seek to harm the people of Israel, yet they ultimately fail to achieve their goal . The portion of Balak is not merely a story about the failure of Israel’s enemies. Balaam says: “Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed” (24:9). Whoever chooses to bless, will be blessed; and whoever chooses the path of hatred and cursing will suffer the consequences of his choice.

The path for the nations of the world to attain Divine abundance is through walking in the path that the Creator designated for all mankind—the observance of the Seven Noahide Commandments. When the nations of the world recognize the Creator and observe the Noahide Commandments because G-d commanded them on Mt. Sinai, they become partners in the rectification of the world. A society built upon the foundation of the Seven Commandments brings abundance not only to one people but to all humanity.

The message that emerges from the portion of Balak is more relevant today than ever: whoever comes to curse the people of Israel is, in reality, fighting against the Divine plan, and therefore is destined to fail. But whoever recognizes Hashem and observes the Seven Noahide Commandments merits becoming part of the blessing of which Balaam himself spoke.

This will hasten the fulfillment of the prophecy: “A star shall emerge from Jacob, and a scepter shall arise from Israel” (Numbers 24:17). As Maimonides (Rambam) points out in The Laws of Kings (11:1), that this refer to two distinct redeemers in Jewish history: “A star shall emerge from Jacob” – This refers to King David, who initially saved Israel from its immediate physical adversaries and established Jerusalem as the spiritual capital. “And a scepter shall arise from Israel” – This refers to King Moshiach (a direct descendant of David), who will guide the world to complete its mission, all of mankind will share a singular, unified purpose: recognizing the Creator and aligning our actions with His divine will.

Par le rabbin Moshe Bernstein

Source: Numbers 24:17, 24:9. Likutei Sichos Vol. 23 page 172. Tosafot Tractate Hulin 49a opening words: “I will bless those who bless you”. Genesis 12:3



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