Page 479 - BAMIDBAR

Therefore, his eyesight was limited, and he had to be chastised by his own When the voice of Yaakov is heard, the hands of Eisav are powerless.
animal. When Bnei Yisrael settled in Shittim, they had become lax in Torah study.
Then the hands of Eisav gained strength, causing Bnei Yisrael to sin with
Chazal ask why the animals were created before man, who is the crown the daughters of Moav. Bnei Yisrael start off on a higher level than the
of Creation. It is in order to teach man that if he goes in the ways of the gentiles. Therefore, when they descend in spirituality, they fall even lower
Why did Balak specify that Am Yisrael left Egypt? Why did he say that Torah, he is the beauty and purpose of the entire world. But if he corrupts than them.
Am Yisrael covered the land, when they were actually a small nation? his ways, he is inferior to the animals, which were created before him.
Why did Balak need Bilaam’s services altogether, humbling himself in the The word (Shittim) has the same root as the word (fool).
process? And how did Balak imagine that Hashem would allow Bilaam, Bilaam prayed to die the death of the righteous. But he never bothered to Sitting idly from Torah study brings a person to act foolishly, as we find
a prophet, to curse His Chosen People? live the life of the righteous. His request was obviously refused. The way here, where Bnei Yisrael sinned most degradingly before the avodah
to really live is to erect clear boundaries, distinguishing between the zarah, Ba’al Peor.
The sefer Shema Yisrael explains that when Bnei Yisrael were enslaved primary and the peripheral, distancing oneself from materialism and
in Egypt, the abomination of the land and hotbed of immorality, they
covered their eyes in order that they should not observe obscene scenes. becoming sanctified by that which is permitted to us.
Balak knew that immorality drives away the Shechinah. Therefore, he The dog is known for its brazen nature. Nevertheless, when it stands
wished to cause Bnei Yisrael to sin in matters of immorality. But he did before Hashem in song, it proclaims, “Come! Let us prostrate ourselves
not know how to go about this, as Bnei Yisrael were punctilious in and bow, let us kneel before Hashem.” It is capable of understanding that
protecting their eyes. when it stands before Hashem, it must remove the cloak of brashness and

Balak felt his powers were too limited to control Bnei Yisrael, bringing become submissive. “The donkey saw the angel of Hashem
them to sin so severely. He therefore recruited Bilaam into his service. He A person is born with animalistic features. Chazal teach us that we can standing on the road with his sword drawn in
thought that the one blind eye of Bilaam, which had remained unsullied, his hand, so the donkey turned away from the
would be powerful enough to fight the Jewish nation. learn from the characteristics of each animal. One should have the ability
to know when to be bold as a leopard or strong as a lion, etc., and when road and went into the field; then Bilaam
Why did Balak ask for Bilaam’s advice, when he already knew that to disregard these traits and simply humble himself to Hashem’s will. struck the donkey to turn it back onto the
Hashem despises immorality? He also knew that Hashem would never When a person adopts the appropriate characteristics, he is eligible for the
agree to His nation being cursed. Balak assumed that even if Bilaam ended road”
up blessing them, it would arouse the accusation on High that Bnei Yisrael title Crown of Creation. (Bamidbar 22:23)
were not worthy of blessing. In his warped mind, even blessing the nation
would effectively bring them harm.
Hashem placed fear in the heart of Balak, who was a master of impurity
in secrecy. His motives became public knowledge, thereby removing any
measure of blessing which settles upon something that is hidden from
sight.
Who suggested the idea to sin with the daughters of Moav? Balak
mentioned it originally, but Bilaam brought it into action.

#26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 15 - B | 18-08-19 | 13:48:26 | SR:-- | Yellow 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 15 - B | 18-08-19 | 13:48:26 | SR:-- | Magenta 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 15 - B | 18-08-19 | 13:48:26 | SR:-- | Cyan 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 15 - B | 18-08-19 | 13:48:26 | SR:-- | Black #