Torah

The Storyline

The story of Bilam, the gentile prophet, is most peculiar. It begins when Balak, the king of Moav, recognizes that he is in danger. The Jewish Nation had just destroyed Sichon, and Moav was next. Out of desperation, Balak sent messengers to Bilam, saying, “Please, curse this nation so that we can remain in our land.”

“Place upon yourself a king…He shall not greatly increase silver and gold for himself.”

– D’varim 17:16-20

“And it shall be if you listen to the voice of Hashem, your G-d, to keep and to perform all of His commandments that I command you this day… Blessed are you in your coming and blessed shall you be in your going.” – D’varim 28:1–6

“See I have placed in front of you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing: if you will listen to all of the mitzvahs of Hashem your G-d as I have commanded you today…”

 – D’varim 11:21

Before the makah (disease), Hashem prepares the r’fuah (cure). Within last week’s haftarah, warning us about the impending doom, we find a message of hope and salvation.

“And now, Yisrael, what is Hashem, your G-d, asking of you? Merely to fear Hashem, to go in all of His ways, to love Him, and serve Him with all of your heart and soul.”

— D’varim 10:12