And so we come to Parsha Balak (Numbers 22:2 - 25:9) which teaches us several lessons about our relationship with G-d. Balak was the king of Moab and when he saw the power granted to Israel through G-d he figured he needed to do something about it. But what?
Crank Up A Curse...
There was a mighty gentile prophet by the name of Balaam. It is said that he knew the exact time of the morning when G-d gets angry and judges sinners. Balak knew of this power and figured that if he could get Balaam to curse the Jews the problems facing Moab would be over.
However, Balak didn't count on the fact that G-d spoke directly to Balaam and said, "You shall not curse the people, for it is blessed!" And then, when Balaam persisted G-d allowed him to go. Why would G-d change His mind and allow this man who was intent on cursing Israel to go?
We're told that G-d wanted the gentiles to see His power. That even their own prophet could do nothing but offer blessings to Israel rather than a curse. But, here is where it gets confusing.
The Donkey Speaks
Balaam now knows that G-d will not allow him to curse the Jews. However because Balaam is so arrogant he figures there must be some way to get around this, do his job and collect his fee. He decides to say nothing about what G-d said to him and goes on his way. That is where this strange story of the talking donkey comes in...
G-d places an angel in the path of Balaam. Not once...but three times. And each time it is the donkey that sees the angel and tries to turn away. Balaam and the two riding with him don't see a thing. Balaam, in his frustration, beats the donkey to get her to move. Then, the donkey turns to Balaam and says, "What is it that I have done to you that you struck me these three times?" The arrogant Balaam shouts back, "Because you mocked me! If only I had a sword in my hand I would now have killed you!" And the donkey responds, "Am I not your she-donkey, that you have ridden upon me all your life until this day? Have I been accustomed to do such a thing to you?" Balaam thinks and says, "No."
What Does It All Mean?
Sometimes we are so wrapped up in ourselves. In our work. In our hobby...in our life that we fail to see the wonders of G-d. How many hours do we spend actually seeing and experiencing G-d? Hours? How about minutes...seconds? Even when we pray our morning, afternoon or evening prayers...are we fully aware and focused? When we say a blessing over everything from food to a new shirt do we really think about what we are saying?
When was the last time you sat there and thought... "Wow...what a miracle it is that I am alive?" Or, "Isn't it amazing that G-d created all of these birds of different colors and sounds and personality?" From the complex wonderment of life to the simple wonder of nature. Do we really see G-d in our lives? Or do we put G-d up on a shelf and only take Him down...when we need Him? Are we really so arrogant to think we are in charge?
Right now...stop. Stop and reflect on the wonderment all around you. The gift of being human. The gift of life. The amazing world that was created for your enjoyment. Might this Shabbat prove to you that we're, at least, as smart as an...ass.
In Torah...
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