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Balak
Numbers 22:2-25:9
Micah 5:6-6:8
1Corinthians1:20-31
Our
Parasha begins with Israel camped at the borders of Moab. Balak the King
sends for Balaam the seer/prophet/wizard. This takes place during the
time of the Hittite empire. They are in the land which today lies between
Turkey and Syria.
Balak
sends for Balaam because he and the people of Moab are scared of the
Israelites who are camped at his borders. Why are they scared? They have
heard of how the Israelites escaped from Egypt and of the defeats of the
kings on the way to the land of Moab.
We are
told of how Balaam is enticed by the offer of money to come and curse
Israel. Balaam tries three times to curse Israel. But instead of curses,
blessings come forth from his mouth, including prophecies concerning the
end of age and the coming of Messiah.
However, as we learn, G-d has a message for Israel as well as for us. That
message is that G-d continues to watch over His people. Shaul/Paul tells
us in Romans11:29, "God's gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable."
Remember that this was a spiritual battle. G-d's people can never be
defeated as long as they walk in the path that G-d has set before them.
This includes G-d's people today. We must remember that our battle is not
against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness. We will win as
long as we use our spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
As
Israel was obedient at that moment of history, we too at this point of
lives take captive every thought to the obedience of our Messiah. Then we
too can say that G-d is with us. We can rejoice! There is no magic curse
against Jacob, and no divination against Israel.
Thus
God can bless us as He did the people of Israel.
SHAVUA
TOV
Rabbi
Z.
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