Balak
Numbers 22:2-25:9 • Michah 5:6(7)-6:8 • Mark 11:12-26
- What does Balak ( בלק) mean? How does he live up to his name?
- Why does the Torah say that the King of Moab was afraid of Israel?
- Moab and Midian were ancient enemies, so why did Balak seek alliance with Midian?
- Why did Balak call for Balaam?
- Where did Balaam live?
- What does the name Balaam ( בלעם) mean?
- What was G-d’s response after Balaam left for Moab?
- What did Balaam’s donkey see as they rode along the road?
- How many times did Balaam’s donkey try to warn him of danger?
- What miracle happened when the donkey was struck by Balaam’s staff?
- How many times did Balaam instruct Balak to build alters to offer sacrifices?
- What extraordinary quality did Balaam see in Israel?
- Two animals spoke in the Bible. One was Balaam’s donkey. What was the other?
Discussion
What do you think is the overall message of this portion Balak ?
In the Haftarah, the prophet Michah has announced that in the end days, as He calls us back to Israel, He will destroy the cities of our exile, judging the nations who refused to listen to the Torah. Michah engages in prophetic dialogue with the Holy One on behalf of Israel. He asks, “When these (end times) things occur, how shall I come before You?” The Holy One answers,
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the Holy One require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your G-d?” ~Michah 6:8
Discuss what it means to ‘act justly’, ‘love mercy’ and to ‘walk humbly, with G-d’.
Happy Day!