Parashat Balak: The Power Of Words & Actions

“One who controls his temper controls his entire being.”

Parashat Balak opens with the story of King Balak, the ruler of Moav, who, alarmed by the advancing Israelites, seeks to find a way to defeat them without facing them in battle. He turns to Bilam, a prophet known for his ability to curse, hoping that Bilam’s power will curse the Jewish people. But, despite his intentions, Bilam ends up blessing the people of Israel four times instead of cursing them.

Bilam, despite being a powerful prophet with the ability to foresee the future, uses his gift for evil. Instead of guiding people to goodness, he attempts to manipulate the forces of nature to achieve his selfish goals. His efforts serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of misusing the talents and gifts that G-d bestows on individuals.

As we read about the failed attempt to curse the Jews, we are reminded of the story of the Dubno Maggid, Rabbi Yaakov Kranz, who was famous for using analogies to explain difficult Torah concepts. The Dubno Maggid once explained Bilam’s blessings by comparing them to a woman who, after constantly being angry and uttering curses, sought advice from a righteous man. The advice was simple but profound: when tempted to curse, utter a blessing instead. The woman, practicing this, found it difficult at first but gradually began to replace her negativity with blessings.

This is the essence of Bilam’s blessings: though he wanted to curse the Jewish people, his words could only reflect the virtues of the nation, the deep connection they have to their forefathers, and their lasting bond with G-d. Bilam himself could not sever the powerful spiritual roots of the Jewish People, nor could he undo the blessings of their forefathers.

Another perspective comes from Rabbi Yochanan, who taught that by looking at Bilam’s blessings, we can infer the curses he could not bring himself to utter. Rabbi Yochanan’s insight underscores the power of words, and how they can either build or destroy. Bilam tried to curse the Jews, but his words turned into blessings, revealing a deeper truth: despite the challenges, the Jewish People remain strong, grounded in their deep connection to G-d and their unwavering commitment to their mission.

This theme of the power of words extends into a practical, real-world story. In Parashat Balak, the ultimate lesson is found in the actions of Pinchas, who rises to defend the honor of G-d. When a man openly defies G-d’s laws, Pinchas acts decisively, striking down the transgressor and halting an epidemic. His swift and righteous action highlights how words and actions must align to protect the sanctity of G-d’s commandments.

Pinchas’ act of zealotry serves as a reminder that sometimes action must accompany words. In a world where negative forces often seek to influence and distract us from our purpose, it is crucial to act according to the values we hold dear, especially when others may not. This is a lesson we can apply in our own lives, especially when faced with challenges that test our resolve.

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Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, zt”l, was the founder of LaMaalot Foundation. He dedicated his life to teaching Torah, and his impactful writings continue to inspire Jews worldwide. Copyright 2023 by The LaMaalot Foundation. Conversations on the Torah, by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilber is catalogued at The Library of Congress. All rights reserved. www.LaMaalot.org.