Bilaam’s Vision and the Clouds of Glory

And Balak took Bilaam ... and he saw from there a portion of the people

The Ohr haChaim asks that the Clouds of Glory covered the Jews from all sides and prevented the nations of the world from seeing them. Thus, how was Bilaam able to see a portion of the Jews?

The Ohr haChaim answers that Bilaam was able to utilize “magic” which produced a portal through a portion of the Clouds.

The Ohr haChaim explains that Bilaam was unable to see the Tzadikim but was able to view the “common” people by this means. Thus, he ability was greater than that of Amalek. (Amalek was an external force of opposition whereas Bilaam channeled the interior, spiritual forces)