מה טבו אהליך יעקב משכנותיך ישראל
It is well known that this term which begins the morning prayers was spoken by Bilam HaRasha (Bemidbar 24,5). At first glance this is a wonder, that the siddur ignores other positive verses throughout Tanach that mentions the praises of the Jews and their places of worship. Instead, the prayer selected is from a well-known hater of the Jews, especially in the honored place at the beginning of the prayer service.
It is possible to explain that specifically the words are selected since they were said by this well-known hater of the Jews. Without speaking any form of flattery or seeking benefit, Bilam reluctantly related praises of the Jews and their places of worship.
It is the natural tendency of a person when speaking about something they love, to embellish the information, for example a parent talking about their children. Thus, one might tend to discount statements of the Prophets when discussing the merits and the Jews and their prayers.
Whereas, a person with negative feelings tends to downplay and minimize any positive traits in regards to the one they dislike. Thus, a positive statement from Bilam serves to provide an unquestionable positive beginning to the prayer service.
This is a fitting place to mention that it is proper to accept a truthful statement no matter the source (as long as that person is not a denier of G-d). This is similar to the statement in Yerushalmi Berachos at the end of the eighth chapter. “A non-Jew that blesses G-d, one should answer with Amen; however, a Denier (Min) that blesses G-d, one should not answer Amen.” (see O.C. 215)
Since G-d appeared to Bilam and Lavan, we can understand that they were not in the category of Deniers.
This concept would assist in understanding the actions of Yitzchak that he loved Esav “since he trapped with his mouth”. This does not mean that Yitzchak desired meat (according to the standard understanding this means that Eisav was the trapper and provided meat for his father). Rather, Yitzchak is the subject of the phrase and Yitzchak used his mouth to engage with Eisav speaking with love (in a sense of trapping). Yitzchak’s goal was to draw Eisav close to do Teshuvah.
Therefore, it is proper and correct to engage with others that might not at present follow completely the dictates of Torah.
