By law, motive is not considered a component in determining guilt. But understanding a perpetrator's intentions does provide clarity and context to their deeds. The Torah’s account of the events leading up to Bilaam’s interactions with the Jewish people describes Balak and Bilaam as a matter of national security concern. In his effort to fend off the encroaching enemy, Balak contracts Bilaam’s magical services. Bilaam, by contrast, is motivated by an irrational, deep-seated enmity of the Jewish people. This hatred consumes him to the extent that he’s willing to defy G-d Himself for the chance to bring about the Jews’ demise. Many modern day Jew-haters mask their insatiable disdain for Jews with claims and causes; Bilaam reveals the naked truth behind the layers of slogans and chants. Just as those who love G-d naturally hate evil, lovers of hate hate G-d’s beloved people.
Many prophets—Moshe, Yeshayah, Yechezkel and others—were all righteous contributors to predictions of the Moshiach era, yet only Bilaam qualified to play the lead role. By choosing Bilaam to launch the idea of Moshiach prophecy, G-d conveys the essential function of Moshiach. It is a tactical act more powerful than words alone. King Moshiach will not only redeem the exiled Jewish nation and subdue its enemies, he will introduce an era when evil itself will lend all its strength to the forces it once opposed. When the illogically hateful Bilaam prophesies about Moshiach, it is much more than the blissful proclamation of redemption—it is an actual expression of the Moshiach experience. As the Abarbenel says, Bilaam is the malignant angel who is compelled to strengthen the validity of the blessing of its enemy.
Bilaam (also called Balaam) is one of the greatest villains in the Torah.
The Sages say that Bilaam’s level of prophecy was on par with Moshe, but instead of utilizing this great gift for a Divine purpose, it became a tool for self-aggrandizement and hate. In the Ethics of our Fathers, it lists an evil eye, a haughty spirit, and an insatiable appetite as the characteristics of Bilaam’s pupils.
Judaism believes in the value of positive action in fighting the spiritual war against evil. Every person, no matter where they are in the world, can defend our Jewish brothers and sisters from the haters with the power of a mitzvah. Women can light Shabbat candles and men can don tefillin on the weekday.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
- Or Hachaim Bamidbar 24:17-19
- Sefer Beit Elokim Shaar Hayesodot, Chapter 52
- Responsa of Chatam Sofer Yoreh De’ah, Section 356
- Likkutei Sichot vol. 23, p. 171; vol. 38, p. 89
