QUESTION: Why did Balak react with fear to Bnai Yisrael, which only led to the spreading of fear within his people?
ANSWER: Balak alone knew that Sichon & Og had been hired to protect Moav, and that now, after their defeat, Moav was in a dangerous situation. Balak, a leader without faith, reacted with fear overcoming his intellect, which caused fear to spread within the people. Moshe, a true leader, prioritizes the needs of the people before his own concerns, remaining strong. Similarly the Previous Rebbe showed strength in the face of adversity. (לקוטי שיחות כרך ח, עמ' 411)
QUESTION: What is Bilaam’s explanation to Balak as to why he can not curse the Jews?
ANSWER: Bilaam explains to Balak the lofty attributes of the Jews that prevent him from cursing the Jews:
1) At Matan Torah, and again in the world to come, the Jews learn Torah direct from HaShem, and thus, they are on a level higher than the angels;
2) Even during times of G-d’s “anger” and at other times, the “eyes of the congregation” (the Jewish prophets, Urim & Tumim, etc.) teach the Jews to protect themselves from curses.
Thus, no need for the Jews to be discouraged by those attempting to stand in the way of spreading Torah, since learning Torah nowadays is as if learning direct from G-d. Plus, we also have the heads of our generation that direct us. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יח, עמ' 262)
QUESTION: What is to be accomplished by King Moshiach upon his revelation?
ANSWER: The primary accomplishments of Moshiach are to reestablish the kingship of Dovid to its proper place and to bring perfection to all matters of Torah and Mitzvos. This is alluded to in the parable of Bilaam and especially in the section that which we pray for each day. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יח, עמ' 271)
QUESTION: Why is the name of the Parsha associated with the name of “hater” of the Jews?
ANSWER: Not only was the intention of Balak and Bilaam nullified, but Balak’s effort lead to the increase in strength and blessings provided to the Jews. Thus, the name Balak symbolizes the concept that the non-Jews (and even the “haters”) will assist the Jews in making the world prepared for the coming of Moshiach. (לקוטי שיחות כרך כג, עמ' 661)
QUESTION: What is added by Bilaam, in explaining why he could not curse what G-d does not curse, by the comparison of the Jews to the soil (already know about the merit of the Fathers)?
ANSWER: Bilaam alludes to the love of HaShem for the Jews according to Rashi’s two interpretations:
1) “infants” parents love to the child (G-d loves them and protects them).
2) “soil” innumerable Mitzvos done with soil secures G-d’s protection by their own merits of doing Mitzvos. (לקוטי שיחות כרך לח, עמ' 09)
