Balak: The Nature of Bilaam's Prophecies

by: Ilana Stein

In the portion of Balak, the prophet Bilaam, hired by King Balak of Moab, sets out to curse the children of Israel, only to find himself proclaiming four blessings instead. The third blessing begins with Bilaam’s most famous statement: “How goodly are your tents O Jacob, and your tabernacles, O Israel”. The verse following this is less well known: “Like the winding brooks, like gardens by the river’s side, like aloes which the L-rd has planted, and cedar trees beside the waters.” Read More