This is a parsha of contradictions. Balak, king of Moab, fears the Egyptian Hebrews and seeks help from the dominant prophet, Balaam. YHWH goes back and forth as to whether or not Balaam can go to Moab. He finally goes and (according to some rabbis) tries

to curse the Hebrews, but is only able to bless them. Along the way we meet the Torah’s second most famous talking animal.

In parsha Balak, YHWH is indecisive and capricious, but pulling all the strings nonetheless.

Shabbat Shalom,

a & s