“Parashat Balak” with introductory and concluding prayers from the book Korban Nataniel by Rabbi Nathanael Weil
Parashat Balak is included in Seder Tefillot mi-Yom le-Yom of the Shuva Israel organization, led by the Gaon Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto (it is read every week on Yom Shelishi).
However, the holy Mekubalim teach that it is even better to read it during the actual week of Parashat Balak. Its power is so great that if someone wishes to harm a person, and that person reads Parashat Balak, then all the plots and all the harm planned against him—even if he knows nothing about it—are annulled by Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu in the merit of reading Parashat Balak.
This is what happened to the Children of Israel when Balak and Bilaam plotted against them.
The Jews thought that these two men were simply standing there and looking at the camp of Israel, which had just left Egypt. The people of Israel did not understand what was really happening and were unaware of it. In fact, they were trying to curse Am Yisrael and destroy it. But the Almighty saved His people from danger even before they prayed for help.
From that time until today, a channel of protection remains during the week of Parashat Balak: through reading Parashat Balak, all evil designs, curses, and slander directed against a Jew are destroyed, annulled, and cease to exist.
There is no force that can harm a person who reads Parashat Balak throughout the week. Let him read it with kavanah and draw Heavenly assistance upon himself; then no one will be able to harm or injure him.
It is good to read it once a week throughout the year, and also during the week of Parashat Balak.
Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto reveals that there are prayers which, even when no answer to them is apparent, do not disappear. They accumulate in Heaven in special “chadarim” (rooms) and await the right moment and suitable circumstance to help, on behalf of the person who prayed, one of his loved ones.
These prayers work even more powerfully when supplemented by an amplifier: the powerful introductory and concluding prayers that the Gaon Pinto brings from the book Korban Nataniel.
If it is difficult to read the entire portion, it may be divided throughout the week:
Yom Rishon (Sunday) – 22:2–12;
Yom Sheni (Monday) – 22:13–20;
Yom Shelishi (Tuesday) – 22:21–41
Yom Revi'i (Wednesday) – 23:1–30
Yom Chamishi (Thursday) – 24–25
Yom Shishi (Friday) – 25
Introductory prayer before reading Parashat Balak, from the book Korban Nataniel by Rabbi Nathanael Weil
הרייני באה להגות בדיברי התורה בקריאת פרשת בלעק לתקן שורש לימוד זה במקום עליון בשיעור קומה לעשות נחת רוח ליוצרי ולעשות רצון בוראי .ויהיה רצון מלפניך אדונאי אלוהינו ואלוהי אבותינו שיהיה חשוב ומקובל ומרוצה לפניך כאילו כיוונתי בכל הכוונות הראויות לכוון בלימודי פסוקי תורה אלו ובכוח סגולת פרשה זו התמתקו כל הדינים מעלינו ומעל כל ישראל אחינו .ותצילינו היום ובכל יום ויום מכל המבקשים לרעתינו ומכל מיני מלשינות ועדות שקר ,משנאת הבריות ,מעלילה, ממיתה משונה ,מחולאים רעים , ממקרים רעים ,מפגע רע ,מלשון רע, מדין קשה ,מבעל דין קשה .ויתבטלו מעלינו כל גזרות קשות ורעות .וימשכו חסדים טובים ומרובים לברכה והצלחה בכל מעשה ידינו .ונזכה לאריכות ימים ושנים , והרייני מכוון על דעת כל הצדיקים וחסידים ופי כפיהם וכוונתי ככוונתם
Transliteration
“Hareini ba le-hagot be-divrei ha-Torah be-kriyat Parashat Balak, le-taken shoresh limud zeh be-makom Elyon be-Shiur Komah, la'asot nachat ruach le-Yotzri, ve-la'asot ratzon Bor'i, ve-yehi ratzon milfanekha A-do-nai Eloheinu ve-Elohei avoteinu, she-yihyeh chashuv u-mekubal u-merutzeh lefanekha ke'ilu kivanti be-khol ha-kavanot ha-re'uyot le-khaven be-limud pesukei Torah elu, u-ve-koach segulat parashah zo yitmatku kol ha-dinim me-aleinu u-me'al kol Yisrael acheinu. Ve-tatzileinu ha-yom u-ve-khol yom va-yom mi-kol ha-mevakshim ra'atenu u-mi-kol minei malshinot ve-edut sheker, mi-sinat ha-briyot, me-aliyah, mi-mitah meshunah, mi-cholaim ra'im, mi-mikrim ra'im, mi-pega ra, mi-leshon ha-ra, mi-din kasheh, mi-ba'al din kasheh. Ve-yitbatlu me-aleinu kol gezerot kashot ve-ra'ot. Ve-yimsh'chu chasadim tovim u-merubim li-verachah ve-hatzlachah be-khol ma'aseh yadeinu. Ve-nizkeh le-arikhut yamim u-shanim, ve-hareini mekhaben al da'at kol ha-tzadikim ve-chasidim u-fi khe-fihem, ve-kavanati ke-kavanatam.”
Translation
Behold, I have come to study the words of Torah by reading the portion of Balak, in order to rectify the root of this study in the higher realm of Shiur Komah, to bring pleasure to my Creator and fulfill the will of my Maker. May it be Your will, A-do-nai, our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, that this be regarded, accepted, and pleasing before You as though I had directed all the proper kavanot that should be directed while studying these verses of Torah. Through the power of the segulot of this portion, may all judgments hanging over us and over all Israel, our brethren, be sweetened.
Save us today and every day from all who seek our harm, from every kind of informer and false witness, from hatred of people, from slander, from unnatural death, from evil illnesses, from bad occurrences, from misfortune, from an evil tongue, from harsh judgment, and from a harsh litigant.
May all harsh and evil decrees against us be annulled.
May abundant and benevolent kindnesses be drawn to us, bringing blessing and success in all the work of our hands.
May we merit long life and many years. Behold, I direct my thoughts according to the knowledge of all the tzadikim and pious ones; may my mouth be like their mouths, and my kavanah like their kavanah.
ויהיה נועם אדונאי אלוהינו עלינו ומעשה ידינו וכוננה עלינו ומעשה ידינו כוננהו
— “Vi-hi noam A-do-nai Elo-heinu aleinu, u-ma'aseh yadeinu konenah aleinu, u-ma'aseh yadeinu konenehu” — (twice).
May the pleasantness of the L-rd our G-d rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands.
Parashat Balak
Chapter 22
{ב} וַיַּרְא בָּלָק בֶּן צִפּוֹר אֵת כָּל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יִשְׂרָאֵל לָאֱמֹרִי: {ג} וַיָּגָר מוֹאָב מִפְּנֵי הָעָם מְאֹד כִּי רַב הוּא וַיָּקָץ מוֹאָב מִפְּנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל: {ד} וַיֹּאמֶר מוֹאָב אֶל זִקְנֵי מִדְיָן עַתָּה יְלַחֲכוּ הַקָּהָל אֶת כָּל סְבִיבֹתֵינוּ כִּלְחֹךְ הַשּׁוֹר אֵת יֶרֶק הַשָּׂדֶה וּבָלָק בֶּן צִפּוֹר מֶלֶךְ לְמוֹאָב בָּעֵת הַהִוא: {ה} וַיִּשְׁלַח מַלְאָכִים אֶל בִּלְעָם בֶּן בְּעֹר פְּתוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר עַל הַנָּהָר אֶרֶץ בְּנֵי עַמּוֹ לִקְרֹא לוֹ לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה עַם יָצָא מִמִּצְרַיִם הִנֵּה כִסָּה אֶת עֵין הָאָרֶץ וְהוּא יֹשֵׁב מִמֻּלִי: {ו} וְעַתָּה לְכָה נָּא אָרָה לִּי אֶת הָעָם הַזֶּה כִּי עָצוּם הוּא מִמֶּנִּי אוּלַי אוּכַל נַכֶּה בּוֹ וַאֲגָרְשֶׁנּוּ מִן הָאָרֶץ כִּי יָדַעְתִּי אֵת אֲשֶׁר תְּבָרֵךְ מְבֹרָךְ וַאֲשֶׁר תָּאֹר יוּאָר: {ז} וַיֵּלְכוּ זִקְנֵי מוֹאָב וְזִקְנֵי מִדְיָן וּקְסָמִים בְּיָדָם וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיְדַבְּרוּ אֵלָיו דִּבְרֵי בָלָק: {ח} וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם לִינוּ פֹה הַלַּיְלָה וַהֲשִׁבֹתִי אֶתְכֶם דָּבָר כַּאֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר יְהֹוָה אֵלָי וַיֵּשְׁבוּ שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב עִם בִּלְעָם: {ט} וַיָּבֹא אֱלֹהִים אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר מִי הָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה עִמָּךְ: {י} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל הָאֱלֹהִים בָּלָק בֶּן צִפֹּר מֶלֶךְ מוֹאָב שָׁלַח אֵלָי: {יא} הִנֵּה הָעָם הַיֹּצֵא מִמִּצְרַיִם וַיְכַס אֶת עֵין הָאָרֶץ עַתָּה לְכָה קָבָה לִּי אֹתוֹ אוּלַי אוּכַל לְהִלָּחֶם בּוֹ וְגֵרַשְׁתִּיו: {יב} וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל בִּלְעָם לֹא תֵלֵךְ עִמָּהֶם לֹא תָאֹר אֶת הָעָם כִּי בָרוּךְ הוּא:
2. Vayar Balak ben Tzipor et kol-asher asah Yisrael la-Emori. 3. Vayagar Moav mipenei ha-am me'od ki rav hu vayakotz Moav mipenei b'nei Yisrael. 4. Vayomer Moav el-ziknei Midyan: atah yelachachu hakahal et kol-sevivotenu kilchokh hashor et yereq hasadeh; u-Balak ben Tzipor melekh le-Moav ba'et hahi. 5. Vayishlach malakhim el-Bilaam ben Beor Petorah asher al-hanahar eretz benei amo likro lo lemor: hineh am yatza mi-Mitzrayim, hineh chisah et ein ha'aretz vehu yoshev mimuli. 6. Ve-atah lekha-na arah li et ha'am hazeh ki-atzum hu mimeni, ulai ukhal nakkeh bo va'agareshenu min-ha'aretz, ki yadati et asher tevarekh mevorakh va'asher ta'or yuar. 7. Vayelkhu ziknei Moav ve-ziknei Midyan u-ksamim beyadam, vayavo'u el-Bilaam vaydabru elav divrei Balak. 8. Vayomer aleihem: linu fo halailah, vahashivoti etkhem davar kaasher yedaber A-do-nai elai; vayeshvu sarei Moav im-Bilaam. 9. Vayavo Elohim el-Bilaam vayomer: mi ha-anashim ha-eleh imakh? 10. Vayomer Bilaam el-ha-Elohim: Balak ben Tzipor melekh Moav shalach elai. 11. Hineh ha'am hayotzei mi-Mitzrayim vayekhas et ein ha'aretz; atah lekha kavah li oto, ulai ukhal lehilachem bo ve-gerashtiv. 12. Vayomer Elohim el-Bilaam: lo telekh imahem, lo ta'or et-ha'am ki varukh hu.
(2) Balak son of Tzippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. (3) Moab became very frightened of the people because they were numerous, and Moab was terrified because of the Children of Israel. (4) Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will consume everything around us, as an ox consumes the greenery of the field.” Balak son of Tzippor was king of Moab at that time. (5) He sent messengers to Bilaam son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river, in the land of his people, to summon him, saying: “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt; behold, it has covered the surface of the earth, and it dwells opposite me. (6) Now, please come and curse this people for me, for it is too powerful for me. Perhaps I will be able to strike it and drive it out of the land, for I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed.” (7) The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with divination gifts in their hands. They came to Bilaam and conveyed Balak’s words to him. (8) He said to them, “Spend the night here, and I will give you an answer as A-do-nai speaks to me.” The Moabite dignitaries remained with Bilaam. (9) G-d came to Bilaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” (10) Bilaam said to G-d, “Balak son of Tzippor, king of Moab, sent them to me. (11) Behold, the people that has come out of Egypt has covered the surface of the earth. Now come and curse it for me; perhaps I will be able to fight it and drive it out.” (12) G-d said to Bilaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for it is blessed.”
{יג} וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל שָׂרֵי בָלָק לְכוּ אֶל אַרְצְכֶם כִּי מֵאֵן יְהֹוָה לְתִתִּי לַהֲלֹךְ עִמָּכֶם: {יד} וַיָּקוּמוּ שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל בָּלָק וַיֹּאמְרוּ מֵאֵן בִּלְעָם הֲלֹךְ עִמָּנוּ: {טו} וַיֹּסֶף עוֹד בָּלָק שְׁלֹחַ שָׂרִים רַבִּים וְנִכְבָּדִים מֵאֵלֶּה: {טז} וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמְרוּ לוֹ כֹּה אָמַר בָּלָק בֶּן צִפּוֹר אַל נָא תִמָּנַע מֵהֲלֹךְ אֵלָי: {יז} כִּי כַבֵּד אֲכַבֶּדְךָ מְאֹד וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר אֵלַי אֶעֱשֶׂה וּלְכָה נָּא קָבָה לִּי אֵת הָעָם הַזֶּה: {יח} וַיַּעַן בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל עַבְדֵי בָלָק אִם יִתֶּן לִי בָלָק מְלֹא בֵיתוֹ כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב לֹא אוּכַל לַעֲבֹר אֶת פִּי יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהָי לַעֲשׂוֹת קְטַנָּה אוֹ גְדוֹלָה: {יט} וְעַתָּה שְׁבוּ נָא בָזֶה גַּם אַתֶּם הַלַּיְלָה וְאֵדְעָה מַה יֹּסֵף יְהֹוָה דַּבֵּר עִמִּי: {כ} וַיָּבֹא אֱלֹהִים אֶל בִּלְעָם לַיְלָה וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ אִם לִקְרֹא לְךָ בָּאוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים קוּם לֵךְ אִתָּם וְאַךְ אֶת הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּר אֵלֶיךָ אֹתוֹ תַעֲשֶׂה:
13. Vayakom Bilaam baboker vayomer el-sarei Balak: lekhu el-artzekhem ki me'en A-do-nai letiti lahalokh imahem. 14. Vayakumu sarei Moav vayavo'u el-Balak vayomru: me'en Bilaam halokh imanu. 15. Vayosef od Balak shalo'ach sarim rabim ve-nikhbadim me-eleh. 16. Vayavo'u el-Bilaam vayomru lo: ko amar Balak ben Tzipor, al-na timana mehalokh elai. 17. Ki-khaved akhabedkha me'od, ve-khol asher tomar elai e'eseh, u-lekhah-na kavah li et ha'am hazeh. 18. Vaya'an Bilaam vayomer el-avdei Balak: im yiten li Balak melo veto kesef u-zahav, lo ukhal la'avor et-pi A-do-nai Elohai la'asot ketanah o gedolah. 19. Ve-atah shevu-na vaze gam-atem halailah, ve-edeah mah-yosef A-do-nai diber imi. 20. Vayavo Elohim el-Bilaam lailah vayomer lo: im likro lekha ba'u ha-anashim, kum lekh itam, ve-akh et-hadavar asher adaber elekha oto ta'aseh.
(13) Bilaam rose in the morning and said to Balak’s dignitaries, “Go to your land, for A-do-nai has refused to let me go with you.” (14) The Moabite dignitaries arose, came to Balak, and said, “Bilaam refused to come with us.” (15) Balak again sent dignitaries, more numerous and more distinguished than these. (16) They came to Bilaam and said to him, “So said Balak son of Tzippor: Please do not refuse to come to me, (17) for I will honor you greatly, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come and curse this people for me.” (18) Bilaam answered and said to Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak were to give me his entire palace filled with silver and gold, I could not transgress the word of A-do-nai my G-d, to do anything small or great. (19) Now, you too remain here overnight, and I will find out what more A-do-nai will say to me.” (20) G-d came to Bilaam at night and said to him, “If these men have come to summon you, arise and go with them; but only the word that I speak to you shall you do.”
{כא} וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיַּחֲבֹשׁ אֶת אֲתֹנוֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ עִם שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב: {כב} וַיִּחַר אַף אֱלֹהִים כִּי הוֹלֵךְ הוּא וַיִּתְיַצֵּב מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה בַּדֶּרֶךְ לְשָׂטָן לוֹ וְהוּא רֹכֵב עַל אֲתֹנוֹ וּשְׁנֵי נְעָרָיו עִמּוֹ: {כג} וַתֵּרֶא הָאָתוֹן אֶת מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה נִצָּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְחַרְבּוֹ שְׁלוּפָה בְּיָדוֹ וַתֵּט הָאָתוֹן מִן הַדֶּרֶךְ וַתֵּלֶךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה וַיַּךְ בִּלְעָם אֶת הָאָתוֹן לְהַטֹּתָהּ הַדָּרֶךְ: {כד} וַיַּעֲמֹד מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה בְּמִשְׁעוֹל הַכְּרָמִים גָּדֵר מִזֶּה וְגָדֵר מִזֶּה: {כה} וַתֵּרֶא הָאָתוֹן אֶת מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה וַתִּלָּחֵץ אֶל הַקִּיר וַתִּלְחַץ אֶת רֶגֶל בִּלְעָם אֶל הַקִּיר וַיֹּסֶף לְהַכֹּתָהּ: {כו} וַיּוֹסֶף מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה עֲבוֹר וַיַּעֲמֹד בְּמָקוֹם צָר אֲשֶׁר אֵין דֶּרֶךְ לִנְטוֹת יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול: {כז} וַתֵּרֶא הָאָתוֹן אֶת מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה וַתִּרְבַּץ תַּחַת בִּלְעָם וַיִּחַר אַף בִּלְעָם וַיַּךְ אֶת הָאָתוֹן בַּמַּקֵּל: {כח} וַיִּפְתַּח יְהֹוָה אֶת פִּי הָאָתוֹן וַתֹּאמֶר לְבִלְעָם מֶה עָשִׂיתִי לְךָ כִּי הִכִּיתָנִי זֶה שָׁלֹשׁ רְגָלִים: {כט} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם לָאָתוֹן כִּי הִתְעַלַּלְתְּ בִּי לוּ יֶשׁ חֶרֶב בְּיָדִי כִּי עַתָּה הֲרַגְתִּיךְ: {ל} וַתֹּאמֶר הָאָתוֹן אֶל בִּלְעָם הֲלוֹא אָנֹכִי אֲתֹנְךָ אֲשֶׁר רָכַבְתָּ עָלַי מֵעוֹדְךָ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה הַהַסְכֵּן הִסְכַּנְתִּי לַעֲשׂוֹת לְךָ כֹּה וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא: {לא} וַיְגַל יְהֹוָה אֶת עֵינֵי בִלְעָם וַיַּרְא אֶת מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה נִצָּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְחַרְבּוֹ שְׁלֻפָה בְּיָדוֹ וַיִּקֹּד וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לְאַפָּיו: {לב} וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה עַל מָה הִכִּיתָ אֶת אֲתֹנְךָ זֶה שָׁלוֹשׁ רְגָלִים הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי יָצָאתִי לְשָׂטָן כִּי יָרַט הַדֶּרֶךְ לְנֶגְדִּי: {לג} וַתִּרְאַנִי הָאָתוֹן וַתֵּט לְפָנַי זֶה שָׁלֹשׁ רְגָלִים אוּלַי נָטְתָה מִפָּנַי כִּי עַתָּה גַּם אֹתְכָה הָרַגְתִּי וְאוֹתָהּ הֶחֱיֵיתִי: {לד} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה חָטָאתִי כִּי לֹא יָדַעְתִּי כִּי אַתָּה נִצָּב לִקְרָאתִי בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְעַתָּה אִם רַע בְּעֵינֶיךָ אָשׁוּבָה לִּי: {לה} וַיֹּאמֶר מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה אֶל בִּלְעָם לֵךְ עִם הָאֲנָשִׁים וְאֶפֶס אֶת הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּר אֵלֶיךָ אֹתוֹ תְדַבֵּר וַיֵּלֶךְ בִּלְעָם עִם שָׂרֵי בָלָק: {לו} וַיִּשְׁמַע בָּלָק כִּי בָא בִלְעָם וַיֵּצֵא לִקְרָאתוֹ אֶל עִיר מוֹאָב אֲשֶׁר עַל גְּבוּל אַרְנֹן אֲשֶׁר בִּקְצֵה הַגְּבוּל: {לז} וַיֹּאמֶר בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם הֲלֹא שָׁלֹחַ שָׁלַחְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ לִקְרֹא לָךְ לָמָּה לֹא הָלַכְתָּ אֵלָי הַאֻמְנָם לֹא אוּכַל כַּבְּדֶךָ: {לח} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל בָּלָק הִנֵּה בָאתִי אֵלֶיךָ עַתָּה הֲיָכֹל אוּכַל דַּבֵּר מְאוּמָה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יָשִׂים אֱלֹהִים בְּפִי אֹתוֹ אֲדַבֵּר:
21. Vayakom Bilaam baboker vayachavosh et-ato no vayelekh im-sarei Moav. 22. Vayichar-af Elohim ki-holekh hu, vayityatzev malakh A-do-nai ba-derekh le-satan lo, vehu rokhev al-atono u-shnei ne'arav imo. 23. Va-tere ha-aton et-malakh A-do-nai nitzav ba-derekh ve-charbo shelufah be-yado, va-tet ha-aton min-ha-derekh va-telekh ba-sadeh, vayakh Bilaam et-ha-aton le-hatotah ha-darekh. 24. Vaya'amod malakh A-do-nai be-mishol ha-keramim, gader mizeh ve-gader mizeh. 25. Va-tere ha-aton et-malakh A-do-nai, va-tilachetz el-ha-kir, va-tilchatz et-regel Bilaam el-ha-kir, vayosef le-hakotah.
26. Vayosef malakh A-do-nai avor, vaya'amod be-makom tzar asher ein derekh lintot yamin u-smol. 27. Va-tere ha-aton et-malakh A-do-nai, va-tirbatz tachat Bilaam, vayichar-af Bilaam, vayakh et-ha-aton ba-makel. 28. Vayiftach A-do-nai et-pi ha-aton, va-tomer le-Vilaam: meh asiti lekha ki hikitani zeh shalosh regalim? 29. Vayomer Bilaam la-aton: ki hit'alalt bi; lu yesh cherev be-yadi, ki atah haragtikh. 30. Va-tomer ha-aton el-Bilaam: halo anokhi atonekha asher rakhavta alai me'odekha ad ha-yom hazeh? Ha-haskhen hiskanti la'asot lekha koh? Vayomer: lo. 31. Vayegal A-do-nai et-einei Bilaam, vayar et-malakh A-do-nai nitzav ba-derekh ve-charbo shelufah be-yado, vayikod vayishtachu le-apav. 32. Vayomer elav malakh A-do-nai: al mah hikita et-atonkha zeh shalosh regalim? Hineh anokhi yatzati le-satan, ki yarat ha-derekh le-negdi. 33. Va-tir'ani ha-aton va-tet lefanai zeh shalosh regalim; ulai natetah mi-panai, ki atah gam-otkha haragti ve-otah hechayiti. 34. Vayomer Bilaam el-malakh A-do-nai: chatati, ki lo yadati ki atah nitzav likrati ba-derekh; ve-atah im-ra be-einekha, ashuvah li. 35. Vayomer malakh A-do-nai el-Bilaam: lekh im-ha-anashim, ve-efes et-ha-davar asher adaber elekha oto tedaber; vayelekh Bilaam im-sarei Balak. 36. Vayishma Balak ki va Bilaam, vayetse likrato el-Ir Moav asher al-gevul Arnon asher bi-k'tzeh ha-gevul. 37. Vayomer Balak el-Bilaam: halo shaloach shalachti elekha likro lakh; lamah lo halakhta elai? Ha-umnam lo ukhal kabedekha? 38. Vayomer Bilaam el-Balak: hineh vati elekha; atah hayakhol ukhal daber me'umah? Ha-davar asher yasim Elohim be-fi, oto adaber.
(21) Bilaam arose in the morning, saddled his she-donkey, and went with the Moabite dignitaries. (22) G-d became angry because he went, and an angel of A-do-nai stationed himself on the road as an obstacle to him. He was riding on his she-donkey, with his two attendants beside him. (23) The she-donkey saw the angel of A-do-nai standing on the road with his sword drawn in his hand. The she-donkey turned aside from the road and went into the field, and Bilaam struck the she-donkey to make her return to the road. (24) The angel of A-do-nai stood in a path between the vineyards, with a fence on one side and a fence on the other. (25) The she-donkey saw the angel of A-do-nai and pressed against the wall, pressing Bilaam’s foot against the wall; and he continued to strike her. (26) The angel of A-do-nai went farther and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either right or left. (27) The she-donkey saw the angel of A-do-nai and lay down beneath Bilaam. Bilaam became angry and struck the she-donkey with a stick. (28) A-do-nai opened the mouth of the she-donkey, and she said to Bilaam, “What have I done to you that you struck me these three times?” (29) Bilaam said to the she-donkey, “Because you have mocked me. If only I had a sword in my hand—I would kill you right now.” (30) The she-donkey said to Bilaam, “Am I not your she-donkey, upon which you have ridden all your life until this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do this to you?” He said, “No.” (31) A-do-nai uncovered Bilaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of A-do-nai standing on the road with his sword drawn in his hand. He bowed and prostrated himself on his face. (32) The angel of A-do-nai said to him, “Why did you strike your she-donkey these three times? Behold, I went out as an obstacle, because the road was contrary to me. (33) The she-donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. Had she not turned aside from me, I would have killed you by now and let her live.” (34) Bilaam said to the angel of A-do-nai, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing opposite me on the road. Now, if this is displeasing in your eyes, I will return.” (35) The angel of A-do-nai said to Bilaam, “Go with these men, but only the word that I speak to you shall you speak.” Bilaam went with Balak’s dignitaries. (36) When Balak heard that Bilaam had come, he went out to meet him at Ir-Moav, which is on the border of Arnon, at the very edge of the border. (37) Balak said to Bilaam, “Did I not send to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I truly unable to honor you?” (38) Bilaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. But now, am I able to say anything? Whatever G-d places in my mouth, that I shall speak.”
{לט} וַיֵּלֶךְ בִּלְעָם עִם בָּלָק וַיָּבֹאוּ קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת: {מ} וַיִּזְבַּח בָּלָק בָּקָר וָצֹאן וַיְשַׁלַּח לְבִלְעָם וְלַשָּׂרִים אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ: {מא} וַיְהִי בַבֹּקֶר וַיִּקַּח בָּלָק אֶת בִּלְעָם וַיַּעֲלֵהוּ בָּמוֹת בָּעַל וַיַּרְא מִשָּׁם קְצֵה הָעָם:
39. Vayeilekh Bilam im Balak vayavo'u Kiryat Hutzot. 40. Vayizbach Balak bakar vatson vayishlach leBilam velasarim asher ito. 41. Vayehi vaboker vayikach Balak et Bilam vaya'alehu Bamot Baal vayar misham ketzeh ha'am.
(39) Bilam went with Balak, and they came to Kiryat-Hutzot. (40) Balak slaughtered cattle and sheep, and sent portions to Bilam and to the princes who were with him. (41) In the morning, Balak took Bilam and brought him up to the heights of Baal, from there to see the edge of the people’s camp.
Chapter 23
{א} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל בָּלָק בְּנֵה לִי בָזֶה שִׁבְעָה מִזְבְּחֹת וְהָכֵן לִי בָּזֶה שִׁבְעָה פָרִים וְשִׁבְעָה אֵילִים: {ב} וַיַּעַשׂ בָּלָק כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר בִּלְעָם וַיַּעַל בָּלָק וּבִלְעָם פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ: {ג} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם לְבָלָק הִתְיַצֵּב עַל עֹלָתֶךָ וְאֵלְכָה אוּלַי יִקָּרֶה יְהֹוָה לִקְרָאתִי וּדְבַר מַה יַּרְאֵנִי וְהִגַּדְתִּי לָךְ וַיֵּלֶךְ שֶׁפִי: {ד} וַיִּקָּר אֱלֹהִים אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֶת שִׁבְעַת הַמִּזְבְּחֹת עָרַכְתִּי וָאַעַל פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ: {ה} וַיָּשֶׂם יְהֹוָה דָּבָר בְּפִי בִלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר שׁוּב אֶל בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר: {ו} וַיָּשָׁב אֵלָיו וְהִנֵּה נִצָּב עַל עֹלָתוֹ הוּא וְכָל שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב: {ז} וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר מִן אֲרָם יַנְחֵנִי בָלָק מֶלֶךְ מוֹאָב מֵהַרְרֵי קֶדֶם לְכָה אָרָה לִּי יַעֲקֹב וּלְכָה זֹעֲמָה יִשְׂרָאֵל: {ח} מָה אֶקֹּב לֹא קַבֹּה אֵל וּמָה אֶזְעֹם לֹא זָעַם יְהֹוָה: {ט} כִּי מֵרֹאשׁ צֻרִים אֶרְאֶנּוּ וּמִגְּבָעוֹת אֲשׁוּרֶנּוּ הֶן עָם לְבָדָד יִשְׁכֹּן וּבַגּוֹיִם לֹא יִתְחַשָּׁב: {י} מִי מָנָה עֲפַר יַעֲקֹב וּמִסְפָּר אֶת רֹבַע יִשְׂרָאֵל תָּמֹת נַפְשִׁי מוֹת יְשָׁרִים וּתְהִי אַחֲרִיתִי כָּמֹהוּ: {יא} וַיֹּאמֶר בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם מֶה עָשִׂיתָ לִי לָקֹב אֹיְבַי לְקַחְתִּיךָ וְהִנֵּה בֵּרַכְתָּ בָרֵךְ: {יב} וַיַּעַן וַיֹּאמַר הֲלֹא אֵת אֲשֶׁר יָשִׂים יְהֹוָה בְּפִי אֹתוֹ אֶשְׁמֹר לְדַבֵּר:
1. Vayomer Bilam el Balak: Benei li vazeh shivah mizbechot, vehachen li vazeh shivah parim veshivah eilim. 2. Vayaas Balak ka'asher diber Bilam, vayaal Balak uBilam par va'ayil bamizbeach. 3. Vayomer Bilam leBalak: Hityatzev al olatecha, ve'elekh ulai yikareh Adonai likrati, udvar mah yar'eni vehigadti lakh; vayelekh shefi. 4. Vayikar Elokim el Bilam, vayomer elav: Et shiv'at hamizbechot arakhti, va'a'al par va'ayil bamizbeach. 5. Vayasem Adonai davar befי Bilam, vayomer: Shuv el Balak vekho tedaber. 6. Vayashov elav, vehineh nitzav al olato, hu vechol sarei Moav.
(1) Bilam said to Balak: “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams here for me.” (2) Balak did as Bilam said, and Balak and Bilam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. (3) Bilam said to Balak: “Stand beside your burnt offering while I go; perhaps the L-rd will appear to me. Whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” And he went to a bare height. (4) G-d appeared to Bilam, and he said to Him: “I have set up the seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.” (5) The L-rd placed a message in Bilam’s mouth and said: “Return to Balak and speak thus.” (6) He returned to him, and there he was standing beside his burnt offering, together with all the princes of Moab.
[Bilam’s blessing]
7. Vayisa meshalo vayomar: Min-Aram yancheni Balak, melekh Moav, meharerei kedem: Lekha arah li Yaakov, ulekha zoamah Yisrael. 8. Mah ekov? Lo kobo El; uma ezom? Lo zaam Adonai. 9. Ki merosh tzurim erenu, umigvaot ashurenu; hen am levado yishkon, uva-goyim lo yitchashav. 10. Mi manah afar Yaakov, umispar et rova Yisrael? Tamot nafshi mot yesharim, utehi achariti kamohu. 11. Vayomer Balak el Bilam: Meh asita li? Lakov oyavai lekachtikha, vehineh berakhta varekh. 12. Vayaan vayomar: Halo et asher yasim Adonai befi, oto eshmor ledaber.
(7) He declaimed his parable and said: “From Aram Balak, king of Moab, brought me; from the mountains of the East: ‘Come, curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel!’ (8) How can I curse? G-d has not cursed him. How can I denounce? The L-rd has not denounced him! (9) From the top of the crags I see him; from the hills I behold him: there is a people that dwells apart, not reckoned among the nations. (10) Who can count the dust of Jacob, number even a quarter of Israel? May I die the death of the upright, may my fate be like theirs. (11) Balak said to Bilam: “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, and you have blessed them!” (12) He replied: “But I can speak only what the L-rd puts into my mouth.”
{יג} וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו בָּלָק לְךָ נָּא אִתִּי אֶל מָקוֹם אַחֵר אֲשֶׁר תִּרְאֶנּוּ מִשָּׁם אֶפֶס קָצֵהוּ תִרְאֶה וְכֻלּוֹ לֹא תִרְאֶה וְקָבְנוֹ לִי מִשָּׁם: {יד} וַיִּקָּחֵהוּ שְׂדֵה צֹפִים אֶל רֹאשׁ הַפִּסְגָּה וַיִּבֶן שִׁבְעָה מִזְבְּחֹת וַיַּעַל פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ: {טו} וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל בָּלָק הִתְיַצֵּב כֹּה עַל עֹלָתֶךָ וְאָנֹכִי אִקָּרֶה כֹּה: {טז} וַיִּקָּר יְהֹוָה אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיָּשֶׂם דָּבָר בְּפִיו וַיֹּאמֶר שׁוּב אֶל בָּלָק וְכֹה תְדַבֵּר: {יז} וַיָּבֹא אֵלָיו וְהִנּוֹ נִצָּב עַל עֹלָתוֹ וְשָׂרֵי מוֹאָב אִתּוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ בָּלָק מַה דִּבֶּר יְהֹוָה: {יח} וַיִשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר קוּם בָּלָק וּשֲׁמָע הַאֲזִינָה עָדַי בְּנוֹ צִפֹּר: {יט} לֹא אִישׁ אֵל וִיכַזֵּב וּבֶן אָדָם וְיִתְנֶחָם הַהוּא אָמַר וְלֹא יַעֲשֶׂה וְדִבֶּר וְלֹא יְקִימֶנָּה: {כ} הִנֵּה בָרֵךְ לָקָחְתִּי וּבֵרֵךְ וְלֹא אֲשִׁיבֶנָּה: {כא} לֹא הִבִּיט אָוֶן בְּיַעֲקֹב וְלֹא רָאָה עָמָל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהָיו עִמּוֹ וּתְרוּעַת מֶלֶךְ בּוֹ: {כב} אֵל מוֹצִיאָם מִמִּצְרָיִם כְּתוֹעֲפֹת רְאֵם לוֹ: {כג} כִּי לֹא נַחַשׁ בְּיַעֲקֹב וְלֹא קֶסֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל כָּעֵת יֵאָמֵר לְיַעֲקֹב וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵל מַה פָּעַל אֵל: {כד} הֶן עָם כְּלָבִיא יָקוּם וְכַאֲרִי יִתְנַשָּׂא לֹא יִשְׁכַּב עַד יֹאכַל טֶרֶף וְדַם חֲלָלִים יִשְׁתֶּה: {כה} וַיֹּאמֶר בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם גַּם קֹב לֹא תִקֳּבֶנּוּ גַּם בָּרֵךְ לֹא תְבָרְכֶנּוּ: {כו} וַיַּעַן בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל בָּלָק הֲלֹא דִּבַּרְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ לֵאמֹר כֹּל אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר יְהֹוָה אֹתוֹ אֶעֱשֶׂה:
13. Vayomer elav Balak: Lekha-na iti el makom acher asher tirenu misham; efes katzehu tireh, vechulo lo tireh, vekovנו li misham. 14. Vayikachehu Sedeh Tzofim el rosh haPisgah, vayiven shivah mizbechot vayaal par vaayil bamizbeach. 15. Vayomer el Balak: Hityatzev koh al olatecha, veanokhi ikareh koh. 16. Vayikar Adonai el Bilam, vayasem davar befiv, vayomer: Shuv el Balak vekho tedaber. 17. Vayavo elav, vehino nitzav al olato, vesarei Moav ito; vayomer lo Balak: Mah diber Adonai?
(13) Balak said to him: “Please come with me to another place, from which you will see him—though you will see only a part of him and not all of him—and curse him for me from there.” (14) He took him to the field of Zophim, to the summit of Pisgah. He built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. (15) He said to Balak: “Stand here beside your burnt offering while I meet Him here.” (16) The L-rd appeared to Bilam, placed a message in his mouth, and said: “Return to Balak and speak thus.” (17) He came to him, and there he was standing beside his burnt offering, with the princes of Moab. Balak said to him: “What did the L-rd say?”
[Bilam’s blessing]
18. Vayisa meshalo vayomar: Kum Balak ushema, haazin elai, beno Tzipor. 19. Lo ish El vichazev, uven adam veyitnecham; hahu amar velo yaaseh, vediber velo yekimena. 20. Hineh varekh lakachti, uverekh velo ashivena. 21. Lo hibit aven beYaakov velo raah amal beYisrael; Adonai Elokav imo, uteruat Melekh bo. 22. El motziam miMitzrayim; ketoafot re'em lo. 23. Ki lo nachash beYaakov velo kesem beYisrael; ka'et ye'amer leYaakov uleYisrael mah paal El. 24. Hen am kelavi yakum vecha'ari yitnasa; lo yishkav ad yochal teref vedam chalalim yishteh. 25. Vayomer Balak el Bilam: Gam kov lo tikovנו, gam barekh lo tevarachenu. 26. Vayaan Bilam vayomer el Balak: Halo dibarti elekha lemor, kol asher yedaber Adonai oto e'eseh.
(18) He declaimed his parable and said: “Rise, Balak, and listen; give ear to me, son of Tzippor. (19) G-d is not a man to lie, nor a human being to change His mind. Would He say and not do, speak and not fulfill? (20) I have received a blessing; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. (21) He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, nor seen wrongdoing in Israel; the L-rd their G-d is with them, and the King’s acclaim is among them. (22) G-d who freed them from Egypt is for them like the horns of the wild ox. (23) There is no divination in Jacob, no sorcery in Israel. In due time it will be said to Jacob and Israel, “What has G-d wrought?” (24) A people that rises like a lion, rears itself like a lion; it does not lie down until it has eaten prey and drunk the blood of the slain. (25) Balak said to Bilam: “Do not curse them, and do not bless them!” (26) Bilam answered Balak: “But I told you: whatever the L-rd says, that I will do.”
{כז} וַיֹּאמֶר בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם לְכָה נָּא אֶקָּחֲךָ אֶל מָקוֹם אַחֵר אוּלַי יִישַׁר בְּעֵינֵי הָאֱלֹהִים וְקַבֹּתוֹ לִי מִשָּׁם: {כח} וַיִּקַּח בָּלָק אֶת בִּלְעָם רֹאשׁ הַפְּעוֹר הַנִּשְׁקָף עַל פְּנֵי הַיְשִׁימֹן: {כט} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל בָּלָק בְּנֵה לִי בָזֶה שִׁבְעָה מִזְבְּחֹת וְהָכֵן לִי בָּזֶה שִׁבְעָה פָרִים וְשִׁבְעָה אֵילִם: {ל} וַיַּעַשׂ בָּלָק כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמַר בִּלְעָם וַיַּעַל פָּר וָאַיִל בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ:
27. Vayomer Balak el Bilam: Lekha-na ekachacha el makom acher, ulai yishar beEinei haElokim, vekavoto li misham. 28. Vayikach Balak et Bilam rosh haPeor hanishkaf al פני haYeshimon. 29. Vayomer Bilam el Balak: Benei li vazeh shivah mizbechot, vehachen li vazeh shivah parim veshivah eilim. 30. Vayaas Balak ka'asher amar Bilam, vayaal par vaayil bamizbeach.
(27) Balak said to Bilam: “Please come, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will be pleasing in the eyes of G-d, and you will curse him for me from there.” (28) Balak took Bilam to the summit of Peor, overlooking the wasteland. (29) Bilam said to Balak: “Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.” (30) Balak did as Bilam said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
Chapter 24
{א} וַיַּרְא בִּלְעָם כִּי טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי יְהֹוָה לְבָרֵךְ אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא הָלַךְ כְּפַעַם בְּפַעַם לִקְרַאת נְחָשִׁים וַיָּשֶׁת אֶל הַמִּדְבָּר פָּנָיו: {ב} וַיִּשָּׂא בִּלְעָם אֶת עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל שֹׁכֵן לִשְׁבָטָיו וַתְּהִי עָלָיו רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים: {ג} וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר נְאֻם בִּלְעָם בְּנוֹ בְעֹר וּנְאֻם הַגֶּבֶר שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן: {ד} נְאֻם שֹׁמֵעַ אִמְרֵי אֵל אֲשֶׁר מַחֲזֵה שַׁדַּי יֶחֱזֶה נֹפֵל וּגְלוּי עֵינָיִם: {ה} מַה טֹּבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל: {ו} כִּנְחָלִים נִטָּיוּ כְּגַנֹּת עֲלֵי נָהָר כַּאֲהָלִים נָטַע יְהֹוָה כַּאֲרָזִים עֲלֵי מָיִם: {ז} יִזַּל מַיִם מִדָּלְיָו וְזַרְעוֹ בְּמַיִם רַבִּים וְיָרֹם מֵאֲגַג מַלְכּוֹ וְתִנַּשֵּׂא מַלְכֻתוֹ: {ח} אֵל מוֹצִיאָם מִמִּצְרָיִם כְּתוֹעֲפֹת רְאֵם לוֹ יֹאכַל גּוֹיִם צָרָיו וְעַצְמֹתֵיהֶם יְגָרֵם וְחִצָּיו יִמְחָץ: {ט} כָּרַע שָׁכַב כַּאֲרִי וּכְלָבִיא מִי יְקִימֶנּוּ מְבָרְכֶיךָ בָרוּךְ וְאֹרְרֶיךָ אָרוּר: {י} וַיִּחַר אַף בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם וַיִּסְפֹּק אֶת כַּפָּיו וַיֹּאמֶר בָּלָק אֶל בִּלְעָם לָקֹב אֹיְבַי קְרָאתִיךָ וְהִנֵּה בֵּרַכְתָּ בָרֵךְ זֶה שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים: {יא} וְעַתָּה בְּרַח לְךָ אֶל מְקוֹמֶךָ אָמַרְתִּי כַּבֵּד אֲכַבֶּדְךָ וְהִנֵּה מְנָעֲךָ יְהֹוָה מִכָּבוֹד: {יב} וַיֹּאמֶר בִּלְעָם אֶל בָּלָק הֲלֹא גַּם אֶל מַלְאָכֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר שָׁלַחְתָּ אֵלַי דִּבַּרְתִּי לֵאמֹר: {יג} אִם יִתֶּן לִי בָלָק מְלֹא בֵיתוֹ כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב לֹא אוּכַל לַעֲבֹר אֶת פִּי יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת טוֹבָה אוֹ רָעָה מִלִּבִּי אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר יְהֹוָה אֹתוֹ אֲדַבֵּר:
1. Vayar Bilam ki tov beEinei Adonai levarekh et Yisrael, velo halakh kefaam befaam likrat nechashim, vayashet el hamidbar panav. 2. Vayisa Bilam et einav, vayar et Yisrael shokhen lishvatav, vatehi alav ruach Elokim.
(1) Bilam saw that it pleased the L-rd to bless Israel, and he did not go as he had before to seek omens, but turned his face toward the wilderness. (2) Bilam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, and the spirit of G-d came upon him.
[Bilam’s blessing]
3. Vayisa meshalo vayomar: Ne'um Bilam beno Veor, une'um hagever shetum haayin. 4. Ne'um shomea imrei El, asher machazeh Shaddai yechezeh, nofel ugelui einayim. 5. Mah tovu ohalekha Yaakov, mishkenotekha Yisrael. 6. Kinchalim nitayu, keganot alei nahar, ka'halim nata Adonai, ka'arazim alei mayim. Yizal mayim midalyav, vezar'o bemayim rabbim; veyarom meAgag malko, vetinasei malkhuto. 8. El motzio miMitzrayim, ketoafot re'em lo; yochal goyim tzarav, veatzmoteihem yegarem, vechitzav yimchatz. 9. Kara shakhav ka'ari uchelavi; mi yekimenu? Mevarakhekha varukh, veorerəkha arur.
(3) He declaimed his parable and said: “The utterance of Bilam son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eye is true; (4) the utterance of one who hears the words of G-d, who beholds visions from the Almighty, fallen yet with eyes uncovered: (5) How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! (6) They spread out like streams, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the L-rd, like cedars beside the water. (7) Water flows from his branches; his seed is by abundant waters. His king shall be greater than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. (8) G-d who freed him from Egypt is for him like the horns of the wild ox. He devours nations hostile to him, crushes their bones, and pierces them with his arrows. (9) He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who can rouse him? Those who bless you are blessed, and those who curse you are cursed!”
10. Vayichar af Balak el Bilam, vayispok et kapav, vayomer Balak el Bilam: Lakov oyavai keratikha, vehineh berakhta varekh zeh shalosh pe'amim. 11. Veatah berach lekha el mekomekha; amarti kabed akabedkha, vehineh menaakha Adonai mikavod. 12. Vayomer Bilam el Balak: Halo gam el malakhekha asher shalachta elai dibarti lemor. 13. Im yiten li Balak melo veto kesef vezahav, lo ukhal laavor et pi Adonai laasot tovah o raah milibi; asher yedaber Adonai oto adaber.
(10) Balak’s anger flared against Bilam, and he clapped his hands. Balak said to Bilam: “I brought you to curse my enemies, and instead you have blessed them these three times. (11) Now flee to your home! I intended to honor you greatly, but the L-rd has denied you honor.” (12) Bilam said to Balak: “Did I not also tell the messengers you sent to me: (13) ‘Though Balak were to give me his whole house filled with silver and gold, I could not transgress the word of the L-rd to do anything, good or bad, of my own accord. Whatever the L-rd speaks, that I will speak’?”
{יד} וְעַתָּה הִנְנִי הוֹלֵךְ לְעַמִּי לְכָה אִיעָצְךָ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה הָעָם הַזֶּה לְעַמְּךָ בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים: {טו} וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר נְאֻם בִּלְעָם בְּנוֹ בְעֹר וּנְאֻם הַגֶּבֶר שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן: {טז} נְאֻם שֹׁמֵעַ אִמְרֵי אֵל וְיֹדֵעַ דַּעַת עֶלְיוֹן מַחֲזֵה שַׁדַּי יֶחֱזֶה נֹפֵל וּגְלוּי עֵינָיִם: {יז} אֶרְאֶנּוּ וְלֹא עַתָּה אֲשׁוּרֶנּוּ וְלֹא קָרוֹב דָּרַךְ כּוֹכָב מִיַּעֲקֹב וְקָם שֵׁבֶט מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל וּמָחַץ פַּאֲתֵי מוֹאָב וְקַרְקַר כָּל בְּנֵי שֵׁת: {יח} וְהָיָה אֱדוֹם יְרֵשָׁה וְהָיָה יְרֵשָׁה שֵׂעִיר אֹיְבָיו וְיִשְׂרָאֵל עֹשֶׂה חָיִל: {יט} וְיֵרְדְּ מִיַּעֲקֹב וְהֶאֱבִיד שָׂרִיד מֵעִיר: {כ} וַיַּרְא אֶת עֲמָלֵק וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר רֵאשִׁית גּוֹיִם עֲמָלֵק וְאַחֲרִיתוֹ עֲדֵי אֹבֵד: {כא} וַיַּרְא אֶת הַקֵּינִי וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר אֵיתָן מוֹשָׁבֶךָ וְשִׂים בַּסֶּלַע קִנֶּךָ: {כב} כִּי אִם יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָיִן עַד מָה אַשּׁוּר תִּשְׁבֶּךָּ: {כג} וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר אוֹי מִי יִחְיֶה מִשֻּׂמוֹ אֵל: {כד} וְצִים מִיַּד כִּתִּים וְעִנּוּ אַשּׁוּר וְעִנּוּ עֵבֶר וְגַם הוּא עֲדֵי אֹבֵד: {כה} וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיָּשָׁב לִמְקֹמוֹ וְגַם בָּלָק הָלַךְ לְדַרְכּוֹ:
14. Veatah hineni holekh leami; lekha, iaatzkha asher yaaseh haam hazeh leamekha beacharit hayamim. 15. Vayisa meshalo vayomar: Ne'um Bilam beno Veor, une'um hagever shetum haayin. 16. Ne'um shomea imrei El, veyodea daat Elyon, machazeh Shaddai yechezeh, nofel ugelui einayim. 17. Er'enu velo atah, ashurenu velo karov; darakh kokhav miYaakov, vekam shevet miYisrael, umachatz paatei Moav, vekarkar kol benei Shet. 18. Vehayah Edom yereshah, vehayah yereshah Seir oyvav, veYisrael oseh chayil. 19. Veyered miYaakov vehe'evיד sarid me'ir. 20. Vayar et Amalek, vayisa meshalo vayomar: Reshit goyim Amalek, veacharito adei oved. 21. Vayar et haKeini, vayisa meshalo vayomar: Eitan moshavekha, vesim basela kineka. 22. Ki im yihyeh leva'er Kayin, ad mah Ashur tishbekha? 23. Vayisa meshalo vayomar: Oy, mi yichyeh misumo El? 24. Vetsim miyad Kitim, veinu Ashur, veinu Ever, vegam hu adei oved. 25. Vayakom Bilam vayelekh vayashov limkomo, vegam Balak halakh ledarko.
(14) Now I am going to my people. Come, let me advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come. (15) He declaimed his parable and said: “The utterance of Bilam son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eye is true; (16) the utterance of one who hears the words of G-d, who knows the mind of the Most High, who beholds visions from the Almighty, fallen yet with eyes uncovered. (17) I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not soon. A star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall arise from Israel; it shall crush the brow of Moab and smite all the children of Seth. (18) Edom shall become a possession, and Seir shall become the possession of its enemies, while Israel triumphs. (19) A ruler shall issue from Jacob and destroy the remnant of the city. (20) He saw Amalek and declaimed his parable: “Amalek was the first of nations, but its end shall be everlasting destruction.” (21) He saw the Kenite and declaimed his parable: “Firm is your dwelling, and your nest is set in the rock. (22) Yet if Cain is destined for burning, how long will Assyria hold you captive?” (23) He declaimed his parable: “Alas, who can survive when G-d brings this about? (24) Ships shall come from the coast of Kittim; they shall afflict Assyria and afflict Eber, but they too shall perish.” (25) Bilam arose and went back to his place, and Balak also went his way.
Chapter 25
{א} וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל בַּשִּׁטִּים וַיָּחֶל הָעָם לִזְנוֹת אֶל בְּנוֹת מוֹאָב: {ב} וַתִּקְרֶאןָ לָעָם לְזִבְחֵי אֱלֹהֵיהֶן וַיֹּאכַל הָעָם וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶן: {ג} וַיִּצָּמֶד יִשְׂרָאֵל לְבַעַל פְּעוֹר וַיִּחַר אַף יְהֹוָה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל: {ד} וַיֹּאמֶר יְהֹוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה קַח אֶת כָּל רָאשֵׁי הָעָם וְהוֹקַע אוֹתָם לַיהֹוָה נֶגֶד הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְיָשֹׁב חֲרוֹן אַף יְהֹוָה מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל: {ה} וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל שֹׁפְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הִרְגוּ אִישׁ אֲנָשָׁיו הַנִּצְמָדִים לְבַעַל פְּעוֹר: {ו} וְהִנֵּה אִישׁ מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בָּא וַיַּקְרֵב אֶל אֶחָיו אֶת הַמִּדְיָנִית לְעֵינֵי מֹשֶׁה וּלְעֵינֵי כָּל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהֵמָּה בֹכִים פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד:
1. Vayeshev Yisrael baShittim, vayachel haam liznot el benot Moav. 2. Vatikrena laam lezivchei eloheihen, vayochal haam vayishtachavu leloheihen. 3. Vayitzamed Yisrael leBaal Peor, vayichar af Adonai beYisrael. 4. Vayomer Adonai el Moshe: Kach et kol rashei haam vehoka otam laAdonai neged hashemesh, veyashov charon af Adonai miYisrael. 5. Vayomer Moshe el shofetei Yisrael: Hirgu ish anashav hanitzmadim leBaal Peor. 6. Vehineh ish mibenei Yisrael ba, vayakrev el echav et haMidyanit leEinei Moshe uleEinei kol adat benei Yisrael, वेהמה bochim petach Ohel Moed.
(1) Israel was staying at Shittim, and the people began to profane themselves with the daughters of Moab. (2) They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods; the people ate and bowed down to their gods. (3) Israel attached itself to Baal-Peor, and the L-rd’s anger flared against Israel. (4) The L-rd said to Moses: “Take all the chieftains of the people and impale them before the L-rd in the full glare of the sun, so that the L-rd’s wrath may turn away from Israel.” (5) Moses said to Israel’s judges: “Each of you slay those of your men who attached themselves to Baal-Peor.” (6) Then an Israelite man came and brought a Midianite woman over to his kinsmen, before the eyes of Moses and the whole Israelite community, while they were weeping at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.
{ז} וַיַּרְא פִּינְחָס בֶּן אֶלְעָזָר בֶּן אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן וַיָּקָם מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה וַיִּקַּח רֹמַח בְּיָדוֹ: {ח} וַיָּבֹא אַחַר אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל הַקֻּבָּה וַיִּדְקֹר אֶת שְׁנֵיהֶם אֵת אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת הָאִשָּׁה אֶל קֳבָתָהּ וַתֵּעָצַר הַמַּגֵּפָה מֵעַל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל: {ט} וַיִּהְיוּ הַמֵּתִים בַּמַּגֵּפָה אַרְבָּעָה וְעֶשְׂרִים אָלֶף:
7. VAYAR PINCHAS BEN-ELAZAR BEN-AHARON HAKOHEN VAYAKOM MITOCH HAEDAH VAYIKACH ROMACH BEYADO. 8. VAYAVO ACHAR ISH-YISRAEL EL-HAKUBAH VAYIDKOR ET-SHENEHEM ET ISH YISRAEL VE'ET-HAISHAH EL-KOVATAH VATEATZAR HAMAGEFA ME'AL BENEI YISRAEL. 9. VAYIHYU HAMETIM BAMAGEFA ARBAAH VEESRIM ELEF.
(7) Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Aharon the Kohen, saw this, and he rose from among the congregation and took a spear in his hand. (8) He followed the Israelite man into the chamber and pierced them both—the Israelite man and the woman through her body—and the plague was halted among the Children of Israel. (9) Those who died in the plague numbered twenty-four thousand.
Concluding Prayer
ריבון כל העולמים יהי רצון מלפנייך ה' אלוהינו ואלוהי אבותנו שבזכות פרשת באלק אשר קראתי ולמדתי ובזכות פסוקיו ובזכות תיבותיו ובזכות אותיותיו ובזכות ניקודותיו ובזכות טעמיו ובזכות שמותיו וצירופיו ורמזיו וסודותיו הקדושים והטהורים אנו רואים היוצאים מימנו שתהיה שעה זו שעת רחמים שעת הקשבה שעת האזנה ונקראך ותעננו נעתיר לך ואתר לנו וכל היועץ עלנו ועל עמך בית ישראל עצה שאינה טובה ומחשבה שאינה טובה אבדו ,ובטלו, גידאו ,כפרו,כפר עצתו ,כדבר שנאמר ה' הפיר עצת גויים הניה מחשבות עמים . ונאמר עוצו עיצה ותופר דברו דבר ולא יקום כי עימנו אל .וכשם שהפכת את קללת בלעם הרשע מקללה לברכה ,כך תהפוך את ליבם ורוחם ודבורם של כל מבקשי רעתינו ,מרעה לטובה ,מקללה לברכה ,ולגילה , לששון ולשמחה , אנא ה' תשמרינו מכל רע ,מכל נזק ומחלה ,מכל מיני לשון רע ,מכל ברייה בעולם המבקשים רעתינו ,וכל היועץ עלינו ועל עמיך בית ישראל עצה טובה ומחשבה טובה אמצו, ברחו, גדלו, קימו, קיים עצתו כדבר שנאמר יתן לך כלבבך וכל עצתך ימלא.ונאמר ותגזור עומר ויקם לך ועל דרכך נגע אור.ומלא כל משאלות ליבנו לטובה ותהיה עם לבבנו ועם אמרי פיינו ואת מחשבותנו ועם ידינו ואת מעבדנו ותשלח ברכה והצלחה בכל מעשה ידינו ומאפר אנינו ותקימנו ומעשפות דלתינו תרוממנו ותשיב שכנתך לעיר קודשך במהרה בימנו ותזכנו עיננו ושובך לציון וברחמים אמן
Ribono shel Olamim!
Yehi ratzon milfanecha Ado-nai Elo-heinu ve-Elo-hei Avoteinu she-be-zchut Parashat Balak, asher karati ve-lamadti u-ve-zchut pesukav, u-ve-zchut teivotav, u-ve-zchut otiyotav, u-ve-zchut nekudotav, u-ve-zchut taamav, u-ve-zchut Shemotav ve-tzirufav u-r'mozav ve-sodotav ha-kedoshim ve-ha-tehorim ha-noraim ha-yotzim mimenu, she-tihye shaah zo sha'at rachamim, sha'at hakshavah, sha'at ha'azanah, ve-nikra'cha ve-ta'anenu—na'atir Lecha ve-he'ater lanu.
Ve-khol ha-yo'etz aleinu ve-al amcha, Beit Yisrael, etzah she-einah tovah u-machshavah she-einah tovah, avedu, batlu, gidu, hafru, hafer atzato, ke-davar she-ne'emar: «Ado-nai hefir atzat goyim henia machshevot amim». Ve-ne'emar: «Utsu etzah ve-tuфар, dabru davar ve-lo yakum ki imanu E-l».
U-che-shem she-hafachta et kil'lat Bilam ha-rasha mi-kelalah li-vrachah, kach ta'afokh et libam ve-rucham ve-divuram shel kol mevakshei ra'ateinu, me-ra'ah le-tovah, mi-kelalah li-vrachah, u-le-gilah, le-sasson u-le-simchah. Ana Ado-nai tishmereinu mi-kol ra, mi-kol nezek u-machalah, mi-kol minei lashon ha-ra, mi-kol briyah ba-olam ha-mevakshim ra'ateinu, ve-khol ha-yo'etz aleinu ve-al amcha Beit Yisrael etzah tovah, u-machshavah tovah, amtsu, barchu, gadlu, kiymu, kayem atzato, ke-davar she-ne'emar: «Yiten lecha ki-l'vavcha ve-khol atzatcha yimale». Ve-ne'emar: «Ve-tigzar omer ve-yakam lach ve-al derachecha nagah or».
U-male kol mishalot libeinu le-tovah ve-tihye im levaveinu ve-imrei finu be-et machshevotenu ve-im yadeinu be-et ma'avadenu ve-tishlach berachah ve-hatzlachah be-chol ma'aseh yadeinu u-me-afar anenu takimeinu, u-me-ashpot daloteinu teromemeinu. Ve-tashiv Shechinatecha le-ir kodshecha bi-meherah ve-yameinu ve-techezenah eineinu be-shuvcha le-Tzion be-rachamim. Amen
Translation
Master of the universe! May it be Your will, O L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that in the merit of Parashat Balak, which I have read and studied, and in the merit of its verses, words, letters, vowel points, cantillation marks, Names, combinations, allusions, and holy, pure and awesome secrets that emerge from it, this hour should be an hour of mercy, an hour of attention, an hour of listening, and an hour when we call to You and You answer us—we entreat You, and You answer us.
May every person who plots against us and against Your people, the House of Israel, with an evil plan or an evil thought—perish, disappear, go astray, be scattered, and have his counsel thwarted, as it is said: «The L-rd has frustrated the counsel of nations; He has thwarted the designs of peoples».
And it is also said: «Devise a plan, but it shall be thwarted; speak a word, but it shall not stand, for G-d is with us!» Just as You turned the curse of the wicked Bilaam from a curse into a blessing, so may You turn the hearts, spirits and words of all who seek our harm from evil to good, from curse to blessing, to rejoicing, gladness and joy.
Please, O L-rd, protect us from all evil, from every harm and illness, from every form of evil speech, and from every creature in the world that seeks our harm.
And all those who plot against us and against Your people, the House of Israel, with a good plan and a good thought—strengthen, bless, exalt and sustain them, and fulfill their counsel, as it is written: «May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans».
And it is also said: «You will decree, and it will be fulfilled for you, and light will shine upon your ways».
Fulfill all the desires of our hearts for good, and be with our hearts, with the words of our mouths, with our thoughts, with our hands and with our service.
Send blessing and success in all the work of our hands.
Answer us, who lie in the dust, and raise us up; lift us from the poverty that weighs us down.
Restore Your Shechinah to Your holy city speedily, in our days, and may our eyes behold Your return to Zion in mercy. Amen.
[It is good to recite Rabbeinu Tam’s Protective Prayer immediately after «Parashat Balak»]
Segulot of Parashat Balak
1. Segula for healing the eyes [repeat several times]
- «Lo hibit aven be-Yaakov ve-lo ra'ah amal be-Yisrael» -
(He has not seen iniquity in Jacob, nor beheld evil in Israel); (Numbers 23:18)
Kavanah for the Names:
ראה לאו
2. Segula against witchcraft
- «Ki lo nachash be-Yaakov ve-lo kesem be-Yisrael, ka-et ye'amer le-Yaakov u-le-Yisrael mah pa'al E-l» -
(For there is no divination in Jacob and no sorcery in Israel; in due time it will be said to Jacob and Israel what G-d has wrought). (Numbers 23:23)
Wicked Bilaam
Prayer against Witchcraft from Parashat Balak
/сгула-от-порчи-и-колдовства-из-торы/
(Translation and transliteration by Rabbi Alex Sypkov, from the book «Seder Tefillot Mi-Yom Le-Yom» by Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto for Silatehilim)
