V’Zot HaBracha (And This Blessing) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 33-34

Torah Portion:  V’Zot HaBracha (And This Blessing) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 33-34

Tonight we study the last Torah Portion of the year. It is the final speech of Moshe to the people before he goes up on the mountain to die.  When we read his words it is touching to see that even in this last hour before his death his main concern is for the people and their new leader, not of himself.

Balak Numbers (B’Midbar) 22:2-25:9

Torah Portion: Balak Numbers (B’Midbar) 22:2-25:9

HafTorah: Micah 5:6-6:8

New Testament: II Peter 2:1-22; Jude 11: Rev. 2:14-15

There are several things I want us to spend time on today, most of which have to do with Balaam. Balaam, according to scripture in Numbers 22:5, had a reputation and in fact was a really famous person. Balak even uses words in Numbers 22:6 that are normally reserved for G-d. (Genesis 12:3) However as we read this chapter we see Balaam even stating that he can do only what G-d allows. So, apparently he knew G-d on some level. However he did not know enough. It would seem he may have thought he could manipulate the Father.