The School of Abraham and the School of Balaam

In Parshas Balak [Torah portion (Numbers 22:2 — Numbers 25:9)] we encounter the enigmatic case of the wicked prophet Balaam. The very idea of a wicked prophet raises obvious questions. Perhaps the most basic question is how can a person who speaks to God choose to act wickedly?The key to this puzzle is found in the mishna in Pirkei Avos (5:19 or nearby) in which the Sages teach us: כל מי שיש בידו שלשה דברים הללו מתלמידיו של אברהם אבינו, ושלשה דברים אחרים מתלמידיו של בלעם הרשע.

עין טובה ורוח נמוכה ונפש שפלה — מתלמידיו של אברהם אבינו.

עין רעה ורוח גבוה ונפש רחבה —מתלמידיו של בלעם הרשע.

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Author: Eliezer Abrahamson

Keywords: Balaam, School of Abraham, School of Balaam, Good eye, Eye single, Generosity, Modesty, Modest, Generous

Bible reference(s): Numbers 22, Numbers 23, Numbers 24, Matthew 6:22, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Luke 11:34, John 8:39

Source: “The School of Abraham and the School of Balaam,” Olive Seedlings.

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