Why couldn’t these prophecies have been transmitted through Moses, the champion of the Jews? Instead we find that many of Moses’ prophecies are replete with rebukes and admonitions. It would seem that Moses and Balaam switched roles; Moses should have showered us with blessings and honor, and Balaam should have been the mouthpiece for G-d’s reprimands!

The Midrash says, “It would have been proper for the rebukes to emanate from the mouth of Balaam, and the blessings from the mouth of Moses. However, if Balaam would have rebuked, the Jews would have [disregarded the rebukes,] saying, ‘our foe is rebuking us.’ And if Moses would have blessed, the nations of the world would [disregard the blessings,] saying, ‘the one who loves them has blessed them.’ Therefore, G-d said, ‘Let Moses who loves them rebuke them, and let Balaam who detests them bless them.’”

There is a compelling lesson to be taken from this. Often, we are inclined to chide another – a family member, acquaintance, etc. – who has erred in his or her ways. We must always remember that the only legitimate admonition is one which derives from love and care. For if the person accepting the reproach feels that the reproacher is speaking out of anger or self-righteousness, the rebuke is futile and will accomplish no good. The verse says (Leviticus 19:17), “You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you shall reprove your fellow.” First be certain that you harbor no animosity in your heart, and then you may chastise.

*Despite Balaam’s remarkable blessings, the Midrash points out the stark difference between the words of Balaam the Jew-hater and the prophecies of Isaiah, the Prophet of Redemption. While Balaam said, “not now, isn’t near,” Isaiah says (56:1), “Thus says the Lord: Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my deliverance will come and My righteousness will be revealed.”