There are a number of similarities in the story of Bil'am and Balak (Bamidbar Perek 23) and the story of the Ish HaElokim in Melachim (Perek 13). What are the similarities and differences between the two stories and what do you think we can learn about either story from the comparison?
Respond to the question and previous comments.
This was ET and I's analysis of the Perakim:
ReplyDeleteBalak: 22
Bilam uses words when trying to curse the Jews
Hashem uses a Malach
Aton- she donkey
Melachim 13
The Navi uses a miracle when he makes his point
Hashem uses nature (lion)
Chamor- male donkey
Similarities
DERECH is mentioned a lot
SHOOV is mentioned a lot
Mizbach is a important part of Melachim with Yeravum and Mizbach is used a lot with Bilam
Messengers are treated in place of Hashem where the Navi is threatened and later tricked and where Balak tries to convince Bilam to come disregarding what he was told Hashem says
ET Lustiger
ReplyDeleteEli Gartenberg
Balak: 22 Melachim 13 Similarities
Bilam uses words when trying to curse the Jews The Navi uses a miracle when he makes his point DERECH is mentioned a lot
Hashem uses a Malach Hashem uses nature (lion) SHOOV is mentioned a lot
Aton- she donkey Chamor- male donkey Mizbach is a important part of Melachim with Yeravum and Mizbach is used a lot with Bilam
Messengers are treated in place of Hashem where the Navi is threatened and later tricked and where Balak tries to convince Bilam to come disregarding what he was told Hashem says
Rav Angel says that Bilam and Aish Elokim are both people renowned for their special abilities. Both start off listening to Hashem and doing his command but both eventually stray from the Derech and ignore it, implying an implicit lack of caring for what Hashem decreed. Both initially decline the invitation from a King, Bilam (Balak), Aish HaEloklim (Yeravum). The donkey is also used a symbol of how the donkey dies for Bilam in his place only because Bilam is needed for later in the story. Howeer the Aish HaElokim dies correctly and not the donkey like he (and Bilam) deserved. Both learn and teach that the Will of Hashem is unchangeable and everlasting regardless of your personal beliefs and ideas. We see the key difference through all the similarites is that the story of Bilam is one of Teshuvah changing the Dvar Hashem while Jeravum is a failure, refusing to change off the path and later being punished.
We focused on Milot Haminachot and not the core ideas of each character but the general language and events that transpired. Rav Angel took each character with the events and actions he partook and did and compared them into a similar story with a different moral. We looked for more obvious and text based comparisons and related and contrary points in both stories.