Balaam Scorns Balak's Meager Ox and Sheep Offering

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 22:40

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep" (Numbers 22:40). This teaches that he sacrificed only a single ox and a single sheep. Now Balaam had a haughty spirit and an impatient soul, so Balaam grew angry at him and said: Did he not have oxen and did he not have sheep? Rather, Balak sent the least of his oxen and the least of his sheep. Tomorrow I will rise early at his morning, so that I will take from them none but bulls and rams as well.

Themes

Sacrifice

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Book of JubileesThe Angel Who Saved IsaacI'm talking about the Akedah, the binding of Isaac. The familiar story is this: Abraham, tested to the absolute limit, raises his knife to sacrifice his son IsaBen SiraIncense and Prayer of SiraBen Sira, in his wisdom, reminds us of something fundamental: "If they were not, you would not have come to the world." Your parents, your ancestors... they pavBen SiraThe Priest Who Blessed Israel With God's NameThe Book of Ben Sira, a treasure trove of wisdom literature, gives us a glimpse into this very idea, specifically through the lens of the priesthood. It speaks Ben SiraSamuel's Prophecy That Echoed After DeathBen Sira, in chapter 46 of his wisdom text, paints a vivid portrait of Samuel, a leader renowned for his unwavering faith and powerful connection to God. It's aBen SiraHigh Priest Before the AltarForget the sterile descriptions in history books. Ben Sira, in chapter 50 of his wisdom book, gives us a series of breathtaking images to help us do just that. Book of JubileesAltar and Offering and the CovenantThe Book of Jubilees, a text that gives us a unique retelling of the Torah, certainly seems to think so. It’s a book overflowing with warnings and rebukes, a ca