Why Balaam Fell to the Ground to See the Vision of Shaddai

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 24:4

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"The speech of one who hears the words of God" (Numbers 24:4) — for the Shekhinah was speaking with him. "Who sees the vision of Shaddai" — for he would gaze upon the Shekhinah. "Falling down, yet with open eyes" — when he wished to speak with Him, the Holy One, blessed be He, he would prostrate himself to the ground and cast himself down at the gate, and immediately the Holy One, blessed be He, by means of it would show him all that he asked. And why was he unable to see the Shekhinah unless he fell down? Because he was uncircumcised and was unable to stand upon his feet.

Themes

ProphecyShekhinah

Biblical References

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