Balak Sends an Ox and a Sheep and Balaam Gnashes His Teeth

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 15:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Then Balak sacrificed an ox and a sheep" (Numbers 22:40). The righteous say little and do much. Of Abraham it is written, "Let me fetch a piece of bread" (Genesis 18:5), and afterward, "Hurry, three se'ahs of fine meal" (Genesis 18:6), and "Abraham ran to the herd" (Genesis 18:7). But the wicked say much and do little. Balak said, "For I will surely honor you greatly" (Numbers 22:17); yet when he came, he sent him only an ox and a sheep. Balaam began gnashing his teeth at him, for his appetite was wide. He said: So this is what he has sent me? Tomorrow I will place a curse upon his possessions, as it is said, "And Balaam said to Balak: Build me here seven altars" (Numbers 23:1).

Themes

AnimalsSacrificeCreationAdam EveTemple

Biblical References

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