How Can Balaam Curse Whom God Has Not Cursed

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 18:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 23:8:) "HOW SHALL I CURSE WHOM GOD HAS NOT CURSED?" At the time when they were fit to be cursed, they were not cursed. At the time when Jacob entered to receive the blessings, as it is written (in Genesis 27:16): "AND THE SKINS OF THE KIDS OF THE GOATS, etc.," his father said to him (in Genesis 27:18): "WHO ARE YOU?" He said to him (in Genesis 27:19): "I AM ESAU YOUR FIRSTBORN." The one who brings forth a lie with his mouth — is he not fit to be cursed? Yet not only was he not cursed, but he was blessed, as it is said (in Genesis 27:33): "HE SHALL ALSO BE BLESSED." So how shall I curse him — WHOM GOD HAS NOT CURSED?

Themes

PatriarchsCreationJacobBlessingPrayer

Biblical References

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Book of JubileesJacob Steals the Blessing Disguised as EsauBook of Jubilees turns to Jacob Steals the Blessing Disguised as Esau. The stage is set. Jacob, aided by his mother Rebecca, is enacting his plan to receive theBook of JubileesEsau Cries With Bitter Anguish Over the Lost BlessingBook of Jubilees turns to Esau Cries With Bitter Anguish Over the Lost Blessing. The patriarch Isaac has just unknowingly blessed his younger son, Jacob, insteaMidrash AggadahWhy Isaac's Eyes Grew Dim Before He Blessed His SonsWhen the verse says, "And it came to pass when Isaac was old," the sages listen for what lies just before it, where the Torah tells how Esau's wives were "a bitSifrei DevarimJacob Prayed That Ishmael's Descendants Would Not PrevailOur tradition certainly understands that feeling. And it finds a powerful voice in the prayer of Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes. We find this prayer tucMidrash Tanchuma Buber, ToldotJacob's Voice and Esau's Hands at Isaac's Blessing and BetarWhen Rebekah sent Jacob to the flock and dressed him in his brother's intent, he carried the dish to his father and stood for the blessing. And do not say JacobMidrash Tanchuma Buber, VayetzeiWhy Jacob Refused to Flee Esau Without Isaac's Blessing"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but one who listens to counsel is wise." So the sages opened the story of Jacob's flight. The fool is Esau. He saw