Why Balak Knew Balaam's Curse Could Destroy Moab

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 6:5

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"For I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed" (Numbers 22:6). From where did he know? At the time when Sihon sought to wage war against Moab, he was afraid, because they were mighty men; so he hired Balaam and his father to curse Moab. For thus it says: "Therefore those who speak in parables say…, for a fire has gone out from Heshbon…, woe to you, Moab…" (Numbers 21:27, 28, 29). Therefore he said, "For I know…"

Themes

Adam EveWarBlessingFireWisdom

Biblical References

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