It uses the comparison between Moses and Bilam to highlight just how utterly unique Moses was. Deuteronomy 34:10 tells us, “There has not arisen another prophet in Israel like Moses.” But the Midrash asks: was there anyone like Moses? The answer, surprisingly, is yes… and no.
The Bamidbar Rabbah suggests that among the nations of the world, there was someone comparable to Moses: Bilam, son of Beor. The idea is that God made sure that other nations had a prophet of similar stature, "so that there will not be recourse for the nations of the world to say: Had we had a prophet like Moses, we would have worshipped the Holy One blessed be He." It's like God saying, "Hey, everyone got a chance!"
But, and this is a BIG but, the comparison only goes so far. The Midrash then meticulously breaks down the differences between their prophetic experiences.
Let's start with the ways Moses was superior. First, Moses spoke with God standing. Remember Deuteronomy 5:28? "But you, stand here with Me and I will speak to you…" Bilam, on the other hand, only received prophecy when he was “fallen, with open eyes,” as Numbers 24:4 describes it. It paints a picture of a man prostrate, perhaps even in a trance.
Second, Moses spoke with God "mouth to mouth," as we find in Numbers 12:8. Intimate. Direct. Bilam only "heard the sayings of God" (Numbers 24:4). He was a step removed.
Third, and perhaps most profoundly, Moses spoke with God "face to face" (Exodus 33:11). Clear. Unobstructed. Bilam received prophecies in parables (Numbers 23:7). Riddles. Hints. Not the same thing at all.
So, Moses wins, right? Well, hold on. The Bamidbar Rabbah throws a curveball. There were three qualities that Bilam possessed that Moses didn't.
First, Bilam knew who was speaking to him: "The utterance of one who hears the sayings of God, the vision of the Almighty he will see" (Numbers 24:4). Moses, apparently, didn't always have that clarity.
Second, Bilam knew when God would speak to him: "He knows the knowledge of the Most High" (Numbers 24:16). Moses didn't have an appointment calendar with the Divine.
The Midrash uses a fascinating parable to illustrate this. It compares Bilam to the king’s slaughterer, who knew what the king would offer on his table and how much he would spend. Bilam, in a sense, had insider information. He knew the Divine menu in advance.
Third, Bilam could access prophecy whenever he wished. Again, Numbers 24:4, "Fallen with open eyes," suggests this immediacy. He'd fall on his face, and bam, revelation! Moses didn't have that kind of on-demand access.
Except… maybe he did? Rabbi Shimon chimes in, suggesting that Moses could speak with God whenever he wished. He points to the verse "And when Moses came into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Him," (Numbers 7:89) followed immediately by, "he heard the Voice speaking with him." The implication is that Moses simply had to enter the Tent of Meeting, and God would speak.
So, what does it all mean? It seems like the Bamidbar Rabbah isn't trying to diminish Moses. Instead, it's highlighting the paradox of prophecy. Moses had a uniquely intimate and direct relationship with God. He stood in God's presence. He spoke face-to-face. Yet, Bilam, in his own way, had a certain level of control and knowledge that Moses lacked.
Perhaps the message is that prophecy isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. Different prophets, different gifts, different limitations. But ultimately, it’s the character of the prophet, their intentions, and their actions that truly matter. Bilam, despite his prophetic abilities, ultimately used them for his own gain, cursing instead of blessing. Moses, despite any limitations, used his for the good of his people, leading them to freedom. And maybe that's the real difference that makes all the difference.