The story, as it unfolds in the Book of Numbers, centers on Balak, king of Moab, who is terrified by the approaching Israelites. He hires Bilam, a non-Israelite prophet known for the power of his curses, to curse them. Balak promises Bilam great honor and riches: "For I will honor you greatly, and anything that you say to me I will do, only please go curse this people for me" (Numbers 22:17).
But what kind of person was Bilam? The Midrash, specifically Bamidbar Rabbah 20, offers a scathing character assessment based on his own words. It dissects his response to Balak's initial offer, revealing some deeply unflattering truths.
Bilam, in Numbers 22:18, famously proclaims, "If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I would be unable to violate the directive of the Lord my God, to perform a small or a great matter.” The Midrash pounces on this statement, arguing that it reveals three damning characteristics: an evil eye, a haughty spirit, and a greedy soul.
Let's unpack that. First, the evil eye. The Midrash points to Numbers 24:2, "Bilam lifted his eyes, and saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes." Why does it specify "lifted his eyes"? Bamidbar Rabbah argues it wasn't just observation; it was a jealous, malevolent gaze, an attempt to inflict harm through the power of his negative energy. It would have been sufficient to write that he saw, but the extra words demonstrate his jealousy and intent. Imagine someone glaring at you, trying to mentally bring you down. That's the picture being painted here.
Next, a haughty spirit. Remember, Bilam had already been told by God not to go with Balak. Yet, Bamidbar Rabbah picks up on Bilam's phrasing when he says, "As the Lord refused to allow me to go with you." He subtly implies that God was doing him a favor, almost as if God needed Bilam's permission! This wasn't obedience; it was a puffed-up ego masquerading as piety.
Finally, and perhaps most damning, a greedy soul. Bilam's elaborate denial – "Were Balak to give me his house full of silver and gold…" – only serves to highlight his obsession with wealth. The Midrash even suggests a clever line of reasoning on Bilam's part: If Balak needed to hire armies to defeat the Israelites, wouldn't it be worth giving Bilam everything he wanted to secure a guaranteed victory through curses?
This insatiable desire, this constant craving for more, is a core element of Bilam's character. It's not just about the money; it's about the power and status that come with it.
Even his (forced) prophecies get a cynical twist. When Bilam says, "I would be unable to violate," Bamidbar Rabbah interprets this as a begrudging acknowledgement that he can't undo the blessings already bestowed upon Israel. He's not being virtuous; he's admitting his limitations!
And finally, consider Bilam's request in Numbers 22:19: "Now, please, you, too, remain here this night, and I will know what more the Lord will speak to me.” The "you, too" is dripping with sarcasm. According to the Midrash, Bilam is essentially saying, "You'll end up frustrated, just like the first delegation." He knows he shouldn't be pursuing this, but he can't resist the allure of potential gain. Furthermore, that final line – "I will know what more the Lord" – is seen as Bilam prophesying that God will actually add more blessings for Israel through him, a truly ironic and unwanted outcome for the would-be curser!
So, what are we left with? Bilam, as portrayed in Bamidbar Rabbah, isn't just a villain; he's a cautionary tale. He embodies the dangers of unchecked ego, insatiable greed, and the corrosive power of envy. He serves as a reminder that our motivations matter, and that even apparent piety can mask a deeply flawed character. It begs the question: how often do we, perhaps on a much smaller scale, fall prey to similar temptations, allowing our own "evil eyes," haughty spirits, and greedy souls to cloud our judgment?