Why the darkness? Let's delve into a fascinating passage from Bamidbar Rabbah 20 and explore this very question.

The passage opens by connecting God’s encounters with Bilam, the non-Israelite prophet, specifically noting that God "came to Bilam at night." This links back to Exodus 12:42, which describes the night of the Exodus from Egypt as "a night of vigilance of the Lord…it is this night…for all the children of Israel for their generations." Bamidbar Rabbah then strings together a series of nighttime events in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).

Think of Lavan, the Aramean, visited by God in a dream at night (Genesis 31:24). Or Avimelekh, similarly warned in a nighttime dream (Genesis 20:3). And of course, the dramatic plague of the firstborn in Egypt, which happened "at midnight" (Exodus 12:29). Even the parting of the Red Sea involved "the cloud and the darkness," yet it "illuminated the night" (Exodus 14:20). Even the war against the four kings, "He deployed against them at night" (Genesis 14:15). The text emphasizes that miracles and divine retribution often seem to unfold under the cloak of darkness.

But why night for Bilam? The text suggests a fascinating reason: Bilam wasn't worthy of the full, radiant Divine Presence. Bamidbar Rabbah states that God spoke with gentile prophets – "all the prophets of the gentiles" – specifically at night. It’s as if the darkness acted as a filter, a way for God to communicate without fully revealing Himself. Elifaz in Job 4:13 speaks of "thoughts from visions of the night," and Elihu, whom some Sages identify as Bilam (Yerushalmi, Sotah 5:6), also received divine communication at night (Job 33:14-15). It's almost like a dimmer switch, isn't it?

Then the text turns to Bilam’s eagerness to curse Israel. Remember the story? Balak, the king of Moab, wants Bilam to curse the Israelites. God initially tells Bilam, "Do not go" (Numbers 22:12). But Bilam persists, and eventually, God says, "If the people came to summon you, rise, go with them" (Numbers 22:20). The Midrash pulls a powerful lesson from this: "on the path that a person wishes to go, they lead him." It’s a chilling thought. God allows us to choose our path, even if it leads to our own downfall.

But there's a catch. God adds a condition: "However, only the matter [that I will speak to you, shall you do]" (Numbers 22:20). Bilam is forewarned, yet he still "arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and he went with the princes of Moav" (Numbers 22:21). The text emphasizes his eagerness. He awoke early and stood with alacrity!

The Midrash then offers a stinging comparison: "Evil one, their patriarch Abraham preceded you to bind Isaac his son: 'Abraham awoke early in the morning and saddled his donkey…'” (Genesis 22:3). Both arose early to embark on journeys involving donkeys. But what a contrast in intention! Abraham, driven by faith and willing to sacrifice his beloved son, and Bilam, driven by greed and malice, eager to curse an entire nation.

The final line is particularly damning: "He went with the princes of Moav – to teach you that he was as happy as they were regarding the calamity of Israel." Bilam’s eagerness wasn’t just about the money; it was about his desire to see Israel suffer.

So, what does all this tell us? Perhaps the darkness represents a realm of incomplete understanding, where divine communication is filtered, and human choices are tested. Maybe it highlights the contrast between genuine devotion and self-serving ambition. And maybe, just maybe, it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of God can still break through – if we choose to let it.