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Why did Balak try to defeat Israel using speech/blessing (Bil'am) rather than opposing power like Edom did with the sword? The shiur develops that each nation must use their own divinely appointed strength - usurping another's spiritual inheritance is inherently flawed. This explains the contradictory divine interactions with Bil'am and why he was ultimately killed by sword.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L presents several interconnected questions from Parshas Balak, focusing on the theme of opposing spiritual powers and divine manipulation. He begins by analyzing why Moav and Midian, traditionally enemies, joined forces and specifically sought Midian's advice about confronting Israel. According to Rashi (רש"י), Midian understood that Moshe's power was 'in his mouth' (b'piv), having grown up among them, so they recommended finding someone with similar oral power - Bil'am. The Rabbi contrasts this strategy with Edom's approach from the previous parsha. When Israel requested passage through Edom, Moshe emphasized their spiritual inheritance - that when they cry out to Hashem (ה׳), He hears them (the power of 'kol Yaakov'). Edom responded by invoking their own inheritance from Yitzchok's blessing to Esav: 'al charbecha tichyeh' (by your sword you shall live). Edom essentially said: 'You have your power (voice/prayer), I have mine (sword), and we'll see who's stronger.'
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Parshas Balak
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