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Why did Moab fear the approaching Israelites but Midian didn't seem concerned? The Torah (תורה) reveals a psychological truth about denial. While everyone initially fears when confronted with problems, most people quickly slip into denial and forget their fear - except for true leaders like Balak who force themselves to face reality.
This shiur examines a puzzling question from Parshas Matos regarding why Hashem (ה׳) commanded revenge against Midian rather than Moab, despite Moab being more involved in the sin with Bnei Yisrael. The analysis begins with Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation that Moab acted out of fear while Midian was motivated by pure hatred (sinas Yisrael). Rabbi Zweig identifies a deeper psychological pattern by analyzing a seemingly redundant verse in Parshas Balak: "Vayar Balak ben Tzipor es kol asher asah Yisrael la'Emori" - Balak saw all that Israel had done to the Emorites. Since everyone knew about Israel's victories over the mighty kings Sichon and Og, why does the Torah (תורה) specifically mention that Balak saw this?
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Parshas Matos
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