Though Bilam wanted to curse the Jewish people, he was unable to. Actually, his unique talent was that he knew the moment God is angry each day, and was able to tap into that moment to say his nasty things. At the moment of God’s anger, those words would have a great effect – and he knew it!
Unfortunately for him, God showed no anger in those days, and as a result, his curse resulted in him reciting a blessing for the Jewish people! So much for cursing others! The Talmud tells us – for those interested in knowing – exactly when God gets angry angry each day and why. It’s at that time that man can have an effect on the world in a most negative manner!
One of the Sages of the Talmud had his own anger issues with a particular rebellious nudnik and wanted to curse him. He tried the technique offered in the Talmud, but it did not go well unfortunately! No! Cursing is no good even for a great man to do towards a lowly person!
The Talmud teaches us some Mussar about the value of regret and just how it compares with actual physical discipline. Interesting! Moshe asks three requests from God and apparently God grants him all the requests. But another Sage says that he was only granted two of those requests. It seems, that not even Moshe came to know the reason why God bestows His kindness on the evil people of the world…
The Talmud teaches us another aspect of the Tefillin that God wears.
The Talmud teaches us that contrary to thinking that God was not pleased that Moshe had not looked at His presence when He appeared to him in the burning bush, in fact, God was most pleased and rewarded him for this humility in turning away from the Divine presence that showed itself then.
It is not for us to stare at the Godly presence when She shows herself to us. It is a great honour if ever God reveals Himself to us in some way. By turning away in humility – we are truly more honoured by our having shown respect to God.
