Parasha Balak – Year 2 – Blessing Instead of Curse.
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will study the parasha Balak, portion of year 2, where we will learn how Yahweh is in control of everything that happens, even when people try to do otherwise. We will see how a prophet faces challenges to follow Yahweh’s instructions, and how His plans are always fulfilled, teaching us the importance of obedience and trust in Him, even when others want to influence us. It is a valuable lesson for the whole family about listening and following what Yahweh says.
Bemidbar (Numbers) 23:25-26
25 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!”
26 So Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that Yahweh speaks, that I must do’?”
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 22:2-38 / 22:39-23:26 / 23:27-25:9
- Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 5
- Mikah (Micah) 5 / 6
- Judah (Jude) 1:1-8 / 1:9-16 / 1:17-25
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 22:39-23:26
In these verses, Balak takes Balaam to various places to curse Israel, but every time Balaam opens his mouth, he can only utter blessings. Despite Balak’s pressure, Balaam only speaks what Yahweh allows him to speak. This story teaches that Yahweh’s will is supreme and cannot be altered by human desires. It also shows us the importance of obedience and integrity in the face of outside influences. Yahweh protects His people and uses even those who seek to do evil to accomplish His purposes and blessings.
Mikah (Micah) 5
In these verses, the birth of a leader is prophesied in Bethlehem who will rule with justice and bring lasting peace. This leader, identified as the Messiah, comes from the line of David and has an eternal origin. The passage shows us the protection and care that Yahweh will provide for His people through this ruler. It also mentions how Yahweh will restore Israel, defeat their enemies and eliminate idolatry. The central teaching is the hope in Yahweh’s promise: a Saviour will bring redemption and deliverance, leading His people with strength and compassion.
Judah (Jude) 1:9-16
In these verses, the consequences of rebellion and arrogance are warned against. A confrontation between the archangel Mihael (Michael) and Satan over the body of Moshe (Moses) is mentioned, teaching us that even messengers (angels) do not utter accusations without Yahweh’s authority. The passage criticises those who follow their own desires, speak arrogantly and cause divisions. These people are compared to biblical examples of rebellion, such as Cain, Balaam and Korah. The teaching of this passage is about the importance of maintaining humility, avoiding corruption and living in obedience, remembering that Yahweh will judge the wicked and those who go astray.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadashah). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
To view the Tanach studies, click here
To view the Brit Chadasha studies, click here
