Kabbalah Library

397. It is written, “Do not eat the bread of an evil eyed man.” This is Balaam, who was evil eyed and blessed Israel. “And do not lust after his delicacies.” This is Balak, whom the Creator did not want those offerings that he had offered to Him.

398. When Balak saw that Sihon and Og had been killed and their land was taken, he saw with his wisdom that he and five upper ones of Midian were falling into the hands of Israel. He saw, and he did not know clearly. Hence, he rushed to Balaam, whose strength was in his mouth to bless and to curse, like Israel, whose strength is in their mouth.

399. Even Balaam was more abominable than Balak, and that knowledge he knew, he knew only at night, since those lower Sefirot and the donkeys of the shell are present only during the first watch of the night. In the first watch, the donkey brays. This is why he had a mare of that side, so the donkeys would connect with her in the beginning of the night.