1)

What are the connotations of "Vayisa Bil'am es Einav"?

1.

Rashi: He looked up in order to give Yisrael an Ayin ha'Ra. 1

1

Rashi: Now presenting us with Bil'am's three bad Midos - Ayin ha'Ra, Ru'ach Gevohah (above in 22:13) and Nefesh Rechavah (above in 22:18).

2)

What happened to the Ayin ha'Ra that Bil'am planned to give Yisrael?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah (citing the M'lo ha'Omer): It never materialized, since, at that moment the Shechinah came upon him and he was forced to fall on his face - in which case he was unable to see Yisrael and to give them an Ayin ha'Ra whilst receiving the prophecy.

2.

The sight that met his eyes when he looked at them ? Refer to 24:2:2:1 - negated his intention to give them an Ayin ha?Ra. 1

1

Refer tto 24:2:3:1.

3)

What exactly did Bil'am see?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: He saw that each tribe dwelt within its own borders 1 and how the openings of their tents did not face one another, so that one man should not peep into his friend's tent. 2

1

Targum Yonasan: In their Batei Midrashim (See Peirush Yonasan).

2

See Torah Temimah, note 1, who elaborates.

4)

What is the significance of "Va't'hi alav Ru'ach Elokim"?

1.

Rashi: It implies that Bil'am decided not to curse Yisrael (or to give them an Ayin ha?Ra?ah).

2.

Ramban: Refer to 24:1:2. This time, since he prepared himself for a revelation, Hashem elevated him to a level of prophecy. 1

3.

Rashbam: Refer to 24:1:1:2. The Shechinah rested upon him because he decided to bless Yisrael with a full heart. 2

4.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: There came upon him a spirit of prophecy.

5.

Oznayim la'Torah (citing the Maharsha in Bava Basra, 60): The Shechinah rested (not on Bil'am, but) on Yisrael 3 - because they were careful not to cause damage to others, even by merely looking into their tents (to avoid Hezek Re'iyah), 4 or because of Tzeni'us (modesty). 5

1

Ramban: See Beha'aloscha Bamidbar, 11:29 and Yeshayah, 61:1. And this explains why, in Pasuk 4, he refers to himself as "Shome'a Imrei Keil".

2

Rashbam: Because the spirit of Hashem rests on a person out of love.

3

See Oznayim la'Torah DH 'va'Yar es Yisrael ... '.

4

Bava Basra, 60a. See Oznayim la'Torah on Pasuk 5, DH 'Mah Tovu' #! And Torah Temimah on Pasuk 2, note 1, DH 've'Da ... '.

5

Midrash Yilmedeinu. See Oznayim la'Torah, DH 'Mah Tovu' #2, who elaborates.

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