1)

What did Bil'am mean when he described himself as "Yode'a Da'as Elyon"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: He was referring to his ability to catch the exact moment each day when Hashem was angry. 1

2.

Ramban: 'The one who knows the Mind of the One on High'. 2

3.

Targum Onkelos: 'The one who is granted knowledge from the One on High'.

4.

Hadar Zekenim (in Pasuk 1): He was claiming that he knew that Hashem does not want to curse Yisrael.


1

B'rachos, 7a: It cannot be taken literally, seeing as Bil'am did not even know the mind of his own ass. Refer to 22:31 and Torah -Temimah, note 10.

2

Ramban: He said this because he was about to divulge what Hashem planned to do at the end of days, as the Pasuk says in Yeshayah, 63:4 "Ki Yom Nakam be'Libi".

2)

Why did Bil'am not mention prophecy, as he did on the three previous occasions?

1.

Ramban: Because, having said "Yode'a Da'as Elyon, asher Machazeh Shakai Yechezeh", it is obvious that he was speaking in the name of Hashem, and it was unnecessary to mention it.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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