Balak: point of view

Point of view is a major theme in Balak.  Balak hires Bilam to curse the Israelites.  He takes him to a certain (ad)vantage point.  When the result is not what Balak wants, he takes Bilam to another overlook.  Failure to obtain the desired result prompts another move, hoping that seeing the Israelite camp from another angle will be less favorable for them and more advantageous for Balak.  Now Bilam, in his wisdom, tries to not even look at the Israelites.  The ultimate point of view...eyes closed; But the result is still a blessing on the Hebrews. 


The story of Bilam’s trip, with the blocking angel is also a story of selective vision.  The donkey can see the angel and the danger he presents.  Bilam must have his eyes divinely opened to perceive what is obvious to an ass. Sometime intelligence blocks the obvious. 


To see truth one must simplify the understanding, take away the complications of opinion and desire. 


My professor of neuroscience once said:”seeing is believing”

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