Bilaam

A renowned sorcerer. When Balak, king of Moav, summons Bilaam to curse the Jews, God appears to Bilaam and forbids him to go. But because Bilaam is so insistent, God appears to him a second time and permits him to go. While en route, a malach (emissary from G-d) blocks Bilaam’s donkey’s path.

Unable to contain his frustration, Bilaam strikes the donkey each time it stops or tries make a detour around the malach. Miraculously, the donkey speaks, asking Bilaam why he is hitting her. The malach instructs Bilaam regarding what he is permitted to say and what he is forbidden to say regarding the Jewish People. When Bilaam arrives, King Balak makes elaborate preparations, hoping that Bilaam will succeed in the curse. Three times Bilaam attempts to curse, and three times a blessing issues instead. Balak, seeing that Bilaam has failed, sends him home in disgrace.