Mindful of the futility of armed combat, which had already seen the defeat of the mighty armies of Sihon and Og, he decided to employ ‘Harry Potter’ style tactics and opted to have the Jews ‘cursed’ by a professional — Balaam the Midianite gentile prophet.

At first, the Almighty imposes a ‘travel ban’ on Balaam and orders him not to go with the Moabite officers who came with the request from Balak.

Eventually, however, He relents and allows Balaam to travel, but warns him he may end up with egg on his face, as he will only be allowed to utter what God permits him to say.

On the way, an angel appears to Balaam’s donkey and the animal stops in its tracks. Initially unable to see the angel, Balaam smites the beast. At that moment, the donkey miraculously spoke to its master, remonstrating with him. Balaam then sees the angel himself and apologises. Again, he is warned as to what will happen.

When he finally arrives, Balaam attempts to utter a curse. In true ‘Potteresque’ fashion instead of a curse, he involuntarily intones a blessing. Further attempts fare no better.

As a parting shot, Balaam advises Balak to entice the Israelites to sin with Moabite women, as God will then be angry with them, allowing their enemies to take advantage.

Cue Pinchas, grandson of Aaron to take matters in hand by slaying the ringleader, Zimri, thus quelling God’s anger.

Sunday is the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, the day that commemorates the breach of the Walls of Jerusalem prior to the Destruction of the Temple by the Romans — commencing the ‘Three Weeks of Mourning’.

May we merit seeing the Temple rebuilt.

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