Chukas Balak / חקת בלק

Chukas Balak / חקת בלק

The Medrash relates Shlomo HaMelech’s frustration at not comprehending the secret of Porah Adumah, the red heifer. Now, in reality there are many reasons given even by Chazal themselves, so what bothered Shlomo HaMelech? The answer is found in the drosha “take unto you”, that HaShem revealed the most sublime and esoteric inner meaning of Porah Adumah only to Moshe Rabeinu. No other person, even Shlomo, was privy to this information. Realizing this, when Shlomo HaMelech, interpreted all of the mitzvos of the Torah and found satisfaction, he eventually came to Porah Adumah. Here, although he also offered beautiful explanation, he was well aware of his inability to comprehend what Moshe Rabeinu did and therefore was frustrated, not about this, but, perhaps, in all the other mitzvos he was not grasping the full meaning “I said I was wise (in the other mitzvos) but (when I reached Porah) I saw it (the other mitzvos) was far from me. (Chanucas HaTorah)

Rashi tells us that the nations criticize us and taunt us for keeping the mitzvos of which we don’t understand the reasons. The Sfas Emes explains this in a different way. In our present state of existence and comprehension the secret of Porah cannot be translated into our level and sphere of spirituality. However, in the future it will all become clear to us. In fact, to Moshe Rabeinu, on his level as an Ish HaElokim, he clearly understood it and how it fit into every day life. In fact, he writes, we as a nation, on Sinai were also able to understand the Edos. However, we fell from this level and it clouded our understanding. This is the scorn placed upon us by the nations. They call us fools for losing all the spiritual growth we had attained.

Concerning the sin of the waters of the rock, we find, among others two interpretations - Rashi and the Ramban. Rashi says Moshe Rabeinu hit the rock instead of speaking to it. The Ramban faults him for speaking harshly to the people. The Kedushas Levi insists they are one in the same. When a leader gives mussar to the Bnei Yisroel by pointing out their greatness and holiness, he in turn elevates them and the whole creation is called upon to be subservient to the wishes of Bnei Yisroel. However, if the leader gives mussar by focusing on their shortcomings, he lowers them and the creation is no longer subordinate to them. Because Moshe spoke harshly to Bnei Yisroel it was necessary to hit the rock and not enough to talk to it.

Previous Parshos

Tazria Metzora Achrei Mos Kedoshim Emor Behar Bechukosai Bamidbar Shavuos Naso Behalosicha Shilach Korach Chukas-Balak Pinchos Matos-Masei Devorim Voeschonon Ekev Reah Shoftim Ki Seitzei Ki Savo Nitzovim - Vayelech Rosh HaShana Haazinu-Yom Kippur Sukkos V'zos HaBrocha Breishis