במדבר, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ט״ו

During the second attempt to curse the Israelites, a careful strategy unfolds as Balak and Balaam divide their roles in the tense moments before a Divine encounter. Balak is firmly instructed to stand exactly where he is beside the sacrifice, without moving a single step in any direction [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This strict command stems from a lingering suspicion; Balaam believes the king secretly followed him during their first attempt, and that this unwanted presence is what caused the initial plan to fail [צרור המור].

While Balak remains fixed in place, Balaam prepares for his own interaction with God. The primary approach among commentators is that this preparation is an active process, a deliberate readying of himself to meet the Divine [רש״י, שד״ל, נתינה לגר]. Conversely, this preparation can be viewed as an act of complete surrender, where he entirely nullifies his own desires and hands his free will over to God's guidance [רש״ר הירש]. Yet another perspective suggests that the encounter highlights a stark contrast in his reality: while his journey to the king was carefully premeditated, God's communication comes to him merely by chance [נתינה לגר].

A subtle shift in confidence also marks this second attempt. Previously, Balaam distanced himself to seek isolation, unsure if a revelation would actually occur. Now, he is entirely certain that the prophecy will reach him right where he stands, near the altars [מלבי״ם, אלשיך]. He no longer harbors any doubt. Having already experienced a Divine revelation, he knows with absolute clarity that God will appear and speak to Him again, requiring only the necessary preparation on his part [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם].

Beneath these physical preparations lies a deeper spiritual battle aimed at the very foundations of the Israelites' protection. The nation's strength rests on two profound historical promises: God's covenant with Abraham regarding his future offspring, and the enduring blessing delivered by the priests. Both of these foundational blessings were originally pronounced using a specific declaration of certainty. To dismantle the power of these blessings, Balaam proposes a coordinated attack mirroring that exact certainty. Balak is told to stand firm and channel the power of the sacrifices against the Israelites, while Balaam readies himself to counter their spiritual protection using his own wisdom [רבנו בחיי, שפתי כהן, כלי יקר].