במדבר, פרק כ״ד, פסוק י״א

The partnership between Balak and Balaam finally reaches a breaking point. After repeated disappointments, the king of Moab dismisses the prophet in disgrace, replacing his earlier promises of immense wealth and prestige with a harsh demand to leave immediately. At this stage, Balak completely gives up and makes no further attempts to move Balaam to a new location. Once Balaam declared that anyone who curses the Israelites would be cursed and foretold the destruction of their enemies, Balak realized that any further attempts would only bring ruin upon Balaam himself or Moab. With no other options, he is forced to expel him [הטור הארוך, רבנו בחיי, חזקוני].

The command to flee home carries a fourfold humiliation. Balak demands that Balaam leave at once, move rapidly, travel completely alone without any royal escort, and go directly back to his own city without stopping in any other Moabite or Midianite towns [אור החיים]. The primary approach among commentators is that this demand to flee does not imply running from a pursuer, but rather an order to hurry and travel light. This serves as a stark contrast to how an honorable journey should look. Instead of marching slowly alongside a large, dignified entourage, Balaam is forced to travel alone, moving as quickly and lightly as a runaway [העמק דבר].

However, others view this demand as a genuine warning of future danger [ספורנו]. According to this perspective, Balak warns Balaam to run for his life back to his own land, which lies outside of Canaan. Now that he has blessed the Israelites, he is in danger of falling into their hands [שפתי כהן]. Interestingly, the Aramaic translation of the text softened the harsh command to flee, changing it simply to a request to leave, as a matter of basic politeness and respect [נתינה לגר].

The contrast between the promised glory and the grim reality is highlighted by Balak's reminder of his previous intentions to honor the prophet. The phrasing hints at the two earlier occasions when Balak hoped to bestow this honor, a hope that has now been shattered for a third time [רבנו בחיי]. The original plan was for Balaam to return to his homeland weighed down by property, silver, and gold. Instead, he is forced to escape quickly and lightly, carrying absolutely nothing with him [בכור שור].

In his closing remarks, Balak delivers a final, stinging insult, declaring that God Himself has held Balaam back from receiving any honor. Balak does not use God's name out of newfound faith, but rather adopts Balaam's own terminology, acknowledging Him as the God of Israel [שד״ל]. He bitterly points out that the very God speaking through Balaam's throat is the one who denied him his payment [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some suggest this parting shot contains an even deeper insult. Balak implies that God did not prevent the curse solely out of love for the Israelites, but also out of a deep hatred for Balaam, actively ensuring he would be denied both wealth and respect [שפתי כהן].