1)

Why did Bil'am instruct Balak to stand by his Olah?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: Because it is correct for the owner to stand by his Korban whilst it is being sacrificed, as the Gemara states in Sotah, 8a.

2)

Why did Bil'am insert the word "Ulai"?

1.

Rashi: Because Hashem was not accustomed to appearing to him by day. 1

2.

Seforno: Because he was not on the level of Moshe, who, once he was established, was assured of Hashem's attention at any time. 2 And he figured that perhaps Hashem would come to meet him, like He came to meet Moshe when he first became a prophet. 3


1

Refer to 22:8:1:1.

2

Seforno: As the Torah wrote 12:7 "b'Chol Beisi Ne'eman hu".

3

At the burning bush - See Sh'mos, 3:4.

3)

What is the meaning of "Vayeilech Shefi"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Onkelos: It means 'He went alone'.

2.

Rashbam: It means It means 'He went limping', 1

3.

Targum Yonasan: It means 'He went doubled-over 2 like a snake'. 3


1

As in Iyov, 33:21. The Gemara in Sotah, 10a proves from here that Bil'am was lame in one leg. See Torah Temimah, note 1.

2

As in Iyov, 33:21. Because he was lame - Refer to 22:24:1:1. See also Ba'al ha'Turim

3

'Shefifon' is a kind of snake - See Bereishis 49:17.

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