As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“The speech of him that hears the words of G-d and knows the knowledge of the Most High.” (24:16)
The expression “Most High” (Elyon) means that Bileam was sent to reveal that which other prophets did not reveal, and
even Moshe was unwilling to reveal. The extraordinary virtue of the holy people was not preached by the prophets who
desired to urge Israel to return to their perfection which they had attained at Sinai, when Hashem had said “Would that
they should have such a heart as this, always to fear me.” (Devarim 5:26)
Although their reproof was beneficial, yet there was still a higher truth which Hashem does not so lavishly reveal.
This higher truth was now inserted in the Torah by means of Bileam, who revealed his knowledge of the ‘Most High.’
The truest friends of Israel, in the days of old, refrained from praising the people and instead constantly rebuked them.
But the Torah needed some revelation of Israel’s superb nature, and for this higher truth Bileam was sent.
Thus, when the status of Song of Songs (Shir Hashirim) was under discussion, Rabbi Akiba spoke up with emotion and he declared: “All of the (holy) Books are holy, but Shir Hashirim is the holy of holies.” (Yadayim 3:5) It is not the Book itself, but the theme of this Book which is devoted to Hashem’s love of Israel, which is the holiest of themes Not Bileam himself, but this theme of Hashem’s love of Israel, is the highest truth of Knowledge of Hashem.
Quoted from “Journey Into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shalom
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