The portion of Balak recounts the attempt of Balak, the king of Moav, to hire the heathen prophet Balaam to curse the nation of Israel. Balak was terrified that his country would be overrun by Israel as they approached their entry into the Land of Israel. The portion tells the story of how Balaam despite his wanting to curse the Jews was coerced by God to bless them instead. In fact, some of the most beautiful and descriptive blessings in the Torah come from the mouth of Balaam. Not only this but he also prophesied regarding what would occur in the Messianic, “end of days,” many of which future Jewish prophets predicted as well.