Bilam and the Prophets
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Said the Pulnoer: "Bilam showered praises upon Israel while the prophets rained reproofs upon them. Who was the better friend? The? ultimate intention of each gives the answer. Bilam intended to persuade the Israelites that they had already attained perfection and need not improve themselves. Had they accepted his counsel they would have deteriorated and become like other nations.
"The prophets, however, intended to spur Israel into attaining a state of higher purity and goodness. They, therefore, rebuked them even for minor sins, and did not hesitate to exaggerate their shortcomings."
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Source: Fun Unzer Alten Olam
