RaYBaSH’s Ponderings of the Perkei Avot
Chapter 5:22
By Yehudah ben Shomeyr
“Whoever possesses
the following three traits is of the disciples of our father Abraham; and
whoever possesses the opposite three traits is of the disciples of the wicked
Balaam. The disciples of our father Abraham have a good eye, a meek spirit and
a humble soul. The disciples of the wicked Balaam have an evil eye, a haughty
spirit and a gross soul. What is the difference between the disciples of our
father Abraham and the disciples of the wicked Balaam? The disciples of our
father Abraham benefit in this world and inherit the World
To Come, and as is stated, "To bequeath to those who love Me there
is, and their treasures I shall fill" (Proverbs 8:21 ). The disciples of the wicked Balaam
inherit purgatory and descent into the pit of destruction, as is stated,
"And You, God, shall cast them into the pit of destruction; bloody and
deceitful men, they shall not attain half their days. And I shall trust in
you" (ibid., 55:24).”
Why is this
example given? Because Abraham is the Father and the Prophet of the Jewish
people and Balaam is thought to be the father and prophet to the Gentile
people.
But even Gentiles
can become talmidim (disciples) of Abraham, even if you’re children of Balaam
and the visa versa is true as well. Being a talmid (disciple) is a choice.
Yochannon (John), Messiah’s cousin said to the children of Abraham who
acted like talmidim (disciples) of Balaam in Matt. 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have
Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones
to raise up children unto Abraham.
Shalom,
-- Yehudah ben
Shomeyr
