A Nation That Dwells Apart

The attempt to harm the Jewish people by Bilaam, was done through the power of his curse. Miraculously, his curse turned into a blessing, with Hashem’s help.

One of the famous blessings given by Bilaam, described the nature of the Am Yisrael. “They are a nation that dwells alone, and are not considered by the other nations.”

The commentators take this verse to mean that the uniqueness of the Jewish people is that they are the only ones that are Divinely inspired, and unlike the other nations, they will never perish.

Another explanation is that Israel is unique in that when they rejoice, the other nations are sad. And when Israel is in mourning, the other nations celebrate.

This Pasuk is meant to be seen as a blessing. The Jewish people are meant to be different from all of the nations of the world. We have a special destiny and a special role to play in the world. We are supposed to embrace this uniqueness and be grateful that we are the “chosen” people. We give thanks every morning that we have been born into the Jewish people. Bilaam reluctantly acknowledged how the Jewish people are special, and this became one of his most significant blessings.