133. "So he sent messengers to Bilaam the son of Beor" (Bemidbar 5-6). There are 28 words here, corresponding to the 28 levels of witches and magic sorcerers using a bird. We need to wonder why whoever wished to speak to Bilaam and join with him sent clear instructions immediately before approaching him, by saying, "Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt... Come now therefore, I pray you, curse me" (Ibid. 6). He should first have joined with him, ingratiated himself, bribed him and then informed him of what he wished to do.
134. HE RESPONDS: Yet Rabbi Yosi said that from here, it is recognizable that Balak was already aware of the desires of that evildoer, and that he wished to be apportioned great projects; his only ambition is to do evil deeds. THEREFORE, HE WAS EXALTING HIM AS IF THE REINS ARE IN HIS HANDS, AND TO WHOM HE WISHES HE CAN SEND BLESSINGS OR CURSES AND IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED. ALSO, HE INFORMED HIM OF HIS OWN DESIRE TO CURSE YISRAEL, SINCE HE KNEW THAT HIS ENTIRE WISH WAS ONLY TO DO EVIL AND HARM.
135. Balak performed sorcery and witchcraft and constructed a bird. He was aware that Moses' levels were lofty and precious; he crafted with his witchery, and performed magical sorcery, and was aware that Bilaam's levels were corresponding TO THE LEVELS OF MOSES. Immediately, "he sent messengers to Bilaam the son of Beor."
136. Petor is a name of a place, as it is written: "From Petor of Aram Naharaim (Eng. 'two rivers') to curse you" (Devarim 23:5). Why was it called that way? Because it is written: "That set out a table for Fortune" (Yeshayah 65:11). He set a table there every day, since that is the custom of the evil sides. They set up for them a table with food and drink, performed sorcery, and smoked incense before that table. Then all the defiled spirits gathered there and informed them of whatever they wished. And all the magic and sorcery in the world were on that table, which is why the name of the place was called 'Petorah,' since a table is called 'Petora' in Aram Naharaim (Eng. 'two rivers').
137. He opened the discussion with the verse: "You shall also make a table of acacia wood" (Shemot 25:23) and: "And you shall set upon the table shewbread..." (Ibid. 30). The Holy One, blessed be He, wished to have all these holy utensils made for Him, in order to draw the Holy Spirit from above downward. The wicked Bilaam prepared similarly for the Other Side, and he prepared a table and bread that is called "disgusting bread" (Malachi 1:7). As we were taught, the Other Side follows the holiness like a monkey after people. And King Solomon cried and said, "For what can the man do who comes after the king? Even that which has already been done" (Kohelet 2:12), WISHING TO IMITATE HIM, AND BE LIKE HIM, and we were already taught this verse.