Summary of Haftarat Balak
Micah 5:7-6:8
The haftarah for Balak begins with Micah’s description of the remnant of Israel dispersed among the nations. The people of Israel will be like life-giving dew to the nations of the earth, but they will also rise up like a lion to defeat their enemies. In the future, the LORD will dismantle the weapons and defenses of the nations, put an end to the occult practices and idolatry, and execute vengeance on the nations that rebel against Him.
Micah 6 begins a new oracle in which the LORD arraigns Israel for covenant infidelity. He cites the righteous acts He performed for the nation, bringing them out of Egypt, leading them by the hand of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and thwarting the evil schemes of Balak and Balaam.
The nation of Israel rhetorically responds that no amount of sacrifices seem sufficient to appease God. The haftarah concludes with Micah replying that the LORD only requires justice, mercy, and humility.
The sages chose this passage of Micah for Haftarah Balak because of the reference to Balak and Balaam. A less obvious connection occurs in the parallel between Numbers 24:5. How good are your tents O Jacob, and Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness.
From FFOZ Voice of the Prophets
ffoz.org