Meaning of the name

Balak, בָּלָק, is thus named for Balak, king of the Moabites, who is the first person mentioned in the portion.
The portion begins and informs us that Balak, the king of Moab, saw all of Israel’s accomplishments (in the wars mentioned in the previous portion), and feared the Israelites. He then sends messengers to Bil’am the son of Beor, a regional prophet, asking him to curse the Israelites. Initially, God does not allow Bil’am to fulfill this mission, but when Balak continues to offer Bil’am more treasures and glory for his services, Bil’am is tempted to go. God allows him to go only if he will say what God tells him to. On his way, an angel stands before him with his sword drawn, but only Bil’am’s she-donkey sees him. She refuses to proceed, and Bil’am beats her. She then opens her mouth and speaks, asking why he treated her this way when she has always been loyal to him, and God then reveals the angel to Bil’am. The angel again warns Bil’am that he must only say what God tells him to say.

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