Prophets of Israel and prophets of the Nations

According to the first passage on our parasha, Hashem gave all the nations of the world the same opportunities and potential for leadership. This is based upon the notion that G-d’s actions are perfect and His path is just. As such, Hashem provided for the possibility of perfect balance and equality in the world:

“The deeds of the [Mighty] Rock are perfect, for all His ways are just; a faithful G-d, without injustice He is righteous and upright.” (Sefer Devarim 32:4) [This may be interpreted as meaning] Hashem did not leave an opening in the World to Come (l’atid lavo) for the idol worshipping nations of the world to bring charges that He had denied them parity with the Jewish people. What did the Holy One blessed be He do to ensure this equality? Just as he provided the Jewish people with kings, wise men and prophets, so, too, did He do so for the idol worshipping nations of the world. (Midrash Rabbah 20:1. This and all translations, brackets and underlining my own; all Torah translation, The Judaica Press Complete Tanach)

The Midrash continues and notes that just as Hashem gave King Solomon to the Jewish people, he gave Nebuchadnezzar to the nations of the world; the former created the first Beit HaMikdash and the latter destroyed it. Moreover, G-d gave the wise King David great wealth which he used to purchase a House for Him, whereas, when Haman was given a similar fortune, he used it in an attempt to exterminate our nation. Most germane to our parasha, the Creator of the Universe gave Moshe to klal Yisrael and Bilam to the idol worshipping nations of the world. Therefore, the Midrash teaches us, “All of the greatness bestowed upon the Jewish people was given in kind to the nations of the world.” 

At this juncture, the Midrash compares and contrasts the Jewish prophets to their non-Jewish counterparts with regards to their actions and behaviors: