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Questions to Consider Regarding Balaam I want to draw your attention to an interesting and intriguing individual – Balaam. We are introduced to him in Numbers 22 when Balak, king of Moab, summoned him for the purpose of pronouncing a curse on the Promise Land-bound Israelites. The Israelites had recently defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan (see Numbers 21:21-35). “Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.” (Numbers 22:1-3). So, Balak sent messengers to Balaam “…to call him, saying, ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me…” (Numbers 22:5-6). Now, let’s notice some of the good things that Balaam did. First of all, he directed attention to the God of heaven – “…I will bring back word to you, as the LORD speaks to me” (Numbers 22:8). Secondly, Balaam followed God’s instructions and refused to go with Balak’s messengers (see Numbers 22:13). Balaam seemingly remained strong when Balak sent additional messengers – “more in number and more honorable” (Numbers 22:15) than the first. Notice Balaam’s words, “…I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do less or more” (Numbers 22:18). However, upon inquiring of the LORD on this occasion, Balaam was granted permission to travel with the messengers to Balak. But, this is when a curious thing happens – “But God’s anger was kindled because he went…” (Numbers 22:22). So, here is my first question for you - Why, after giving Balaam permission to go with the messengers, was God angry with him for doing so? It is at this point in the account of Balaam that we find the interesting events involving his donkey – the donkey whose mouth “…the LORD opened…” (Numbers 22:28). But, it’s not this part of the account that I want you to focus upon. Instead, I want you to consider what Balaam did once he arrived at Balak’s location. Even though Balak instructed Balaam to curse the Israelites, Balaam responded, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak." (Numbers 22:38). So, on three occasions, Balaam disappointed and angered Balak by pronouncing a blessing on the Israelites rather than a curse: the first blessing – Numbers 23:7-10; the second blessing –Numbers 23:18-24; the third blessing – Numbers 24:3-9. Then, Balaam issued what I believe to be a Messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:15-24). He then “…rose and went back to his place” (Numbers 24:25). We later find that Balaam was killed as a result of the Divine vengeance brought against the Midianites. (See Numbers 31:1,8.) Then, in several New Testament references, Balaam is used as an example of sinfulness and error. So, here is my second question for you – What did Balaam do that was so wrong? Lord willing, I’ll answer these questions in next week’s bulletin. In the meantime… Happy Studying.
Exercising the Mind – The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-11
A LITTLE WORD A little word in kindness spoken, a motion or a tear, Has often healed the heart that’s broken, and made a friend sincere. A word—a look—has crushed to earth many a budding flower, Which, if a smile but cheered its birth, would bless life’s darkest hour. Then deem it not an idle thing, a pleasant word to speak; The face you wear, the thoughts you bring, a heart may heal or break. ---selected |