Numbers 22 - 24

Balaam
Today's reading covers Balak and Balaam.  Often referred to as the "hireling prophet" Balaam is representative of someone who knows the power of God, but who is willing to be influenced by sinners and tempted by fame and wealth.


Balak, the son of the Moabite King, is worried about the Israelites.  He is worried about his wealth, his safety, and whether or not his kingdom can maintain the status quo.  He beseeches Balaam, a person with a reputation for hearing from God, to curse the Israelites, offering to pay him handsomely for this service.


Balaam, in all his self-righteousness, and feelings of grandeur entertains the idea.  A true prophet would not have been tempted and would have cursed Balak for even asking such an evil thing.  But not Balaam. He asks Balak's messengers to spend the night.  After the Lord informs Balaam that a curse would not be forthcoming, Balak rebids the offer and Balaam tells his messengers (22:19), "Stay here one more night."  Now why would a person do this unless, in their heart, they wanted the Lord to change His mind?  The evidence points to the greed in Balaam's heart.


So hard headed is Balaam and so determined is he to deliver a curse, that he cannot perceive the angel of the Lord while riding his donkey.  The donkey takes three actions: bolting off the road, crushing Balaam's foot against a wall, and lying down for which he is beaten severely by Balaam.  In only the second incident in all of Holy Scripture, the Lord allows an animal to converse with a human (vs. 28). (The other incident is the serpent's conversation with Eve). Although apologetic to the angel, Balaam still pesters the Lord for a curse that never comes.


Ironically, the blessings Balaam delivers to the children of Israel and some of the prophecies he delivers are wonderful.  His first message confirms God's care for Israel and prophesies their number will be great.  His second message confirms the Lord's protection of Israel and prophesies their defeat of their enemies.  His third message confirms the the Lord's peace and blessings upon Israel and prophesies their destruction of other nations. His final message actually prophesies the coming of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ (vs17 "A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter will emerge from Israel").  Because Moab wanted to curse Israel, the Lord has Balaam's final message curse Moab (vs 17) and Israel's other enemies (vss. 18-24).


The lesson to be learned from Balaam is crystallized in 24:9, "[...]Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you."


May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.