Num. 22:22-32, Update on Balaam (1)

In the past we have written on these four chapters in Numbers but that in a recent personal journey through that section of Scripture we were blessed with a few thoughts which we though we would share.  If there is “redundancy” we still see the value, as Peter said, in not being “negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know the truth and are established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12).

·       Num. 23:8: How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?  And how shall I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?  This is a word we need today, as in many places Israel is becoming more and more hated.  But in the USA no politicians will say this.  They might say we should support Israel because they are our friend, or they are the “only democracy in the Middle East,” and other such things.  But Balaam’s words, the words of a prophet who wanted so much to curse and denounce Israel so he might enjoy a great payday, are the bottom line.  We must stand with the LORD, Creator of heaven and earth!

·       Num. 23:19: God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.  Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?  The character of God, which includes the character of His word, is at stake with respect to the nation of Israel.  God has made promises concerning Israel and these must be, and will be, honored.

·       Num. 23:23: For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel.  It now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’  Again, Israel is a testimony to the awesome, great, mighty ability of God.  You may ask, Balaam was talking to the king and princes of Moab perhaps 4000 years ago.  Is this still applicable?  Has not Israel forfeited the blessings promised by God?  Read the previous two notes.  This is not about Israel; it is about the God of Israel, and His eternal faithfulness.  He will keep His word!

·       22:4-6: … he sent messengers to Balaam … ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt.  …  Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me … for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”  22:15-17: Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable … ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; for I will certainly honor you greatly.’  Balak asked Balaam twice, and Balaam kept listening to their request and promise of honor and wealth.  Balaam had a reputation, likely established by the fact that he spoke for the LORD.  But as soon as he entertained Balak’s second group of messengers Balaam was liable for God’s judgment.  Remember: the first indicator as to whose slave we are is, “to whom do we listen.”  In both the OT (Heb. sama) and NT (Greek hupakouō) the primary word for “obedience” comes from the family of words that involve hearing.  If I am submitted to Christ as my Lord, then all contrary voices mean nothing to me!