Numbers 23 (v1-12,18-24), Balaam, Oracles #1 and 2

If you still wonder about Balaam and whether he was a prophet of God, keep in mind that this story is about his attempt to bring about the demise of the people God chose as His own treasure.  Balaam sides with the enemies of Israel.  Therefore, let us be clear: this story is not about the life of a false prophet; it is about the faithfulness of the LORD in keeping His covenant with Israel.

I have included a photo looking over from Israel, across the Jordan rift, towards the mountains of Moab, in front of which are the plains of Moab.  It’s not the best photo but might give you an idea of the lay-of-the-land.  The mountains in the distance are part of the story.  The King of Moab took Balaam to high places in those mountains, where they had a view of the mass of people on the plain, and from there hoped Balaam would curse the people.  This happened three times; from the last spot Balaam gave two of the four messages God had for Balak.

·       The first oracle, 23:7-10.  The message is a simple rebuke to the king who wanted Balaam to curse Israel.  How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?  Then he goes beyond this to, in fact, honor Israel.  They are a people not reckoning itself among the nations.  Israel is a distinct people, God’s chosen people, separate from the other nations.  That’s why, in the English Bible, it speaks of Israel and the Gentiles.  “Gentiles” means nations, but in the Bible it's all the nations except Israel.  Balaam exalts Israel, saying let my end be like his.  Balak didn’t take well to this (v11).  But Balaam had no choice. 

·       The second oracle, 23:18-24.  This time Balak took Balaam to the top of Pisgah, one of the peaks in the area, with a meadow near the top.  From there they could see the fringes of the people of Israel, and Balak hoped that with the offerings he made God would be willing to curse a part of Israel.  But NO!  Balaam begins where he left off: God is not a man that He should lie … v19, a verse I committed to memory many years ago that has been an encouragement.  Num. 23:21 is important: He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.  Balaam would later tell the king to entice Israel to commit fornication, thus bringing judgment from the LORD.  But the LORD his God is with him (Jacob, v21).  Thus these people will complete their task of devouring her enemies (v24).  Balaam did not curse Israel; he blessed Israel!  Again, Balak was not happy.

The first two oracles are an interesting collection.  In the first, it’s all on God.  He has not cursed them, so neither can I.  In the second, it’s on Israel.  God has not observed iniquity in Israel.  Unlike the previous generation that died in the wilderness, the current generation has been responsive to the LORD when He directed them to go to war against Sihon and Og.  They were exercising faith in the LORD and walking in obedience.