Numbers 24 - 8.9.24

Scripture:

”Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: “How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel! “Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water. “Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted. “God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them. Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? “May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!” Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Lord has kept you from being rewarded.” ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’?“ ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Balaam met with God and He spoke to him. I love how he introduces himself before he prophecies, “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are openend”

Balak had seen what Israel had done to other nations and knew they would defeat him too.  His army was not strong enough to fight.  He recognized that what Balaam said came to pass. So, he summoned Balaam to curse them. 

Before going, Balaam sought God and would not go. After several pleas from Balak, God told him to go ahead and go.  However, something in Balaams’s heart must have been off because an angel was waiting to stop him. His donkey saw it and saved his life. God opened the donkey’s mouth to speak to Balaam. Then he repented and humbled himself. 

At this point in the story he has given two blessings instead of curses and Balak is furious. He refuses to pay what he promised and sends him home. 

Balaam did not let money or pressure sway him. Of course, the donkey incident must have been a huge red flag not to. 

Application:

The same God Balaam met with is the One we have access to today.  I would love to speak with assurance as he did knowing that I see God clearly and speak His will. The truth is that is available to me. May I meet with God daily for that confidence.  

I also do not want to be distracted by things of the world that will try to sway me and stand firm. While it would be nice to have a conversation with Diamond (my treasured pet), I don’t want it to be a consequence of my disobedience. 

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for your love and plan for my life. There is nothing you won’t do to capture your children’s attention and direct us in what’s right, you even used a talking donkey.  Like Balaam may I seek you always and have the assurance that when I obey you, your words will be in my mouth. May I only speak what you say.  If I stray, please open my eyes to my error and guide me back on track. There is nothing impossible for you. You are a Mighty and Gracious God. 

Amen 

- Cindy Howard