In Numbers 22 the story of Balaam started where Balak, king of Moab, was desiring to see Balaam curse Israel. In Numbers 23 and 24 we hear what, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, The oracle of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered” has to say from God.
The story of Numbers 23 and 24 can be summed up by seeing Balaam’s faithfulness to speak what God has to say about blessing Israel and not cursing them. Three times Balak desired a curse to come upon the Israelites but each time God reaffirmed His desire to bless them. To Israel was this blessing by Balaam a reaffirmation of their favor in God’s eyes? Did this instill a desire to follow God? As I read through Numbers I am constantly reminded of how often Israel strayed from God’s commands by hardening their hearts. In Hebrews chapter 3 the author charges the reader to not harden their heart as the Israelites did in the wilderness. How did these consistent blessings make Balak feel? He had ideas of overpowering this mass of people that encroached from Egypt but in the end he realizes that through his desire to curse the Israelites he was cursing his own people. How did Balaam feel about the constant desire of Balak to curse and God to bless? I think Balaam was resolute in his obeying God after the experience he had before the angel of the Lord. Could Balaam do anything other than what God commanded and expect to survive?
This story is brought home to my life when I think about all the various times that I know there is a stand that I know God would have me make. Do I stand firm in my faith and belief in God or am I wavering in the face of what seems to be overwhelming odds. Does the wealth and beauty of the world hold you in bondage to following the worlds ways? I know that the way of following God can seem difficult and many times counter to the popular culture but I encourage you to stand firm in your faith. Take this hope with you knowing that Jesus Christ has died and risen from the dead and conquered death so that we have no fear of what man may do to us. We are free to live for Him. Peace be with you because of what Jesus Christ has done.
Update
In Numbers 31 I learned more about who Balaam actually was. I encourage you to read the post so that you can get a better understanding also.
