Numbers 22 Commentary
Location? Plains of Moab, along the Jordan and overlooking Jericho.
Sihon: A powerful king of the Amorites who defeats Moab.
Israel defeats the powerful Sihon (Chapter 21). Moab and its king know they don’t stand a chance against the conqueror of their conqueror. A solution must be found against the new power in the region, Israel. So Balaam comes into the picture.
Balaam: The false prophet whose divination services King Balak desperately needs
Balak: King of Moab who seeks the services of a false prophet.
Requirement: Curse Israel so that Moab wins the battle against Israel.
The King of Moab wants to save his country. He seeks an alliance with Midian against Israel. King Balak believes Balaam possesses the power to curse or bless someone. These are magical powers.
The mission is simple: Stop Israel by all means possible; weaponize Balaam’s magical powers against Israel.
This chapter has strange occurrences but we shall look at these tomorrow. We can focus on key points arising from Balak’s mission and the means employed in the process.
Israel is planning a military attack on Moab. But Moab is planning a spiritual attack on Israel.
Israel is a lone power while Moab mobilizes neighbors to “sort out” Israel.
Money exchanges hands behind the scenes. Israel must be defeated at all costs.
The saint’s enemy won’t always fight square. It’s never a clean game. We have a few days to examine God’s reaction to Balak’s dirty strategy. We shall also look at the details of Balaam’s services. Will the curse work? Will Israel fall because of Balaam’s curse?
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