Numbers 22b Commentary
Balak’s mission is stated: “Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land.” Verse 6a.
It sounds familiar. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10 verse 10a.
Balak’s mission is to see Israel out of God’s blessing. The land was God’s blessing to Israel – a long-standing blessing coming down from Abraham. (Probably a blessing coming down from God’s desire to restore fallen humanity back to the Land called Eden)
Balaam is the selected tool. He must curse Israel. But Balaam has an impossible task. God intervenes and Balaam won’t curse Israel, at least for now.
But Balak won’t be stopped. He puts in more money and Balaam’s greediness takes control. Obedience becomes a debate subject – probably questioning the clear word from the LORD. Did God really say… we are all familiar with this voice!
God allows Balaam to make the trip but not without warnings.
This chapter gives us a picture of the unseen world. There are entities we cannot see but they can influence events. Balaam won’t be a fool by interpreting his donkey’s behavior as a sign from God. He doesn’t have to wait for the donkey to speak!
We can also conclude that witches and diviners (and everything in this class) cannot see certain things. Even the powerful and well-respected diviner Balaam couldn’t see the angel of the LORD!
There is a power infinitely higher and more powerful than Balaam and his friends!
As we saw with the snakes of Chapter 21, these lines are teaching aids. God shapes these events as a classroom for us. So Balaam meets Balak – both against God’s will and because of God’s will!
No one wins against God!
We could look at Balaam’s decisions as a mirror of our own. How does the size of the bribe affect your obedience?
The transaction in this chapter is all business, or so it appears. Balaam has a service; Balak is the willing buyer. The transaction mustn’t take place according to God’s word. Balaam’s desire to consult further on a matter in “black and white” is a red flag!
Today’s countless business transactions may look innocent. Check the details and see how they affect or don’t affect your progress to the Promised Land.
Check and see how your “business transaction” affects or doesn’t affect someone’s journey to the Promised Land. Ensure you don’t fight God’s plan for another human.
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