Balak and Balaam
Num 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
Num 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
Num 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
Num 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Balak, king of the Moabites, was fearful, seeing the advancing nation of Israel. The Moabites were the descendants of Lot. The LORD had said to not take their land.
Deu 2:9 And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.
Num 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
Num 22:6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
Balaam was a seer, a prophet, hearing from God. He had a reputation among his people of having spiritual power. Balak wants him to curse this advancing people.
A prophet of God could never curse God's people unless the LORD was punishing them for disobedience. Israel was walking in obedience at this time. This brings to mind the god "Allah" that supposedly wishes Israel to be destroyed. This is not the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Those who say that Allah desires to destroy Israel, are following a bad spirit.
Num 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
They brought rewards of divination, supposing Balaam to be a diviner or a sorcerer. These may gain earthly treasures, but they will go to the lake of fire.
Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
Isa 44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
Isa 44:26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
Num 22:8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Balaam would inquire of the LORD, to see if he could curse Israel for financial reward. Beware of prophets seeking financial rewards, it is the error of Balaam.
Thou Shalt not curse them
Num 22:9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
The LORD knew his own people, but what manner of men are these with you? Why are you consorting with these people, where is your discernment? We must use discernment and not allow the reward of a thing, get our eyes off of what is the right thing to do. Sometimes we come to God with our minds made up, do we listen to his answer?
Num 22:10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
Num 22:11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
Num 22:12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
A command from the LORD, Thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed. It was a strong command and a clear command from God. We must heed the clear commands of our Lord. To not obey is open sin and rebellion. Today many seek to disobey God's commands saying, that was for another time, or we have knew knowledge, that was old fashioned. No, the commands of God are amen and amen.
Psa 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Psa 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Psa 89:52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Num 22:13 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
Balaam obeyed the word of God and told them to go without him, for he was commanded to not curse the blessed people of the LORD. This was not the end of this matter.
Offer of power
Num 22:14 And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
Num 22:15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
Num 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
Num 22:17 For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
Balaam was not strongly opposing the will of king Baalak, he was interested, but first had to hear from the LORD. Because he did not deal decisively with the temptation to receive gold, now a better offer is made to him. Temptations will return and be stronger each time if we are not wholehearted in our commitment to our Lord.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Num 22:18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
Num 22:19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.
Had the Lord not already spoken? Why did he need to hear from him again? Was he looking for a loophole, so that he might gain wealth and power? Wealth and power are the primary things the world seeks. With these they think they can satisfy all their hearts desire.
Num 22:20 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
Surprisingly the LORD said, go with them, but, you shall do the word that I say unto you. The temptation would be greater going with them, than if he had have stood on the Lord's first command.
1 Tim 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
What would be your price to turn from the Lord? What is more important to you than the Lord? There is where the devil is waiting to tempt you.
Spiritual donkey
Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
Num 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
Sometimes God allows us to go the way of our heart, he allows us free will, but that does not mean that it is his will. Some call this the permissive will of God. I do not see this as permissive in God's will, but permissive to your will. We often choose our own way. Then God must chastise us in order for us to obey him. God said: If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
Num 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
Someone asked if animals see spiritual things, such as demons? Possibly so, for Balaams donkey saw an angel with sword drawn, and turned aside. Self willed Balaam hit the donkey because he had left the path. How many times have we been protected by angels from danger? A flat tire keeping us from a severe accident ahead? A voice saying turn here, and we turn and find God's leading as we are able to minister to someone's need. We must be sensitive and walk as people of God's Spirit.
Num 22:24 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.
Num 22:25 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
Again the angel blocks their path, the donkey smashing his foot bringing forth bitter anger from Balaam. When things go wrong, it may be that we are not in God's will. Not always, because satan will block us if we are seeking to fulfill God's will for us. We should know if we are in his will or if we are in the will of our flesh nature.
Num 22:26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
Num 22:27 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
This reminds me of my own failing. I had a dog that was always finding a way to escape the yard. I would call it and it would come back. One day when the dog was older it would not respond, I chased him down and scolded him. Later I found that he had lost his hearing. Who was the ass in this story? Balaam was scolding the ass, and striking it with his staff, but the ass was well aware of what he was to do and who he must obey. If an ass will obey Gods messenger, shouldn't we? Before anger blinds us, we need to see in the spiritual. Balaam, like so many who think they are serving God, was lusting after fame, fortune and power, while ignoring the directions from the Lord. If we have no time for God, he will use an ass.
Talking Donkey
Num 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Num 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
An amazing thing, a talking ass and Balaam carries on a conversation with her, as if they were human. The ass who was female demands to know why she was mistreated. Balaam threatened worse because he had been mocked, but even animals like to be treated with respect.
Num 22:30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Have I ever misbehaved before? Nay, never before as this.
Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
Now Balaam sees and understands. How many people blaspheme God as if he were less than themselves? If they were to see an angel with a sword they might respond as Balaam. Angels and a flaming sword guarded the tree of life in the garden of Eden, following the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
Gen 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Num 22:32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
Angels are messengers and this one had questions. It was Balaam that was in error, not the donkey. Speaking for the LORD the angel said, that his ways were perverse. We all have angels, and they watch our ways. I am sure that at times our ways fall short of God's ways, for we are flesh.
Num 22:33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
The ass had more favor with the angel than did Balaam. The ass obeyed. The animal rights advocates would like this verse.
Num 22:34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
Num 22:35 And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
The angel told him to go with the men, but now Balaam knows he is not in God's best will. Once again the angel repeats the command to Balaam: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.
This would be for all preachers, they are to speak God's word. If not? God may choose to speak through an ass.
Places of Baal
Num 22:36 And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.
Num 22:37 And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
The king of Moab meets with the prophet Baal asking him why he delayed in receiving honor from the king: am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
Num 22:38 And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
Balaam rightfully responds that he has no power of his own, but the word that God gives him to say, that will he speak. He remembered the command from the angel.
Num 22:39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.
Num 22:40 And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Balak sacrifices to the gods of Moab.
Num 22:41 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.
The king brings Balaam to the high places where sacrifices were made to the idol, Baal. From here he could see the advancing tribes of Israel. Now the king says to him, all power of my kingdom will be given to you if you curse Israel. This is similar to satan bringing Jesus to the high mountain and offering him the glory of the world, if he would serve him.
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus spoke the word, and Balaam had been warned to only speak the word that God gave him to say.
First prophecy of Balaam
Num 23:1 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.
Num 23:2 And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.
Num 23:3 And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.
Burnt offerings for sin and to find favor with the LORD.
Num 23:4 And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
Num 23:5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.
Num 23:6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
The LORD put a word in Baalam's mouth, he was to speak it without changing it. How could God use this prophet who was seeking to profit...by receiving bribe money from king Balaak? The spiritual gifts of God are given by God, but faithfulness and maturity come from our obedience to serve. We do not boast in our gifts, they are of God. God spoke through a donkey, his second choice was Balaam. The LORD does not want us to have pride about our gifts, he requires faithfulness and obedience and the glory goes to the LORD.
Num 23:7 And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
Num 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
The LORD speaks through Balaam, knowing that the king desired Balaam to curse Israel, but how can God curse his people that he loves?
Num 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
Num 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
God would bless Jacob (Israel) and his people shall be a great nation in number. Then Balaam makes a wish, that he would die as a righteous man with favor from God. He wanted the blessing without living a Godly life. One must live righteously to die righteous; especially under the law of Moses. In Jesus we have his righteousness, this is the grace of God, not of works. This is the new covenant.
Num 23:11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.
Num 23:12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
What have you done to me? Is there no honor among evil men? You were to curse them, instead you blessed them. Balaam explains that he could only speak what God had told him to speak. An honest prophet is a true prophet. Those who speak fair speeches or even curses to itching ears are only false prophets, no one is blessed by lies. A prophet of God is not as a sorcerer giving curses, Balaam spoke the word of God.
Commandment to bless
Num 23:13 And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.
King Balaak is persistent and Balaam follows him, sympathetically and desiring the rewards from the king, but he must speak God's word. Look down at them Balaam, the eye cannot see the end of them, but the greater part that you do see, curse them and receive your reward.
Num 23:14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
Num 23:15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
Now was God pleased with these burnt offerings? I think they were hated by him, because they were made not from a repentant heart, but of a religious ritual with an evil heart. God would later speak through the prophet Samuel to another wicked king, king Saul:
1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Num 23:16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.
Num 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
Num 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Num 23:20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
The LORD speaks this powerful prophecy, often quoted, that God is not like a man, changing His mind with public opinion. When God speaks his word, it is true. God is not a liar, he doesn't need to ask for forgiveness. If he says something, he means it. He stands upon the authority of His word. A liar can speak with authority also, but it shows who they serve; the devil is a liar. God's word is absolutely true and his power is behind his word. The world teaches that there are no absolutes, no good or evil. This is not what God says. God is good and the devil is evil. If we speak the Lord's word, it is as if God were speaking, there is no difference. A Christian should speak absolutes with authority, for they are the spokesmen for God. A disciple of Jesus should have values, integrity and character, the same as the LORD. If God has said it, it is true, no matter if it is politically correct or not. A prophet of God and a disciple of God must speak the word of God. It is the power of God to change a life. It is His word, not ours, so to oppose the message is to oppose God.
Great Lion
Balaam's second prophecy continues
Num 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
Balaam cannot curse Israel, because God speaks otherwise. We dare not speak against God's word, it is irreversible and is for all time. Regardless of popular opinion or political pressure, we must speak God's word and trust in the Lord. The shout of a king; Jesus the King from the tribe of Judah will return with a shout from the archangel. The LORD is in that shout of triumph.
1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Num 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
God brought them out of bondage and has given them the strength of a unicorn, or also translated, a wild ox.
Num 23:23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!
Trusting in enchantments, lucky charms, workers of sorcery and black magic will do you no good in God's eyes. AND, he protects his chosen people. In Christ Jesus we have been freed from curses, so do not believe lies, but walk in God's truth. God will be glorified as his people call on him according to his word.
Num 23:24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
Israel is no longer the one pursued, but is on the offensive against the enemies of God. We are in a Spiritual battle. Blessed is a nation whose God and whose leaders trust in the Lord. We shall be as lions against the forces of evil. Our God is greater than their gods. Jesus is the Great Lion of Judah.
Seven times three
Num 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
The king was saying; If your not going to curse Israel as I asked, then don't bless them. Just be quiet.
Num 23:26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?
Num 23:27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
King Balak ignores the truth that Balaam must speak the word God gives him. He does not understand this, he only knows the darkness and the ways of enchantments and evil magic. God is not evil, what he says he will do, and his way is righteous and holy. God seeks to bless. Jesus was sent to bless his people, but most loved the darkness. Blessed are you if you understand that God seeks to bless you through his Son, Jesus. Balaam was in a place of temptation, because he desired what the king of the world offered as bribes. Coveting the worlds things is idolatry. God is our greatest treasure.
Num 23:28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.
Num 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
Here is that lucky seven number again. To the world it is a lucky number, to God it is the number of his son Jesus, by whom our blessings come. God is not a genie that comes forth when certain rituals are performed, to grant our wishes. No, God has given us truth and direction, by his prophets and by the word. We study, listen and obey. We serve him as we learn of him, this is the way of God: He works through us to do powerful things. Giving a new life, forgiven of sin, is an awesome thing.
Num 23:30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
May our life in God's family not be rituals, repeated over and over. Lord grant us your spirit to see your will, when others only see rituals. We seek the things of God revealed only through his Spirit. A child may receive God, for they have simple faith. They trust and are in his protection. Who will tell the children? We must be faithful.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Third Message
Num 24:1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Apparently Balaam had been using enchantments, works of sorcery, to curse Israel, but was sworn to speak the word that God gave to him. Remembering the angel with sword, reinforced this necessity to obey, but his heart was greedy.
Num 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
Num 24:3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
Num 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Num 24:5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
Num 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
Num 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
Num 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
Num 24:9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
This time Balaam not only speaks of God's blessing Israel, but that they would be mighty in battle, overcoming their enemies. Blessed is he that blesses Israel, and cursed is he that curses him. The blessing and curse should have put an end to Balaaks request to curse them. Even today, this covenant is between God and Israel. The nation that blesses Israel shall be blessed. The nation that curses him shall be cursed. This should be remembered by our leaders.
Num 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Num 24:11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
Num 24:12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
Num 24:13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
Do we want what the Lord has for us? Or do we seek the world's things. Obey God or obey the king of this world who opposes God. Do we seek honor from evil hearted men or do we please the God who has called us to himself? It is always a choice that we all must face. Only God will give us blessings as we go, the world entices, but always there is a price, the end is a soul separated from God. In Christ Jesus we are forever blessed, in good times and in bad times. He will never leave us.
Fourth Prophecy
Num 24:14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
Num 24:15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
Num 24:16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Balaam having been sent home by the king, pauses to speak a prophecy of the latter days, without doing all the sacrifices.
Num 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Balaam hears a prophecy of the end time coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. A star of David and a sceptre, signifying a ruling king, shall rise out of Israel. We have seen the star of David, it is on the flag of Israel. Do they know this as their messiah? Yes probably so, but few believe that Messiah is the Lord Jesus Christ. Evil persecution in the name of Christianity and traditions of unbelief have shut the eyes of most of Israel today.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The children of Sheth (Seth) refers to all natural men, descended from Adam who have not been made children of God through receiving Jesus.
This view of the passage reveals it to be in absolute harmony with all that the Holy Scriptures reveal with reference to the final judgment, the occasion when God "will wipe this Adam off the face of the earth," the sole exceptions being the redeemed of God. (Guzik)
Num 24:18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Num 24:19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
Num 24:20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
Num 24:21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
Num 24:22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Num 24:23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
Num 24:24 And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
Jesus will have spiritual dominion over all nations at his coming.
Num 24:25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
King Balak and Balaam part from each other. Balak does not attack Israel, for it is a spiritual war and God keeps His people that trust and obey in him.
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