Balaam's prophecy

Numbers Chapter 24

Balaam was an Old Testament character who was not one of God's chosen people, but he did acknowledge that the Lord was a powerful God. He did not believe in only one true God. His story exposes the deception of his outward facade of spirituality over a corrupt inward life. But he was a man ready to obey God's command as long as he could profit from it. He did realize the awesome power of Israel's God. He was widely known for his effective curses and blessings. But he encouraged the Moab tribes to worship idols and returned to Moab to be killed later in war.

Balaam the sorcerer finally realized that the Lord intended to bless Israel, so he looked out into the wilderness and a spirit of God came upon him and he declared a prophecy (see verses 3-9). It is a beautiful prophecy of one who has seen a vision of the Almighty. I hope you read it all. It tells how fruitful the Israelites will be and their kingdom will be exalted with God devouring all nations that oppose them. It says Israel will be like a lioness who crouches and lies down and no one will dare to arouse her because she is blessed.

When King Balak heard this, he flew into a rage against Balaam. He told him to get out and he would not get any reward as promised. Balaam replied that even if he were given a palace filled with silver and gold, he was powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord. But, he said, before I go I wish to tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future. Balaam then prophesied again in verses 15-24. He predicted in the far future a star would rise from Jacob, a scepter would emerge from Israel and all the Moab people would be crushed, as well as Edom, Seir and even the Kenites would be destroyed and Assyria will take them captive. Ships would come from the coasts of Cyprus and they would oppress Assyria and Eber, but they too, would be destroyed.
Then Balaam and Balak returned to their homes.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW that though Balaam's motives were not always good, he acted with integrity and spoke the truth when God's message filled him.In doing so, he forfeited the reward that Balak had promised him. The star out of Jacob is thought to refer to the coming Messiah and it may have been this prophecy that convinced astrologers to travel to Israel to search for the baby Jesus. It seems strange for God to use a sorcerer to accomplish his plans, but we have learned in the past that God calls all kinds of people because he is sovereign over good and evil.

How does his chapter relate to us today? Balaam lost his reward because he spoke the truth. Sometimes staying true to our beliefs is hard in this world. It may cost us our job or other advantages. It may cost friendships. But choosing God over money is the only way to go. God watches over us all, he knows who he can trust - are you one of the trustworthy?

Yours In Christ,
Mary