Numbers 23:3 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me….
I wish I had wonderful words of wisdom on Numbers 23, but I don’t. I was thinking, “Even though Balaam was acting out of self-interest, God still spoke through him,” but commentary reminded me that God spoke through a donkey in Numbers 22. So in light of my utter inability to speak eloquently on Numbers 23, let me offer some observations instead.
Numbers 23:4-5 God met with him…. The LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.”
1. This section of Numbers offers a shift in perspective. We were seeing how God was working in and through (and dealing with) the Israelites. Now we are looking at how He is dealing with outside forces against them. 2. He knows Balaam’s heart is not right. He could have reduced him to a pillar of salt. And yet, He chooses to speak to Balak through him. 3. Balaam was paid to curse the Israelites, but God will only let him bless them.
Numbers 23:11 Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the ability to make connections and gain insight from Your word, even when I don’t feel I have any earth-shattering revelations to add. Thank You that even when humans intend harm, You use it for good (Gen 50:20). Draw us closer. Amen.
Numbers 23:12 He answered, “Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.