Numbers 22:7
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.
The elders of Moab and Midian
This phrase highlights the collaboration between two distinct groups, the Moabites and the Midianites. Historically, these were neighboring tribes often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, while the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah. Their alliance here underscores the perceived threat of Israel's presence. Theologically, it reflects how opposition to God's people can unite otherwise disparate groups. This collaboration is a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face, where opposition can come from unexpected alliances.

left with fees for divination in hand
The phrase "fees for divination" indicates a transactional approach to spiritual matters, which is contrary to the biblical understanding of prophecy as a gift from God. In the ancient Near East, divination was a common practice used to discern the will of the gods, often involving payment to a seer or prophet. The Hebrew word for divination, "qesem," suggests an attempt to gain secret knowledge or insight. This act of bringing fees highlights the commodification of spiritual insight, contrasting with the biblical view that true prophecy is not for sale. It serves as a caution against treating spiritual gifts as commodities.

and they came to Balaam
Balaam is a complex figure in the biblical narrative. Although not an Israelite, he is recognized as a prophet with the ability to bless or curse. His name, possibly derived from the Hebrew "Bala" meaning "to swallow" or "destroy," foreshadows his role in the narrative. Balaam's involvement with the Moabites and Midianites illustrates the tension between true prophetic calling and personal ambition. His account serves as a warning about the dangers of compromising one's spiritual integrity for personal gain.

and relayed to him the words of Balak
Balak, the king of Moab, represents the political and spiritual opposition to Israel. His words, relayed by the elders, are an attempt to manipulate spiritual forces against God's people. The act of relaying these words signifies the transmission of human fear and political maneuvering into the spiritual realm. This highlights the importance of discerning the source and intent of messages we receive, ensuring they align with God's will. Balak's reliance on Balaam's curse reflects a misunderstanding of God's sovereignty, reminding believers that no curse can stand against God's blessing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elders of Moab and Midian
These are the leaders or representatives from the nations of Moab and Midian. They were sent by Balak, the king of Moab, to seek Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites.

2. Balak
The king of Moab who was fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and their recent victories over neighboring nations. He sought to use Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse the Israelites.

3. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by the Moabite and Midianite elders to curse the Israelites.

4. Fee for Divination
This refers to the payment or reward offered to Balaam for his services in divination, which was a common practice in ancient times for seeking supernatural insight or influence.

5. Moab and Midian
Two ancient nations located near the land of Canaan. Moab was directly east of the Dead Sea, while Midian was located in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Seeking Divination
The elders of Moab and Midian sought supernatural intervention through divination, which is condemned in Scripture. Believers are reminded to seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, not through forbidden practices.

The Influence of Fear
Balak's fear of the Israelites led him to take drastic measures. Fear can drive us to make unwise decisions. Trusting in God's sovereignty can help us overcome fear.

The Temptation of Material Gain
Balaam's account is a cautionary tale about the temptation of wealth and material gain. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual integrity over financial gain.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite human intentions, God's will prevails. The account of Balaam shows that God can turn intended curses into blessings, demonstrating His ultimate control over all situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What motivated the elders of Moab and Midian to seek Balaam's help, and how can we ensure our motivations align with God's will?

2. How does the concept of a "fee for divination" challenge us to consider the purity of our motives in serving God and others?

3. In what ways can fear lead us away from trusting in God's plan, and how can we combat this in our daily lives?

4. How does Balaam's account serve as a warning against the pursuit of material wealth, and what scriptures can we use to reinforce this lesson?

5. Reflect on a time when God's sovereignty was evident in your life, turning a potential negative situation into a blessing. How can this encourage you in current challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 23:4-5
This passage recounts how the Moabites hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God turned the curse into a blessing. It highlights God's protection over Israel.

2 Peter 2:15-16
This New Testament reference to Balaam warns against the love of gain from wrongdoing, using Balaam as an example of someone who strayed for the sake of money.

Revelation 2:14
Balaam is mentioned in the context of leading others into sin, showing the long-lasting impact of his actions and teachings.
ApostasyJ. Heaton.Numbers 22:2-14
BalaamG. M. Grant, B. D.Numbers 22:2-14
BalaamL. H. Wiseman.Numbers 22:2-14
BalaamW. Roberts.Numbers 22:2-14
Balaam TemptedD. Waterland, D. D.Numbers 22:2-14
Balak and BalaamT. T. Munger.Numbers 22:2-14
Balak's First Application to BalaamW. Jones.Numbers 22:2-14
Balak's Motives in Sending for BalaamBp. Babington.Numbers 22:2-14
Evil Company to be AvoidedGurnall, WilliamNumbers 22:2-14
God's Interest in Man's CompanionshipsW. Jones.Numbers 22:2-14
Hesitating to Do RightW. Roberts.Numbers 22:2-14
Possible Origin of the Chronicle of BalaamS. Cox, D. D.Numbers 22:2-14
The Character of BalaamJ. J.Numbers 22:2-14
The Seductive Spirit of the WorldJ. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.Numbers 22:2-14
The First Visit to BalaamD. Young Numbers 22:7-14
People
Amorites, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Israelites, Moabites, Moses, Zippor
Places
Amaw, Arnon, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-huzoth, Midian, Moab, Pethor
Topics
Balaam, Balak, Balak's, Departed, Divination, Divinations, Elders, Fee, Fees, Hands, Message, Midian, Mid'ian, Moab, Orders, Prophet, Repeated, Responsible, Rewards, Spake, Speak, Spoke, Taking
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 22:7

     5501   reward, human
     5727   old age, attitudes

Numbers 22:6-7

     4155   divination

Numbers 22:7-8

     5976   visiting

Library
Balaam
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. xxii. 6. Give a general outline of the history. See Bishop Butler's great sermon. I. How much knowledge and love of good there may be in a bad man. Balaam was a prophet: (a) He knew something of the divine character,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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