So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar. So Balak didThis phrase indicates Balak's compliance and willingness to follow Balaam's instructions. In the Hebrew context, the name "Balak" means "devastator" or "waster," reflecting his role as a Moabite king who sought to curse Israel. His actions here demonstrate a submission to the spiritual authority of Balaam, despite his own royal status. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where kings often sought the counsel of prophets or diviners to secure victory or favor from the gods. as Balaam had said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar Persons / Places / Events 1. BalakThe king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam. 2. Balaam A non-Israelite prophet who is hired by Balak to curse the Israelites but is ultimately used by God to bless them instead. 3. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, representing opposition to Israel. 4. Altars Structures built by Balak and Balaam for the purpose of offering sacrifices, hoping to gain favor for cursing Israel. 5. Sacrifices The bull and ram offered on each altar, representing attempts to manipulate divine favor. Teaching Points Obedience to God Over Human DesiresBalaam's account reminds us that God's will prevails over human intentions. We must prioritize obedience to God over personal gain or pressure from others. The Futility of Opposing God's People Balak's efforts to curse Israel demonstrate the futility of opposing God's chosen people. As believers, we can trust in God's protection and promises. The Role of Sacrifices The sacrifices offered by Balak and Balaam highlight the misunderstanding of true worship. True worship requires a heart aligned with God's will, not mere ritualistic offerings. God's Sovereignty Despite human attempts to manipulate outcomes, God's sovereignty ensures that His purposes are fulfilled. We can find peace in knowing that God is in control. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request serves as a warning against compromising our faith for worldly benefits. We must remain steadfast in our convictions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Balak and Balaam illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12 regarding blessing and cursing Israel?2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in our own lives, similar to how He worked through Balaam's situation? 3. What are some modern-day "altars" or sacrifices that people might use to try to manipulate God's favor, and how can we avoid this mindset? 4. How can Balaam's account serve as a warning against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of personal gain over God's will? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to compromise your faith. How can the lessons from Balaam's account help you remain faithful in similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12God's promise to Abraham that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed, setting the stage for Balaam's inability to curse Israel. Deuteronomy 23 The prohibition against Moabites entering the assembly of the Lord, highlighting the historical enmity between Moab and Israel. 2 Peter 2 Balaam is mentioned as an example of false prophets who pursue gain over God's will, illustrating the dangers of greed and disobedience. Revelation 2 The "teaching of Balaam" is referenced as a warning against leading others into sin, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
People Aram, Balaam, Balak, Jacob, Moses, ZipporPlaces Aram, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Moab, Peor, PisgahTopics Altar, Balaam, Balak, Bull, Bullock, Male, Offered, Offereth, Offering, Ox, Ram, SheepDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 23:26Library An Unfulfilled Desire'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John. Balaam's Wish Num 23:10 The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret The Nature of Spiritual Hunger Memoir of John Bunyan How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan Christ a Complete Saviour: Of the Decrees of God. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven: The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Unchangeableness of God Numbers Links Numbers 23:30 NIVNumbers 23:30 NLT Numbers 23:30 ESV Numbers 23:30 NASB Numbers 23:30 KJV Numbers 23:30 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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