Then God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?" Then God came to BalaamGod took the initiative in confronting Balaam before he answered Balak’s messengers. Though Balaam lived outside Israel, the God of Israel exercised full authority over him and over the nations seeking to oppose His people. The encounter established that Balaam could not treat Balak’s request as an ordinary opportunity for reward or influence; he stood accountable to the Lord. Gen 31:24 But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream… and asked, “Who are these men with you?” God’s question drew Balaam into open acknowledgment of the men’s purpose and the pressure they brought from Moab. Balak’s officials had come to hire Balaam to curse Israel, the people whom God had blessed. Like God’s question to Adam after the fall, the inquiry called for truthful response and exposed the moral issue already before Balaam: whether he would submit to God’s will or pursue the honors and riches offered by a pagan king. Gen 18:9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked… Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites. 2. God (Yahweh) The one true God of Israel, who intervenes in Balaam's plans and speaks to him directly. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. Moab A region east of the Jordan River, whose king, Balak, is threatened by the presence of the Israelites. 5. The Men with Balaam Representatives sent by Balak to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control and intervenes in human affairs, even those involving non-Israelites like Balaam. Discernment and Obedience Believers should seek God's guidance and be discerning about the influences and people they allow into their lives. The Power of Words Words have the power to bless or curse, and we should use them wisely, aligning with God's will. God's Protection God protects His people and can turn intended curses into blessings. Integrity and Motives Examine your motives and ensure they align with God's purposes, avoiding the temptation of material gain over righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. What does God's question to Balaam reveal about God's knowledge and interest in our associations?2. How does Balaam's account illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12:3 regarding blessings and curses? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our words and actions align with God's will, as seen in Balaam's account? 4. How does the New Testament's portrayal of Balaam (2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14) serve as a warning for us today? 5. Reflect on a time when God turned a potential negative situation in your life into a blessing. How can this encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed, which is relevant to Balaam's situation. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 This passage recounts how Balaam was hired to curse Israel but God turned the curse into a blessing. 2 Peter 2:15 Balaam is mentioned in the New Testament as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness. Revelation 2:14 Balaam is cited as leading Israel into sin, showing the long-term impact of his actions.
People Amorites, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Israelites, Moabites, Moses, ZipporPlaces Amaw, Arnon, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-huzoth, Midian, Moab, PethorTopics BalaamDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 22:8Library BalaamHe 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 Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Sovereignty and Human Responsibility How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished. Numbers Links Numbers 22:9 NIVNumbers 22:9 NLT Numbers 22:9 ESV Numbers 22:9 NASB Numbers 22:9 KJV Numbers 22:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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