Numbers 22-24 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION
Characters:  Balaam, the donkey and Balak (king of Moab)

• Balak, the king of Moab had observed over many days the huge Israeli army camped along its borders. He had heard of the Amorites’ defeat against Israel and was loath to go fight against these new enemies unless he would be assured victory. For this reason, he decided to consult with a prophet, a diviner, to curse Israel and to assure them victory against Israel.
• When Balaam, the prophet (diviner) initially refused because God had not given him that type of message, the king offered more money. Apparently, Balaam had a hard time saying no to the king (and the money) because he negotiated extra time to “wait on God”. God’s message for Balaam to speak to the king, however, was clear. Balaam was to bless Israel for the God above all gods was with Israel.
• Nevertheless, the prophet set out on his donkey to meet with the king. Then – we read about a real “Narnia-type” event. The donkey saw the angel of the Lord blocking the path and stopped immediately, even lay down in the road. What did Balaam do but beat on the donkey. Upon which, the donkey turned around to speak to his master Balaam. Telling him to look – the angel was blocking the road. Balaam was then finally brought to face the angel of God, to face God’s instructions.
• Chapter 23 is all about Balaam trying to convince the king through multiple sacrifices that he could only speak what God gave him and it was all about blessing Israel; that ordinary magic could not speak against Almighty God.
• Eventually, King Balak give Balaam permission to speak but begged him –if he could not curse Israel, could he, at least, not bless them. Alas, King Balak was to be disappointed once again. Not only did Balaam bless Israel, he prophesied the destruction of Moab , its neighbours and all of Assyria.

 
INTERPRETATION

• These chapters of Scripture Numbers 22-24 would make a great little drama: Balaam the prophet, Balak the king, and the Donkey. How did a godly prophet find his way into a foreign land? Or How did a prophet in a foreign land know that the true God was speaking to him and not some foreign spirit? Perhaps he was a run-away Hebrew and married into a Moabite family; But God had not given him up. Perhaps his parents back in the Hebrew camps were praying that he would come back to the one true God.
• Balak, the king of Moab, was convinced that if this prophet were to curse Israel, Moab would be victorious. The backstory questions I have are – I’m sure there were other prophets and diviners who would say the words Balak wanted to hear. Why did he not contact them? Why persist with the one prophet who spoke the words of Almighty and True God? Did he somehow recognize that the true God was with Balaam but not with the other diviners?
• I am reminded of God’s words in 2Chronicles 16:9, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” Perhaps God directed the eyes of King Balak to Balaam. In turn, God directed Balaam’s eyes to God Himself. Thus, the prophecy that was delivered was a true prophecy from God.

 
APPLICATION
This scripture story is one of encouragement to Israel who might not see beyond their camp nor beyond their own leaders. They were always faced with possible failure to gain the land that God had promised to them. But God did not always tell them how this was to happen.
Another application of this scripture is:  Even though a loved son or daughter (like Balaam) appears to be completely lost to you and to God, God is still at work behind the scenes. Keep on praying for your loved ones who walked away from truth and salvation. God says, “I’m not willing that anyone dies without salvation—but that all will come to repentance.”
 
QUESTION
When did you last pray for your loved ones who have walked away from you and from God? How will you pray? Perhaps you are the one who has walked away? God is faithful, he will not leave you lost. You can come back to Jesus.
 
PRAYER
Our times are in your hands, oh God. Even though we cannot see what you are doing, show us how we can be part of your glorious work. Because we want to work with you, not against you. Amen.
 
SONG
Jesus Kind and Strong – Colin Buchanan
Your Will be Done—City Alight