Triple Blessings - Numbers 23-25
This week we conclude the story of Balaam. He is hired by the King of Moab to curse the Israelites who have just moved into the land of Moab. Balaam is a sorcerer who seeks knowledge and power from God but also prays to false gods which have demonic spirits. Balaam is not a prophet of God, but in the Bible God answers him when he asks God about cursing the Israelites.
Balaam practiced his art for money. Even though God told him not to go to the King of Moab, and not to curse the Israelites because they had been blessed by God, Balaam did what he wanted. Although an angel almost killed him, Balaam kept negotiating with God and finally God allowed him to go, but told him to only speak what God tells him. Finally arriving at his destination, the King of Moab was very excited to have Balaam with him. Now, he could do what he was paid to do and curse the Israelites.
Three separate times, in three different locations, 7 altars were built and burnt sacrifices of bulls and rams were offered on each as offerings to God. Balaam would go pray to God and then return to speak the word of the Lord before the King of Moab. Balak, the king, expected to hear curses but instead, words of great blessings over the Israelites came out of Balaam’s mouth. Changing locations had the same results. God had already told Balaam that the Israelites had His blessings on them. Perhaps Balaam thought if they gave a lot of sacrificial offerings to God, He would change His mind.
Naturally, the King was very angry at Balaam, but Balaam reminded him that he could only speak what God tells him. But, Balaam doesn’t give up. He knows he can’t curse the Israelites, but he also knows that God wants His people to worship Him and no idols and false gods. Their disobedience to God’s commandments would bring God’s anger on them. Balaam advises the king to send women to the Israelites to tempt them to party, go to their festivals, become sexually immoral and have them worship their gods. Unfortunately, this plan worked and in the end 24,000 disobedient Israelites died. Balaam and King Balak were eventually killed when the two nations went to battle.
During one of the blessings, Balaam spoke these words from God, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent (change His mind). Has he said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)
In today’s world when truth and lies are hard to distinguish, knowing that God’s Word is the truth and we can rely and trust in His Word/Bible should encourage and reassure us as we grow in our faith. God does not lie and His promises are yes and Amen for His children. (2 Cor. 1:20) God has a great future for you and He loves you beyond any measure. (John 3:16; Jer. 29:11) Remember, you are blessed and you can speak blessings over yourself and your family each day.
Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/triple-blessings?sd=pf