A house full of gold

February 1, 2021 (Monday)

 

Last time we picked up the trail of Balaam. His story is both a comedy and tragedy. Most of it appears in Numbers 22. Let’s dig in.

 

His story happens because, “Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.” [Numbers 22:1 ESV] There are some who want us to believe Israel, at this point in history, is a small motley band of nomads. But that does not fit the details of the story.

 

After mentioning their victory over the formidable Amorites, we read, “And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.” [Numbers 22:3 ESB] So between beating a neighboring state, moving into their territory, and being “many,” Moab was justifiably terrified of Israel.

 

What they did not know, or maybe they did and fear drove them to desperation, was God had told Israel to NOT tangle with Moab because He was not giving them any of their land (see [Deuteronomy 2:9 ESV). The trouble is fear blinds us and drives us to desperation. Once fear sets in facts are either ignored or lost in the fog. When fear overcomes us, we become stupid, senseless, and shortsighted.

 

King Balak, “sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor.” [Numbers 22:5a ESV] Notice, God had provided a prophet outside the linage of Israel. However, Moab had descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and they were not yet under judgement. It makes sense that God would provide them with a prophet.

 

We see Balak’s plan and reason, “Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” [Numbers 22:6 ESV] He wants Israel cursed. The reasoning is this will be the only way to “defeat them and drive them” out.

 

Then we read, “So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message.” [Numbers 22:7 ESV] He and his allies send a delegation, with the fees for Balaam’s service. What happens next becomes a twisted game of higher stakes. Balaam asked them to spend the night and he will tell them what the Lord says.

 

We now get a glimpse into HOW God interacts with us. “And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” [Numbers 22:9 ESV] God involves Himself at Balaam’s level already knowing who the men are and the future outcome of this story. It is similar to when God asked Adam where he was hiding.

 

God tells Balaam not to go with them. Put yourself in Balak’s sandals for a moment. It might appear to him that Balaam is negotiating for a higher fee since the stakes are higher. So Balak tries again, “Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these.” [Numbers 22:15 ESV] Balaam responds, “But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God to do less or more.” [Numbers 22:18 ESV] We have hindsight to reach the plausible conclusion to suggest Balaam intended to sell out for the right price.

 

At this point, the story takes two sharp turns. “And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” [Numbers 22:20 ESV] Why does God now allow the trip? Wait there is more! “But God's anger was kindled because he went.” [Numbers 22:22 ESV] Why is God angry about something He has allowed Balaam to do?

 

Confused? My suspicion is Balaam went with the intent of filling his house with silver and gold. He had no intent on obeying the Lord. What a difference a new day makes in our intentions and actions.

 

Stay tuned, we are just getting to the “good” part. Hee-haw!