Numbers Chapter 24
The prophet Balaam had finally realized that he could not win the spiritual battle. He could not entice a curse upon the people of Israel. The future of Israel rests in the hands of almighty God. Balaam wanted so badly to gain riches from King Balak, but he realized that God could not and would not pronounce a curse upon Israel. This is still true today. God made a covenant with Israel and He cannot go back on His covenant.
In Balaam’s third oracle we can see that he began to see Israel as God sees Israel. He speaks of the beauty of the encampment of the Israelites, their strength and triumph over their enemies. It may be that Balaam is referring to future battles that Israel would be victorious such as with King Agag in I Samuel. I think as God’s Spirit was upon Balaam, he saw things that he knew and understood were the future workings of God that he could not possibly have known about nor understood in his natural state. God gave him spiritual eyes and a glimpse of His future kingdom.
Let's Reflect
1. What did King Balak do as he spoke (probably yelled) to emphasize how angry he was with Balaam for not pronouncing a curse on Israel?
2. Balak was going to honor Balaam and by that he probably meant he would spare his life, but he certainly would not be paying him for his services since he had not pronounced a curse on Israel. In hopes of still getting his money what did Balaam remind Balak that he had said before ever leaving his home with the messengers?
3. God had more to say through the prophet. He had blessed Israel but now he would curse the very nation that wanted to destroy Israel the nation of King Balak, Moab. The curse also extended to what other country listed in verse 18?
4. Balaam could also see the defeat of Amalek, the burning of Kain, and the affliction of Asshur and Eber. What did Balaam do immediately after he finished speaking all of these prophecies, prophecies that did not speak of a curse on Israel?
5. According to verse 17 who is the one who is in charge of all of these victories against the enemies of Israel?
6. This one who is in charge isn’t He also the one who is still in charge today and will give Israel victory over all her enemies?
