When Balak the king of Moab saw the vast numbers of Israelites on his borders on their journey to the Promised Land, he was terrified!
The Israelites had recently defeated the Amorites, Moab’s neighbors and relatives, descendants of Lot.
Balak feared his people would soon be annihilated by the Israelites, and was convinced supernatural forces were needed to
defend his kingdom.
Not knowing God had forbidden Israel to attack Moab, Balak enlisted the help Balaam, a renowned prophet and paid
diviner.
Balak sent messengers to Balaam saying, “A people has come out
of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.” (Numbers22:5)
Balak also a descendant of Lot, perhaps remembered God’s covenant with
Abraham as he asked Balaam to come and put a curse on the Israelites.
“I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you
lightly I must curse, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through
you.” (Genesis 12:3)
At first glance it’s possible to see Balaam’s character in a
favorable light, as he refused the offer of silver and gold from Balak, telling
him the Lord had refused to let him curse the Israelites.
Rather than a true prophet, Balaam was both very “spiritual”
and very wicked. At a later time he would advise the king of Moab to corrupt
Israel through seduction of the Moabite women, to turn the Israelites from the Lord.
God had forbidden his people to seek help from diviners and
fortune tellers. They were to look only to Him for guidance and direction. The
mysteries of God are sacred -
“Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the
Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths
below—what can you know?" (Job 11:7-8)
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