Study Questions:

1. Why was Balak very upset at Balaam? Numbers 24:10

2. What Messianic Prophecy did Balaam pronounce? Numbers 24:17

3. What happened when the Israelites were invited to Moab’s religious celebration? Numbers 25:1, 2

4. Why did the Lord praise Phinehas the priest? Numbers 25:11

Numbers 24 records the prophecy of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by King Balak to curse the Israelites. Instead, Balaam blesses them three times, speaking under the inspiration of God. The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God over human intentions and emphasizes His faithfulness to His chosen people despite external threats. Balaam’s oracles also contain Messianic foreshadowing, pointing towards a future ruler who will triumph over enemies. This chapter underscores the power of God’s word and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises.

However, it is important to note that Balaam was not a faithful man of God as this text might imply. In 2 Peter 2:15, the Apostle Peter tells us that Balaam loved “gain from wrongdoing,” and Revelation 2:14 tells us that Balaam taught Balak to put a stumbling block in front of the Israelites. Even though God forbid him to curse Israel, Balaam found another way to help King Balak. In Numbers 31:16, Moses said that Balaam advised Balak to get the Midianite women to seduce Israel into idolatry and worship of false Gods (Num 25). As a result of this immorality, God punished Israel, the people of Midian, and Balaam.

It is important to understand that Balaam played a role in God’s larger story, as did other wicked men like Pharaoh and Judas Iscariot. However, it is also important to know that wicked men cannot thwart God’s plans. We should align ourselves with God and willingly serve Him, but if we refuse, He can still use us for His glory.

Let us embrace God’s will and become part of a greater narrative driven by love, not personal gain. Let’s commit ourselves to a higher purpose and experience the joy of serving something greater than ourselves.

May the Lord grant you a blessed day today.