How does Balaam's response in Numbers 22:10 demonstrate obedience to God's command? Setting the Scene Balak’s princes arrive with payment in hand, inviting Balaam to travel to Moab and pronounce a curse on Israel. Before answering them, Balaam turns to the LORD for direction. Numbers 22:9–10 records: “Then God came to Balaam and asked, ‘Who are these men with you?’ Balaam answered God, ‘Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: “Look, a people who came out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I will be able to fight them and drive them away.” ’ ” Balaam’s Precise Report—A Sign of Submission Balaam could have simplified, embellished, or spun the request to suit his own desires, yet he repeats Balak’s words exactly. His choice to recount the message verbatim to the LORD reveals several layers of obedience. Key Ways Balaam’s Words Reflect Obedience • Accuracy before God – By giving God the unedited request, Balaam honors the command never to add to or subtract from God’s word (Deuteronomy 4:2). – He recognizes that every detail belongs in God’s hearing; nothing is trivial when seeking divine counsel. • Dependence on divine direction – Rather than deciding on the spot, Balaam waits for God’s reply—mirroring the pattern of servants who “stand before the LORD” until He speaks (2 Kings 3:14). – His posture says, in effect, “Your will governs my response,” foreshadowing God’s clear prohibition in verse 12. • Refusal to negotiate behind God’s back – Balak’s offer is lucrative (v. 7), yet Balaam does not strike a private bargain. – Psalm 119:10 affirms, “With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commands.” Balaam’s first move keeps him within that boundary. • Recognition of God’s sovereignty – By bringing the pagan king’s request into God’s courtroom, Balaam tacitly admits that only the LORD decides blessing or curse (Numbers 24:9). – He shifts the focus from human pressure to divine prerogative. Obedience Confirmed in God’s Answer God immediately answers: “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Because Balaam had accurately relayed the request, he now receives a direct, unmistakable command he can obey without confusion—demonstrated the next morning when he dismisses the princes (v. 13). Lessons for Us Today • Bring every issue to the Lord exactly as it is; honesty invites clear guidance. • Wait for God’s word before acting, no matter the reward on offer (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Obedience often starts with accurate listening and transparent reporting, long before visible action. • God’s final authority over blessing and curse remains unchallenged—our role is to line up promptly with His revealed will (1 Samuel 15:22). |
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