How does Numbers 23:15 demonstrate Balaam's obedience to God's instructions? Setting the Scene • Balak has hired Balaam to curse Israel. • God has already made His will clear: Balaam is to say only what God puts in his mouth (Numbers 22:35; 23:12). • Balaam has erected seven altars and offered sacrifices, intending to seek the LORD’s word before speaking again. Text Spotlight “Balaam said to Balak, ‘Stay here beside your burnt offering while I go to meet the LORD over there.’ ” (Numbers 23:15) Key Observations on Obedience • Balaam pauses all activity until he hears from God—he will not proceed on his own initiative. • He separates himself from Balak, removing human pressure so he can focus solely on divine instruction. • He fully expects fresh guidance; “I go to meet the LORD” shows faith that God will speak, just as He did earlier (23:3–5). • He mirrors the same pattern of obedience displayed in 23:3, reinforcing a consistent submission to God’s directives. What Made Balaam’s Actions Obedient? 1. Respect for God’s Prior Command – Numbers 22:35: “Only the word I speak to you, that you must do.” – By seeking the LORD again, Balaam refuses to invent his own message. 2. Willingness to Disappoint Powerful People – Balak is king and paying handsomely, yet Balaam lets him wait. – Acts 5:29 echoes the principle: “We must obey God rather than men.” 3. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty in Worship – The burnt offerings were already presented; Balaam does not treat them as magical tools but as expressions of worship submitted to God’s timing. 4. Humble Expectation – He does not dictate terms to God; he goes “over there,” wherever God chooses to meet him, displaying humility (James 4:8). Lessons for Today • Wait for God’s word before acting, even when others pressure you. • Create space to seek God without distractions. • Obedience often means delaying action until direction is clear (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Faithfulness may require disappointing people to remain faithful to God’s revealed will (Galatians 1:10). |
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