How does Balaam's decision in Numbers 24:1 demonstrate obedience to God's will? Setting the Scene • Balak, king of Moab, hires Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24). • Each attempt to utter a curse ends in a God-given blessing instead (Numbers 23:11-12, 20). • By the third oracle Balaam finally “saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel” (24:1). Key Verse “ When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness.” — Numbers 24:1 What Balaam Does Differently • Recognizes God’s settled will: blessing, not cursing. • Abandons occult methods: “did not resort to sorcery as at other times.” • Positions himself for fresh revelation: “turned his face toward the wilderness,” facing the camp God had blessed (cf. Numbers 23:9). Why This Decision Shows Obedience • Submission to God’s word above personal gain – Earlier, Balaam admitted, “I could not do anything beyond the command of the LORD” (Numbers 22:18; 24:13). – In choosing blessing, he obeys God instead of Balak’s lucrative offer (cf. 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11 for later condemnation when he relapsed). • Rejection of forbidden practices – Sorcery is expressly condemned (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). – By abandoning divination here, Balaam conforms to God’s moral law. • Aligning speech with divine revelation – Balaam waits for “the Spirit of God” (Numbers 24:2) rather than forcing a prophecy through occult means. – The result is the longest and most exalted oracle he ever speaks (Numbers 24:3-9). • Acceptance of God’s pleasure – “It pleased the LORD to bless Israel.” Balaam’s choice reflects agreement with what delights God—a hallmark of obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Contrast with Earlier Behavior • Numbers 22:7: accepts fees for divination. • Numbers 24:1: refuses sorcery despite mounting pressure. • The shift marks a momentary victory of obedience over greed and manipulation. Take-Away Principles for Today • When God’s will is clear, stop every alternative that contradicts it. • Obedience includes abandoning practices God forbids, even if they once seemed useful. • Aligning ourselves with what pleases the Lord positions us to receive clearer guidance and speak words that bless, not harm. |
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