What does Balaam's action in Numbers 23:1 teach about approaching God with reverence? Reading the Verse Numbers 23:1: “Then Balaam said to Balak, ‘Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.’” Setting the Scene - Balaam has been summoned by Balak to curse Israel (Numbers 22). - God has already made His will clear: Israel is blessed and must not be cursed (22:12). - Balaam, restrained by God, will speak only what God allows (22:35). - Before receiving any word, Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and offer seven bulls and seven rams. What Balaam Did - Ordered the immediate construction of altars. - Specified seven of each sacrifice (bulls and rams). - Waited by the offerings, anticipating God’s message (23:3). Why the Action Matters 1. Tangible acknowledgment of God’s holiness • Altars and sacrifices visibly separated the holy from the common (Leviticus 1:1-9). 2. Costly devotion • Bulls and rams were premium animals; reverence is never cheap (2 Samuel 24:24). 3. Structured approach, not casual familiarity • Seven altars and seven sacrifices show ordered worship rather than haphazard attempts (1 Corinthians 14:40). 4. Recognition of mediation • Blood offerings point to the need for atonement when approaching a righteous God (Hebrews 9:22). Lessons on Approaching God with Reverence - Come on God’s terms, not ours • Balaam, though a questionable prophet, still follows sacrificial protocol; the pattern underscores that God—not man—sets the conditions (Exodus 25:40). - Bring the best, not leftovers • “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). - Approach with seriousness and expectancy • Balaam waits silently for God’s word (Numbers 23:3); reverence includes patient listening (Habakkuk 2:20). - Recognize that true reverence involves obedience • Balaam will ultimately bless Israel because God commands it (23:11-12); reverent worship always yields obedient action (John 14:15). Supporting Scriptures - Hebrews 12:28-29: “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” - Psalm 95:6: “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” - Leviticus 10:3: “I will show My holiness to those who are near Me, and I will reveal My glory before all the people.” Takeaway for Today - Reverence is deliberate: we draw near through the sacrifice God provides (fulfilled ultimately in Christ—Hebrews 10:19-22). - Reverence is costly: we give our best time, talent, and treasure. - Reverence is obedient: we align our words and actions with God’s revealed will, however uncomfortable or counter-cultural it may be. |
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