How does Joshua 13:22 illustrate the consequences of opposing God's chosen people? Setting the scene • After years of conquest, Joshua is dividing the land east of the Jordan among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:8–21). • In a brief historical note, Scripture recalls how a notorious enemy met his end during those earlier battles. The key verse “Along with the others, the Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor and put him to the sword.” (Joshua 13:22) Profile: Balaam, the “diviner” • Numbers 22–24: Hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel, Balaam hears directly from God yet covets the profit of divination. • Numbers 24:10-13: Despite his outward obedience in pronouncing blessings, his heart remains divided. • Numbers 31:8,16: He later counsels Moab and Midian to seduce Israel into immorality and idolatry, bringing a deadly plague on God’s people. • New Testament commentary: 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14—all cite Balaam as the archetype of greedy, corrupt opposition to God’s purposes. Patterns of opposition • Spiritual manipulation —Balaam tries to use divine revelation for personal gain. • Deceptive counsel —He knows truth yet deliberately leads others into sin. • Persistent resistance —Even after witnessing God’s power, he aligns himself with enemies of Israel. Immediate consequences • Numbers 31:8 places Balaam’s death in Israel’s victory over Midian; Joshua 13:22 simply confirms the fact. • The same sword that executed Midianite kings fell on Balaam. He shared the fate of those he served, underscoring Proverbs 11:21: “Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished.” Lasting lessons • God’s covenant people cannot be cursed outside His will; attempts to do so rebound on the attacker (Genesis 12:3; Numbers 23:8). • Privileged knowledge of God does not shield a rebellious heart; judgment is impartial and sure (Romans 2:5-6). • Aligning with those opposed to God’s purposes ultimately brings a share in their destruction (Psalm 1:6). • Joshua 13:22 stands as a sober footnote: the story of Balaam closes not with profit or prestige but with a sword-stroke, illustrating that every scheme against God’s chosen ends in defeat. |
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