What can we learn from Balaam's response to God's instructions in Numbers 22:11? Setting the Scene “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and curse them for me; perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.” (Numbers 22:11) Balak’s message to Balaam is clear: he wants Israel cursed so he can defeat them. Balaam now faces God’s directive about whether to comply. God’s Clear Directive “But God said to Balaam, ‘Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.’” (Numbers 22:12) God leaves no room for negotiation. Israel is blessed; therefore Balaam must not curse them or travel with Balak’s delegation. Balaam’s Initial Compliance—And Its Limits “So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, ‘Go back to your own land, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you.’” (Numbers 22:13) What we observe: • Balaam does consult the LORD before deciding. • He reports God’s refusal—but only as far as it affects him personally (“has refused to let me go”) rather than highlighting Israel’s blessed status. • He sends the princes away yet leaves the door open for future negotiations (seen later in vv. 15-19). Key Lessons from Balaam’s Response • Seek God first, but stay there – Balaam rightly inquired of God, yet his heart remained movable when greater rewards were dangled. – Proverbs 3:5-6 urges trust in the LORD “with all your heart” instead of partial, reluctant trust. • Obedience means more than outward compliance – Balaam’s words obeyed God; his desires did not. Psalm 119:60 speaks of hastening “without delay” to keep God’s commands—no hidden reservations. • Partial truth can mask disobedience – Balaam omitted God’s reason (“they are blessed”). Holding back essential truth is itself disobedience (Acts 20:27). • Greed dulls spiritual clarity – Later Scripture spotlights Balaam’s covetous motive (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). Love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) blinds the heart to God’s unmistakable voice. • God’s blessing overrides human cursing – Numbers 23:8: “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” The believer rests in God’s sovereign favor, not human opinion (Romans 8:31). Supporting Passages • 2 Peter 2:15—Balaam loved “the wages of wickedness.” • Revelation 2:14—his teaching later enticed Israel into sin. • James 1:22—be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Psalm 84:11—“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Obedience never forfeits true blessing. Personal Application • Settle God’s Word as final authority; refuse to revisit forbidden options, even when new incentives appear. • Speak the whole counsel of God without trimming unpopular parts. • Examine motives regularly—ambition, popularity, or material gain can tempt us to dilute obedience. • Remember that what God has blessed cannot ultimately be overturned; stand confidently in His declared favor. Balaam’s story warns that initial obedience can erode when the heart craves something God has denied. Steadfast, wholehearted submission keeps us safe, effective, and aligned with the blessing God has already spoken. |
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