What can we learn from Balaam's communication with God in Numbers 22:10? Setting the Scene • Israel’s victorious march from Egypt alarms King Balak of Moab (Numbers 22:1–6). • He hires Balaam, a noted pagan diviner who nevertheless has real encounters with the LORD (Numbers 22:8–9). • Verse 10 records Balaam’s first reply after seeking God overnight. Text Under the Microscope Numbers 22:10: “So Balaam answered the servants of Balak, ‘Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent me this message:’” Observations about Balaam’s Communication • Immediate honesty—he states exactly who sent him and why. • No embellishment—he relays Balak’s words verbatim, resisting the urge to edit. • God consulted first—Balaam does not answer Balak until he has “spent the night” waiting on God (Numbers 22:8). • Recognition of two authorities—earthly king (Balak) and heavenly King (Yahweh), yet he lets God’s word overrule (Numbers 22:12). Lessons for Our Walk with God • Consult the LORD before committing to any request (Proverbs 3:5–6; James 1:5). • Speak truthfully about motives, sources, and intentions (Ephesians 4:25). • Keep God’s message intact; never soften it to please people (Galatians 1:10). • Remember that even non-Israelite voices can be used by God, underscoring His sovereign reach (Numbers 22:20; Luke 19:40). Cautions and Warnings • Balaam’s initial obedience masks a greedy heart that later leads to compromise (Numbers 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). • Hearing God accurately does not guarantee following Him faithfully; watch your motives (Jeremiah 17:9). Encouragement for Today • God is willing to speak into life’s decisions when we pause to listen. • Faithful communication begins with submission: relay what God says, no more, no less (John 12:49). • Consistent integrity—both in words and motives—keeps us from Balaam’s error and aligns us with the true King. |
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