Balaam answered Balak, "Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me Balaam answered BalakThis phrase introduces us to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, who is responding to Balak, the king of Moab. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) implies a response or reply, often in a formal or significant context. Balaam's response is not just casual; it carries weight and authority. Historically, Balaam is a complex figure, known for his ability to communicate with God despite not being an Israelite. His interaction with Balak highlights the tension between divine will and human desire, as Balak seeks to manipulate Balaam to curse Israel. Did I not also tell
This phrase underscores Balaam's consistency and integrity. The Hebrew word for "tell" (אָמַר, 'amar) is often used in the context of declaring or affirming something with certainty. Balaam reminds Balak of his previous statements, emphasizing that he has been transparent and truthful from the beginning. This reflects a broader biblical theme of the importance of truthfulness and the reliability of God's messengers. the messengers you sent me
Here, Balaam refers to the emissaries sent by Balak. The term "messengers" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) can also mean "angels" or "envoys," indicating individuals who carry a message or mission. In the ancient Near Eastern context, messengers were crucial for communication between leaders and nations. Balaam's reference to them highlights the formal and serious nature of the negotiations between him and Balak. It also serves as a reminder of the chain of communication and the importance of delivering messages accurately, a principle that resonates with the biblical emphasis on faithful transmission of God's word. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak to curse Israel. Despite his intentions, God used him to bless Israel instead. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who feared the Israelites and sought to curse them through Balaam, hoping to weaken them. 3. MoabA region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, was threatened by the presence of the Israelites. 4. MessengersRepresentatives sent by Balak to Balaam to persuade him to curse Israel. 5. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whom Balak feared due to their growing numbers and strength. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human intentions. Despite Balak's efforts, God used Balaam to bless Israel, demonstrating His ultimate control over all situations. Faithfulness to God's WordBalaam's response to Balak's messengers reminds us of the importance of adhering to God's instructions, even when faced with pressure or temptation. The Danger of GreedBalaam's account serves as a warning against the love of money and the temptation to compromise one's integrity for material gain. God's Protection Over His PeopleThe account illustrates God's unwavering protection over His chosen people, reassuring believers of His faithfulness and care. The Power of BlessingThe transformation of a curse into a blessing highlights the power of God's word and the importance of speaking blessings over others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's interaction with Balak's messengers reflect the importance of staying true to God's word in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of Balaam and Balak, and how can this encourage us in our personal challenges? 3. How does the account of Balaam warn us about the dangers of greed and the pursuit of material wealth? 4. What are some modern-day situations where we might feel pressured to compromise our faith, and how can Balaam's account guide us in those moments? 5. How can we actively choose to speak blessings over others, and what impact might this have on our relationships and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. Balaam's inability to curse Israel aligns with this promise. Deuteronomy 23:5This verse recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing, emphasizing God's protection over Israel. 2 Peter 2:15Balaam is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the danger of greed and disobedience to God. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Balaam, Balak, Didn't, Hast, Messengers, Saying, Sentest, Spake, Speak, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:12-13 1421 oracles
1457 trance
7774 prophets, false Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:12 NIVNumbers 24:12 NLTNumbers 24:12 ESVNumbers 24:12 NASBNumbers 24:12 KJV
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