Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way. Then Balaam aroseThe phrase "Then Balaam arose" signifies a decisive action taken by Balaam. The Hebrew root for "arose" is "קוּם" (qum), which often implies rising up with purpose or intention. In the context of the narrative, Balaam's arising marks the conclusion of his prophetic mission. Despite Balak's expectations, Balaam has delivered blessings instead of curses upon Israel, as directed by God. This moment of arising can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening or obedience to divine will, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with God's purposes. and returned to his homeland
The phrase "and returned to his homeland" indicates Balaam's departure from the scene of his prophecies. The Hebrew word for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This return signifies a closure to Balaam's involvement in the narrative. Historically, Balaam's homeland is believed to be in the region of Mesopotamia, possibly near the Euphrates River. His return symbolizes a retreat from the divine encounter and a return to his previous life, highlighting the transient nature of his role in God's plan. and Balak also went on his way
The phrase "and Balak also went on his way" reflects Balak's resignation to the outcome of his encounter with Balaam. The Hebrew word for "went" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or proceed. Balak's departure signifies his acceptance of the situation, albeit with disappointment. Historically, Balak was the king of Moab, and his desire to curse Israel stemmed from fear of their growing power. His going on his way underscores the futility of opposing God's will and serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and individuals. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead. His account is a complex one, involving divine intervention and a talking donkey. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who feared the Israelites and sought to curse them through Balaam. His plans were thwarted by God's sovereignty. 3. MoabThe region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea. It was a place of tension and conflict with Israel during their wilderness journey. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying to the Promised Land. They were the intended target of Balak's curse, but God protected them. 5. HomelandRefers to Balaam's place of origin, which he returned to after his encounter with Balak and the Israelites. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human intentions. Despite Balak's efforts, God turned the intended curse into a blessing for Israel. The Danger of CompromiseBalaam's account serves as a warning against compromising one's integrity for personal gain. His initial obedience was overshadowed by his later actions, which led Israel into sin. Divine ProtectionJust as God protected Israel from Balaam's curse, He continues to protect His people today. Trust in God's provision and protection in all circumstances. The Consequences of DisobedienceBalaam's eventual downfall illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the pursuit of selfish desires over God's will. Returning to GodLike Balaam returning to his homeland, we are reminded of the importance of returning to God and His ways, especially after straying. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's account illustrate the sovereignty of God over human plans and intentions? 2. In what ways can we guard against the temptation to compromise our faith for personal gain, as Balaam did? 3. How does the protection of Israel in this account encourage us to trust in God's protection in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's eventual downfall about the consequences of disobedience and greed? 5. How can we apply the concept of "returning to God" in our daily walk, especially when we have strayed from His path? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 23:4-5This passage recounts how Balaam was hired to curse Israel but God turned the curse into a blessing, highlighting God's protective power over His people. 2 Peter 2:15Peter warns against following the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of wickedness, emphasizing the danger of greed and false prophecy. Revelation 2:14Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding to the teachings of Balaam, who led Israel into sin, illustrating the ongoing relevance of Balaam's account as a warning against compromise. 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, Departed, Got, Home, Returned, Riseth, Rose, TurnethDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:24 5517 seafaring Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles 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 24:25 NIVNumbers 24:25 NLTNumbers 24:25 ESVNumbers 24:25 NASBNumbers 24:25 KJV
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