Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of Balak tempting Balaam is a significant episode found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. This account highlights the themes of temptation, divine sovereignty, and the struggle between human desires and God's will.Context and Background Balak, the king of Moab, becomes alarmed as the Israelites encamp on the plains of Moab, having recently defeated the Amorites. Fearing the might of Israel, Balak seeks to employ Balaam, a renowned prophet, to curse the Israelites, hoping to weaken them and secure victory for Moab. This episode underscores the tension between the pagan practices of the surrounding nations and the divine protection over Israel. The Temptation Balak sends messengers to Balaam with the promise of a handsome reward, urging him to come and curse Israel. Balaam, known for his ability to bless and curse, is tempted by the offer of wealth and honor. Initially, Balaam seeks God's guidance, and God instructs him not to go with the Moabite officials, stating, "You are not to curse these people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Despite God's clear directive, Balak persists, sending more distinguished officials with promises of greater rewards. Balaam's response reveals his internal struggle: "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great" (Numbers 22:18). Yet, Balaam's desire for the reward leads him to seek God's permission again. Divine Intervention God permits Balaam to go with the officials but commands him to speak only what He instructs. As Balaam sets out, God's anger is kindled because Balaam's heart is inclined toward the reward rather than obedience. The Angel of the LORD confronts Balaam on the road, and Balaam's donkey, seeing the angel, refuses to proceed. This miraculous event culminates in the donkey speaking to Balaam, and Balaam's eyes being opened to the angel's presence. The angel reiterates God's command: "Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you" (Numbers 22:35). Balaam's Prophecies Upon reaching Balak, Balaam is taken to various high places to view the Israelites and pronounce curses. However, each time Balaam attempts to curse, God intervenes, and Balaam blesses Israel instead. Balaam declares, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). Despite Balak's frustration and repeated attempts to manipulate the situation, Balaam remains bound by God's word. Theological Implications The account of Balak tempting Balaam serves as a profound illustration of God's unassailable sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. It highlights the danger of succumbing to temptation and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine instruction. Balaam's experience is a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and the necessity of unwavering obedience to God. This narrative also foreshadows the ultimate blessing and protection that God promises to His people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical canon. The account of Balaam and Balak is a testament to the truth that no weapon formed against God's people shall prosper, as God's purposes prevail over human schemes. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:1And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 23:1 Numbers 24:1 Library Tenth Commandment A Few Sighs from Hell; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of Jesus' temptations? | GotQuestions.org How does Satan tempt us? | GotQuestions.org Temptation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Temptation: Abraham Leads Pharaoh Temptation: Always Conformable to the Nature of Man Temptation: Balak Tempts Balaam Temptation: Blessedness of Those Who Meet and Overcome Temptation: Christ is Able to Help Those Under Temptation: Christ Keeps Faithful Saints from the Hour of Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Devil Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Wicked Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under Temptation: Christ: Resisted by the Word of God Temptation: Christ: Sympathises With Those Under Temptation: Comes From: Covetousness Temptation: Does not Come from God Temptation: Evil Associates, the Instruments of Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Gideon Leads the People of Israel Into Sin Temptation: God Cannot be the Subject of Temptation: God Enables the Saints to Bear Temptation: God Knows How to Deliver Saints out of Temptation: God Will Make a Way for Saints to Escape out of Temptation: God Will not Suffer Saints to be Exposed To, Beyond Their Temptation: Has Strength Through the Weakness of the Flesh Temptation: Jeroboam Leads the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Into Temptation: Leading Into: Prayer Against Being Led Into Temptation: Mere Professors Fall Away in Time of Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty Temptation: Often Arises Through: Prosperity Temptation: Often Arises Through: Worldly Glory Temptation: Often Ends in Sin and Perdition Temptation: Often Strengthened by the Perversion of God's Word Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Disinterestedness Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Faith Temptation: Saints May be in Heaviness Through Temptation: Saints should Avoid the Way of Temptation: Saints should not to Occasion, to Others Temptation: Saints should Pray to be Kept From Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith Temptation: Saints should Restore Those Overcome By Temptation: Saints should Watch Against Temptation: The Devil is the Author of Temptation: The Devil Will Renew Temptation: The Old Prophet of Beth-El, the Prophet of Judah Temptation: To Distrust of God's Providence Temptation: To Worshipping the God of This World Temptation: Yielding to Adam and Eve Temptation: Yielding to Balaam Temptation: Yielding to David, to Commit Adultery Temptation: Yielding to Hezekiah Temptation: Yielding to Isaac, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Jacob, to Defraud Esau Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives Temptation: Yielding to The Prophet of Judah Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel Related Terms |