|
Balaam came to Moab; and when
King Balak heard he was there, he went to meet him directly. Balak
was glad to see him, and said, "Why didst thou not come before?
I am able to give thee money and honors, and many things, if thou wilt
obey me." But Balaam answered, "Now that I am come, I have
power to speak only what God commands me." The
next day, Balak brought Balaam to a high place, where they could see the
camp of Israel: there the idol Baal was worshiped, and there they
built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram upon every
altar. When they had finished, Balaam told the king to stay by the
altar, while he went to meet the Lord; for Balaam could not speak a word
without God's command. God met Balaam, and told him what to say, and
then the prophet went back to Balak. The king of Moab was waiting
for him, and wishing to hear the curses against God's people. And
did Balaam curse them? No; he could speak only God's words. He
said, "Balak, king of Moab sent for me to come and curse Israel; but
how can I curse the people whom God has not cursed? Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" Numbers,
23:10. Then Balak said, "What hast thou done? I called
thee to curse the people, not to bless them." But Balaam
answered, "I told thee I must speak only what God
commands." Again Balaam went to meet God, and again God put
blessings into Balaam's mouth. He spoke of Israel's happiness, and
of their future blessings. God gave him words, and made him speak
blessings of His people Israel; for God had power over Balaam's mouth, as
He had over the mouth of the ass. But it is sad to think of wicked
Balaam: when he saw God's happy people, he wished to be safe and
happy like them; but he did not pray to be made holy like God's
people. They are people who have repented; whose sins have been
washed away, and whose hearts have been made new and clean. Balak
was very angry with Balaam because he did not curse the Israelites; he
gave him no money, and no honor, but sent him away. Balaam lost
God's blessing, and worldly riches too; and, soon after, he was slain by
the Israelites, when they fought against Midian. Learn from this sad
story how fearful it is to forsake God, and how blessed those are who
truly love and serve Him.
|
