Balaam and His Donkey Prove their Faithfulness

Numbers 22-31

Good intentions get you nowhere.  I've been so consumed with church reports, a final paper for one of my doctor of ministry classes and just getting through the snow storm these past few days I didn't write.  I wanted to, but I didn't.  I'm sorry. It's been a battle of will to make the time to get back to our study, but here I am.

Numbers 22-31 gives an account of the Israelites second approach to the promised and.  The old generation has died and a new generation stands poised at the border, ready to enter the promised land.  Neighboring nations, however, have other ideas.  That is where Balaam comes in.  Balaam was one of those noteworthy character of the Old Testament who, though not one of the chosen people was willing to acknowledge Jehovah (Yahweh) was indeed a powerful God. And like myself, Balaam had good intentions but couldn't seem to follow through until his donkey turned aside on the road.  Even then, Balaam could not understand what was right before him.  How funny it is that when Balaam did not have eyes to see or the wisdom to follow but Balaam's donkey did!  The angel of the Lord made it clear what Balaam had to do.

Balaam finds himself before Balak, but he has sworn only to speak the words Jehovah gives him. Balaam then proceeds to bless the Israelites.  This, of course, frustrates Balak. He wants Balaam to curse his enemies not to bless them. In the end, Balaam will not go against God, despite the promise of great wealth.  Finally, Balak and Balaam part ways.

The greater danger for the Israelites is not this curse by Balaam but the worship of Baal.  The temptation to compromise their faith and participate in Canaanite cultic practice was great.  At first Israelite men were only interested in the cultic prostitutes, but soon they began worshipping their idols and participating in their feasts. They were easily led astray, just as we can be today.

Note:  Baal was the most popular God in Canaan, the land Israel was about to enter.  Represented by a bull, a symbol of strength and fertility, he was the god of the rains and the harvest.   The Israelites were continually attracted to Baal worship, in which prostitution was a large part, throughout their years in Canaan.  The use of Baal prostitutes was considered part of the religious ritual for fertility. Later, the name of Baal is used as a generic title for all other gods but Yahweh.

The second great census of the people is the beginning of the end of the Israelites sojourn in the wilderness.  Soon the will enter the Promised land and take possession.  It will not come easily though. There will be many battles.  Some they will win and some they will lose.  Joshua will lead them where Moses can not go.  It will be a new beginning for the chosen people of God.

Comments

[Ann Eatman]

So depressing all this war and killing.
Have things really changed in Asia with women???
Don't think so. Nomadic wilderness........and we
think "roughing it" is no room service!

[Jane]

I'm with you....enough of this camping! Truly not much as changed in this part of the world for those who are nomadic. They still move from place to place with animal skin tents as their home. Their fires are dirty and smokey and the sheep and goats are their way of life. I know I couldn't survive.