Categories: Numbers

Numbers 24

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Numbers 24 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

To me, the most striking verse in this chapter begins with verse 1.

When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness. [2] And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

Numbers 24:1-2 NASB

Up to this point, Balaam has tried to seek out an answer for Balak using traditionally pagan rituals. Divination would be a good word to describe it. It is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by using an occultic, standardized process. Consider that Balaam abandoned this process because he had found something greater. He knew it pleased God for him to prophesy that Israel would be blessed. This higher purpose brought greater satisfaction than his standardized, pagan rituals. He had found the answer and it was good.

It’s a simple and true application. Once we have found what pleases God, we have truly found what pleases us. Our purpose comes out of our choice to obey. Notice that after Balaam abandons his old ways of pagan rituals, he sets his eyes on Israel and the Spirit of God came upon him. This is a blessing of mercy by God in allowing Balaam to experience His power and speak to His faithfulness.

So the question now turns to us. What have you abandoned of your former life in order to share in the purpose and power of the risen Christ? Or, have you gone back to those old ways of life? Some will stumble and fall back. Others will persevere and continue to press into the Spirit of God toward purpose and holiness. The fascinating part of this whole account is that Balaam wasn’t even a believer. It goes to show that when we seek the Lord, He is faithful to deliver us to a higher purpose and calling.

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