Balaam’s Third Oracle
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
Balak Dismisses Balaam
“Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.” Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff. Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur (Assyria) takes you captive.” Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.” Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.”
Balaam is winding up his prophecies and Balak is fed up. “And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.” Sorcery? Balaam has been contacting God using sorcery but God has been giving Balaam valid prophecies. God will use anybody at any level when they will let Him. This time, Balaam doesn’t bother with sorcery but turns his face toward the Israelite camp and opens himself to the Spirit of God.
Once more, God gives Balaam a magnificent blessing for Israel. “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
Balak is so angry at Balaam that he says, “The Lord has denied you your reward.” “No problem,” says, Balaam. “I’m going home, but before I do, I will tell you what God will do to Moab in the future.” Balaam continues to predict that a ruler will come out of Israel that will destroy Moab. Then Balaam predicts that the Amalekites, the Kenites, and the Assyrians will eventually be destroyed.
APPLICATION: Some people have argued that these predictions must have been added later; however, Moses is credited with writing the Book of Numbers and there is no reason to doubt that these predictions are authentic. After all, Moses has regularly met God face to face and has also received the Ten Commandments at God’s hand. It’s ironic that many of the same people who will try to deride the prophecies in Numbers 24 are more than willing to accept all kinds of theories about ancient aliens visiting earth from other planets, the lost continent of Atlantis, etc.
One fascinating point is this possible reference: ”I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” Is this a prediction about King David or does it concern Jesus the Messiah or does it refer to both? Many of God’s prophecies work on multiple levels. Personally, I feel that God has blessed Balaam by allowing him to give one of the first Messianic prophecies.
What happens to Balaam? We’ll find out the details of Balaam’s fate tomorrow, but it is not a happy one. This man who has received God’s Word and God’s commands on several occasions dies ingloriously. Rather than serving the One True Living God whole-heartedly, Balaam tries to worm his way back into Balak’s good graces with disastrous results. Balaam’s story serves as a reminder that just because God has used us does not mean we cannot fall from grace if we remain disobedient.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us never to take You or Your service for granted. Help us to remember that obedience to You and to Your Word must be paramount in our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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