Popular culture's adaption of Balaam and the talking ass?
God doesn't act the way we would have Him act. He doesn't choose for His purposes the people we would have Him to choose. Take for example this curious character called Balaam. He's a seer and oracle who practices divination. And yet, this outsider calls upon the Lord and is heard. In some ways, Balaam seems more faithful to God's wishes than the children of Israel do.
"I will bring you back the answer the Lord gives me." [Num. 22:8]
"But Balaam answered them, 'Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God.'" [Num. 22:18]
"I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." [Num 22:38]
"Perhaps the Lord will come to meet with me." [Num.23:3]
"The oracles of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision form the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened." [Num. 24:15-16]
We try to explain it away - Balaam's power to curse and to bless. And why does God care if Balaam blesses or curses Israel? Would his curse actually take without the Lord empowering it? Can he curse or bless on his own or with help from some other power?
God even meets with Balaam! [Num. 23:4] Not reveal Himself to him or thunder on him or strike him with fear at the Glory of the Lord. He meets with him.
I think Balaam honestly believes in the power of this God. Enough so, that he will forego riches from the King. He will defy the King and obey the Lord, blessing instead of cursing Israel.
His story might have been completely different if he'd not schemed and found another way to attack God's people. If he believed in the God of Israel, how did he ever think he would get away with tempting Israel to sin? Lord knows.
My post last year on this date.
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