Looking for Wisdom?
The story of King Balak highlights the concept of seeking the services of a “prophet for hire.” But if we look closer, there is an example of how YHWH warns an unbeliever to turn from foolish ways and become wise. In Numbers, chapters 23-24, Yah uses four attempts to turn Balak away from his ridiculous desires to destroy Israel. Does Balak listen? And how does this story apply to us?
To better understand the story, we might want to ask. “Why did this king want to destroy Israel?” The answer is given to us in Chapter 22, verse 3, stating, “Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.”
It’s here that we need to remind ourselves about the land of Moab. The Moabites came from the daughters of Lot, who instigated their pregnancies thru an incestuous act with their father. Historically, we see this generational line plagued with sexual sin. One of the gods they worshipped was Peor, a god of sexual deviance. I can imagine they were set in their ways and feared Israel, not only for their numbers but fearful that Israel would condemn their lifestyle. Sound familiar?
Fast forward, we see King Balak shaken to the core in knowing that YHWH’s people had defeated giants. So rather than fighting sword to sword, he looked for a cowardly way out by seeking sources of magic and cursing.
Do you see backroom deals being made today to curse the people of Yah? Do you see people today set on maintaining sexual sin in their lives and refusing to allow God’s people to speak?
Of course, we know that YHWH is greater than any king, but at the same time, we know that God wants to bring everyone to the glory of His kingdom. In this study of Balak, we see YHWH revealing Himself in unique ways. It includes a talking donkey that warns the “paid for prophet” Balaam. We also see Balaam unable to curse Israel, no matter how hard he tried. And above all else, Yah tries to convince Balak to stay clear of Israel through prophetic discourse.
What were these four prophetic statements?
The first one is found in Numbers 23:7-10. Balaam speaks to the king and states, “How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? Here we find the first nugget of wisdom directed towards Balak, the unbeliever: “God is the only One who can curse. So, stay clear of trying to be God.” It’s a warning that YHWH is the Almighty One.
In the second prophetic utterance, Balak is warned, “God is not man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent . . . when He has blessed I (meaning man) cannot revoke it.” So we have the second pillar of wisdom given to Balak, summarized as, “Man cannot revoke or reverse Yah’s decrees.”
In Balaam’s third utterance, Balak is given a description of the glory of Israel and a kingdom that will be exalted. He reminds the unbeliever that Yah’s people will not be held in bondage but will have a life free of sin. “God brings Israel (those who wrestle with Yah) out of Egypt (bondage).” In my mind, it’s an invite for Balak to leave sin and recognize “cedars beside the water and living water flowing with buckets.” Balak “burned with anger” when he heard this message of life. He did not want to change.
Finally, in the fourth utterance, Balak is warned about what will happen to Moab if he proceeds. Destruction is promised if he does not turn from his wickedness. But does Balak accept this? No. He turns away to go home to devise another scheme. He walks away from wisdom.
Like today, the unbeliever is shown who God is. In Romans 1, we read, “God makes himself evident to them.” Yah also asks them to repent from their ways. But eventually, the wicked refuse Him, “they become futile in their speculations and their foolish heart is darkened.” Consequently, Yah gives them up–for they exchange the “truth of God” for lies. (Rom. 1:18-25)
Listen. We must be wise in today’s age. And this wisdom comes directly to us through His Word. We must be seekers of Truth, for, in these last days, the very elect may become deceived. This word of wisdom is found in the last part of Balak’s story, and it’s directed toward the believer. Even after Israel defeated mighty armies, conquering cities and destroying giants, they let their guard down when faced with unbridled perverse desire. The elect became deceived. Likewise, we are in a current environment where this temptation surrounds us and enters our camp daily and hourly.
“Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (I Cor. 1:20)
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn