One of the many exciting stories in the Bible tells of Balaam, the son of Beor, and Balak, son of Zippur, King of Moab (Num. 22:4-10).  But what does it tell us?  What can we learn from it and how can we apply it today?

Balak feared the children of Israel (Num. 22:3). The Israelites who were being led by God to destroy all residents of the Promised Land had easily destroyed the Amorites, causing fear for Balak.  Scripture does not say how many Moabites there were, but does say there were about two million Israelites, outnumbering the Moabites who had no chance of defeating God's chosen.

Balak knew that the only way to avoid being slaughtered by the Israelites was to move, but did not like that option. So he sent for Balaam, who was believed to have the ability to bless or curse people (Num. 22:7-11).  But why did Balak feel it essential to defeat Israel?  After all, they were no threat to him or his country, as they were going to the Land of Israel and that was not his territory.

Well, we all know of the exodus of the Jews into the desert and how God watched over them, providing food and raiment, and how they multiplied, kept a sanctuary, had prophets and kept their religion.  Could it be the fear was that once they crossed the Jordan their prosperity would be in abundance, that a state and mighty army would be established?  So, you might ask, what if Balaam was afraid that his pagan world would be turned upside down and the religion of the Jews forced upon all?  If this was the case, Balak would feel threatened and compelled to take action.

However, Balak made a mistake, not knowing that Balaam was one of God's followers and God would not curse Israel.  God instructed Balaam in a dream not to go with Balak's messengers, since they wanted to curse those blessed by God.  The king of the Moabites, being insistent, sent even more messengers to Balaam, promising a great reward if he would curse the Israelites; and Balaam was enticed and again went to God.  This provoked God to tell Balaam to go.  So Balaam left with the messengers when morning came and kindled God's anger.  God was angry with Balaam for going, yet He had just told him to go? As parents when children repeatedly ask for something we may tell them okay; however we also expect them to know it is not.  So it was with God and Balaam.

The scriptures give us this extraordinary episode with the angel and the donkey - the donkey, terrified, saw the angel three times and recognized the presence and power of God. She crushed Balaam's foot against the wall. Balaam smote the donkey and God opened his eyes so that Balaam finally saw what the donkey had recognized immediately. Balaam then accepted the proper prophetic nature of his calling.  Balaam offered to go home, if necessary, but was told by the angel to go on, but speak only what he is told.

Balaam waited on the Lord for instruction and what he gave was blessings not curses.  God demanded obedience.  Balaam was not to put a spell on the Israelites no matter what reward the Moabites would provide.  Balaam's name later is connected to greed, so the Jews understood the plan was to curse and not bless Israel even though Balaam said he could not be bribed (Num. 31:16; Jude 11). None of us have been without temptation and may vary greatly.  While many are tempted by pleasure, some are tempted by money and others with the promise of power (Rev. 2:14; 2 Pet. 2:15-16).

With or without us God's plan will be accomplished, so He isn't dependent on our obedience. We are allowed to disobey, but we should remember what happened to Balaam and others like Jonah.  Disobedience could result in missing a blessing God would have given us.  If one continues to disobey, will we find one day that we no longer want a relationship with God?  There is no question that this could be catastrophic and detrimental to our salvation.  And whether or not what we want to do is actually a sin, like stealing, lying, or anything else, we must weigh our decision carefully and recognize the consequences.

Remember, God does not need us, we need Him

Balaam listened to God and turned down a fortune to do so but he found it worth his while.

From this story we learn the significance of the fact that the donkey saw the angel of the Lord but Balaam, a supposed prophet did not. Balaam, because of his disobedience to God, was blinded but the donkey was not.  Choosing to be disobedient often leads to blindness toward what is in front us. Balaam's senses were clouded because of disobedience to God. The story of Jonah also shows us that disobedience to God will cause deception and delusion. Jonah was more willing to be thrown off the ship than to simply go where God wanted him to.

Despite Balaam's course of action, we see God's grace. God's mercy is shown when Balaam's eyes are opened and he lives.  God desires that none should die but all live; He is in the business of saving us and will take action to ensure the salvation of His chosen.

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