Numbers 24:1-25
Q.1. Why did Balaam not take special steps to receive the prophecy about Israel? What was God’s message? – (Num.24:1-9)
By now the prophet was unshakably sure that nothing would change God’s mind about fulfilling His promise to bless Israel. This time he dispensed with his normal routine and simply observed – … Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him (Num.24:2). God has no problem guiding us when we have a predisposition to submit to Him and His principles. Balaam saw Israel flourish. He knew that – … Blessed is everyone who blesses you and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 c.f. Gen.12:3).
Q.2. How did God’s chastening of Balaam change his faithfulness as a prophet? What is God’s place over the nations? – (Num.24:10-24)
Before his humiliation from the mouth of his donkey, Balaam had been vulnerable to the bribery of King Balak. Now, despite the king’s anger, Balaam not only declared that he could not do anything contrary to the Lord’s command, but he also took the bold step of informing Balak about the future that God had in store for Israel (Num.24:13-14). He then prophesied the ascendancy of Israel over all the surrounding nations.
Q.3. What reference did he make to a future Ruler? How is He related to Israel? – (Num.24:16-19)
In the process of foretelling the blessing of Israel, Balaam also foreshadowed the ultimate triumph of a Ruler from Jacob – “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A sceptre shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, and tear down all the sons of Sheth (Num.24:17). Balaam could see Him rise, but not until a future time. This will come about at the climax of the ages when Christ reigns as King of all kings and Lord of all lords (c.f. Rev.19:11-16).