Today’s passage: Numbers 22
Helpful thoughts:
- After seeing what Israel did to his neighbors (Or, what God did to his neighbors through Israel) the king of Moab was rightly afraid. He needed whatever help he could get. He went the supernatural route.
- Balaam was not historically known as a devout follower of Yahweh. He gives evidence even in this narrative that he was in it for the money. God tested him and proved this to be true.
- If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through a phony money-hungry false prophet too!
- Regardless of the nature of Balaam, what God evidenced in this narrative was that He had determined to bless Israel and give them the land. No human (Or even any supernatural power) could possibly thwart His plan. God is sovereign over all!
Questions to consider:
- What evidences are there in this chapter that Balaam was continually trying to score a big payday? What kind of prophet was he? How did others speaking with him prove they were well aware of that fact?
- Why were Balaam’s and Balak’s efforts to curse Israel doomed to fail?
- What does God do when He makes a promise and chooses to bless (Isaiah 14:24)? How can the promises and blessings of God for the church help encourage you to pursue excellence for His glory today?