Christ in all the scriptures
God Sovereign in every situation Numbers 22v20-41
There are situations in life that arise which test the ability of ruling men to the limit. In such circumstances they seek outside help whether it be from religious leaders, or diviners (modern equivalent clairvoyants) or the like. Such a situation arose in Moab which caused consternation in the corridors of power. The entity of Israel, consisting of about 3 million people with children and livestock were on their doorstep demanding clear passage into Canaan. This was not simply a migrant problem on a scale that is unmatched even today; this was a formidable fighting force which had just overrun their overlords Sihon and Og, and now appeared to threaten their very existence. In addition they were reputed to have the God of all heaven and earth on their side! In desperation, King Balak, in consultation with his courtiers sent a deputation bearing fabulous gifts to the renowned Balaam, son of Bosor in Mesopotamia, whose reputation for prophetic insight was second to none. These were days when the pronouncements of diviners were a powerful influence in the kingdoms of men. If truth be told it is no different today, although this aspect is kept low key. What marked Balaam out from others was that he was cautious and was, in fact, in touch with the living God. As such he had never failed in his predictions and pronouncements. In the course of human history God has had dealings with many an ungodly man in the cause of good government of world situations. He spoke directly to Cain, to Cyrus, to Nebuchadnezzar, and it is written "The most high ruleth among the kingdoms of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will"-Daniel 4v17. There is a phrase, "Man proposes, God disposes!", and never a truer word has been spoken. He is the living God, He rules over the affairs of men at all times, particularly when it involves His people.
Balaam was not one to be rushed, even when lavish gifts were being offered to him. He had built his reputation on caution, and he preferred to consult a higher power on this matter. He knew how to approach God for he had done so many a time. According to the latter part of the chapter he did so by means of sacrifice, a ritual he had come to know would give him access to the Almighty. Because of the moral distance, man can only approach God in a way acceptable to God. This principle stands forever and Balaam understood that God could only be approached by the sacrifice of another. The answer came emphatically, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed"-22v12. It is well a modern world also understands this! Balak sends another group of higher dignity than the first band and promises Balaam even greater honour if he comes to curse Israel. Balaam further consulted the Lord, and this time He allowed him to go, on condition he spoke only the words God gave him.
"And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him".
This exchange between God and Balaam was very real. The majesty of heaven deigns to deal with lowly man in a gracious, but righteous way. Why was God's anger so kindled against Balaam when He had given him permission to go with the princes of Moab? The narrative reveals it was because He discerned the inward temptation of Balaam. The God who is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4v12), knew that Balaam harboured some way of cashing in by cursing Israel, and He confronted him along the way. This is always God's way of operation, when the will of man clashes with the unalterable will of God, the will of man is frustrated. There are countless examples of this in scripture. God will allow Balaam to proclaim His word, He will not allow him to alter it in any way.
This leads to the unique story of the talking donkey! "The Angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him"-22v22. It is thought the journey from Pethor in Syria to Moab was about 70 miles, and, along the way they were confronted from above. This introduces us to the largely unknown spirit world. It is thought the "Angel of the Lord" may be a theophany of Christ Himself. The reality of the unseen spirit world controlling events on earth is sprinkled throughout scripture. Conflicts on earth often reflect conflicts in the heavens. Certainly Balaam was left in no doubt of opposition to his inward intentions, and the seven oracles which follow reveal the true character of God. Such is the folly of man, in conflict with the Divine will, that the donkey which conveyed him to Moab had more discernment than the seer! This episode declares what God thinks of man in his folly, that a dumb animal knows more than him of the realities of the universe! Indeed, the beast proved to be not so dumb as God spoke through it! The wisest of men, who oppose the will of God is dumber than the beast of burden! The saying, "...vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools"-Romans 1v21-22 is relevant to this situation. God well understands the frailty of man, but He will not tolerate rebellion. What a blow to human pride! The same chapter in Romans goes on to say that departure from God, the true God, leads man to worship lesser creatures, thus demeaning humanity, the highest creation of God. Under threat to his very existence, Balaam learned the following, which many are slow to learn even today:
1) That the unseen spirit world controls the material world in which we live.
2) That man in his folly becomes lesser than the animal creation.
3) That God blesses whom He will, and that He has blessed Israel.
4) That Israel holds the key to future blessing or cursing.
5) In His sovereign government of the universe, God speaks through ungodly men, even an idol worshipper like Balaam.
All of this is clear from the seven oracles of Balaam to Balak, the king of Moab. We are thus prepared for instruction of the character and ways of God. He controls the present and He controls the future. Seven altars proclaim seven oracles of the immutable words of the living God. The oracles of Balaam, spoken to a king, reveal God in the following scriptures:
Numbers 23v7-10; 23v18-24; 24v3-9; 24v15-19; 24v20; 24v21-22; 24v23-25.
Each oracle is preceded by the assertion that these are the very words of God. Nothing and no one can alter the Divine words. Psalm 119v89 declares, "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven". In a world full of doubt and uncertainty, this proclaims the unchanging and eternal nature of God's word. In every detail it will be fulfilled regardless of the vain attempts of man to alter it.
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