Numbers 22:2-14 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.… I. MEN IN DIFFICULTY SEEKING SUPERNATURAL HELP. "It was supposed that prophets and sorcerers had a power to curse persons and places so as to frustrate their counsels, enervate their strength, and fill them with dismay." 1. There is a measure of truth in this. Men have had power granted them to curse others (Genesis 9:25; Joshua 6:26; 2 Kings 2:24). It is probable that Balaam had this power. 2. There is much error in the views under consideration. No man can curse those whom God hath blessed. II. MAN CONSCIOUS OF SUPERNATURAL POWERS AND OF HIS SUBJECTION TO DIVINE AUTHORITY IN THE USE OF THEM. Balaam was certainly not altogether an impostor. "In his career," says Dean Stanley, "is seen that recognition of Divine inspiration outside the chosen people which the narrowness of modern times has be n so eager to deny, but which the Scriptures are always ready to acknowledge, and, by acknowledging, admit within the pale of the teachers of the Universal Church the higher spirits of every age and of every nation." But notice — 1. His consciousness of great powers. 2. His consciousness of subjection to God in the use of his powers. 3. His sin against God. III. MAN RECEIVING A SUPERNATURAL VISITATION. 1. God's access to man's mind. 2. God's interest in man's life. 3. God's authority over man's life. IV. MAN DEALING UNFAITHFULLY WITH A DIVINE COMMUNICATION. Balaam belonged to that still numerous class who theoretically know God, and who actually do fear Him, but whose love and fear of God are not the governing principles of their minds. They are convinced, but not converted. They would serve God, but they must serve mammon also; and in the strife between the two contending influences their lives are made bitter, and their death is perilous. V. MEN DEALING UNFAITHFULLY AS MESSENGERS. Learn — 1. The Divine communications have never been limited to any one people, or country, or age. 2. Great goodness is not always associated with great gifts. "The illumination of the mind is by no means necessarily associated with the conversion of the heart." 3. Great gifts involve great responsibility and grave peril. 4. The temptation to covetousness is of great subtlety and strength, and assails even the most gifted natures (Luke 12:15-21). (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.WEB: Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. |
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