Final Answer

February 17

Read: Numbers 22

Numbers 22 tells the well-known story of Balaam and the talking donkey. In it, Balaam is called by the Moabite king Balak to come and curse Israel. A group of noblemen was sent to the prophet offering reward and honor if he would come and do as the king asked.

Balaam had enough discernment to seek God’s counsel in the matter, and in verse 12 we see God’s answer, “And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.”

That should have been the end of the matter. But Balak, desperately wanting some advantage over Israel, elected to try again. He sent more honorable noblemen and offered very great honor if Balaam would curse Israel. And here Balaam makes his mistake. In verse 19, in effect, he comes and asks God, “Is that your final answer?”

God allowed Balaam to go and bless Israel, but He showed his displeasure with Balaam (v. 22) and sent the angel of the Lord to withstand him in the way. After the donkey spoke and Balaam understood the situation, he knew better than to disobey God again. The nation of Israel was blessed; Balak expressed his displeasure with Balaam and sent him home.

Balaam’s name comes up again in Scripture later. Numbers 31:8, describing Israel’s conquest of the Midianites, concludes with this passage: “Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.” Balaam the prophet of Jehovah ultimately fell because of his failure to heed the clear direction of God. He wouldn’t take God’s word as final.

In Proverbs 20:25, the Bible tells us: “It is a snare unto a man….after vows to make inquiry.” It is a warning not to second guess God’s decisions and directions. The New Testament version is found in Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Once God has spoken, He doesn’t change His mind. Let us be careful not to dig up in doubt that which we buried in faith.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom