Lessons From a Donkey
Scripture: Numbers 22
The Players:
- Balek, king of Moab
- Elders, advisors to King Balek of Moab
- Balaam, a soothsayer from "near the river" (Euphrates ?)
- Donkey, Balaam's donkey
- Israel, during the wilderness years
Moses is leading Israel through the wilderness, and The God of Israel is getting quite a reputation for taking care of His people. Balek is taking note, and he realizes that Moab could be in danger if Israel is allowed to continue unchecked. He seems unwilling to approach them militarily at this point, so he and his elders decide the best plan of action is to call upon Balaam in order to have Israel properly cursed. Balek states that, "whoever you bless will be blessed and whoever you curse will be accursed!" (Num 22:6).
Does something about that sound familiar? (see Genesis 12:3)
In Genesis, The God of Israel, Yehovah, states who He will bless and curse. In Numbers 22, Balek ascribes this power to Balaam. What can we learn about Balaam from this?
*Hint: Think about authentic verses counterfeit.*
We see many examples in scripture of the enemy's attempt to counterfeit the authentic power of Yehovah. Add this to your list of examples. Balaam is receiving unto himself praise, as though his ability to bless and curse is equal to that of The Almighty God, Yehovah. This is dangerous ground, and it gives us valuable insight into the heart and motives of Balaam.
Strangely, this self-proclaimed prophet, does seem to have audience with Yehovah. Should we take this to mean that Balaam is a follower of the God of Israel? After all, Balaam does listen to and obey the directives of Yehovah.
Simply stated: NO
Scripture is clear that the spirit world is very real, and that all within the spirit world MUST submit to Yehovah. The most well-known example of this is found in Job 1:6, where we see satan presenting himself to Yehovah. Balaam likely did have real interactions in the spirit world, but he understood that Yehovah was the "top of the food chain," so to speak, and that He was not to be disobeyed.
It would appear that Balaam originally did try to rid himself of this request to curse Israel (Num 22:13). However, Balek and his elders prove to be a persistent bunch (Num 22:15). Balek's solution: offer more money!
Yehovah eventually releases Balaam to go with the elders to Moab, but under a condition. "Since the men came to you to summon you, arise and go with them. However, only the word I tell you are you to do"(Num 22:20).
This is where things get confusing. Yehovah tells Balaam to go, then becomes angry that Balaam went. What can we make of that? Well, Yehovah may have sensed that Balaam's motives were impure. Perhaps Balaam intended to disobey the condition and curse Israel. I personally think that Balaam kept asking and kept asking, so Yehovah gave Balaam what he asked for...consequences and all.
Does that ever happen to us? Do we ever keep asking for something that is not in Yehovah's will? Sometimes we find that the thing we ask for is not the thing that is best for us. I believe this is what Balaam is about to learn...
You know what happens next. Yehovah's anger is kindled against Balaam, but the self-proclaimed prophet, who has previously evidenced access to the spirit world, is unable to see The Angel of Yehovah standing in his path. It turns out that Balaam's donkey has more spiritual insight than the false prophet himself!
Enjoy that for a moment...
So what lessons can we learn from this history and the insight of Balaam's donkey?
- The spirit world is real and satan can give power in an attempt to counterfeit Yehovah.
- Satan's power is limited. His counterfeit, Balaam, was unable to see The Angel of Yehovah. Let that sink in a minute. Satan does have power, but a large portion of his power is in deceiving us into thinking he is as powerful as Yehovah. he. is. not.
- Yehovah will reveal Himself to whom He will. If He can use a donkey, surely He can use you and me. This is good news!
So what about Israel? Do they even know that this battle has been raging? It is very likely that they did not know. What lesson can we take from that? For this, I will borrow the words of Tim Hegg from Torah Resource.
"We should never be lulled into the false notion that there is no battle. It ranges continually, and will rage until our final foe is forever cast away. But we should also recognize that our greatest warfare weapon is not a special prayer or chant; not fervent singing or dancing, but a steady, consistent commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord, trusting His word that He will protect and bless those who love Him." Tim Hegg (See his entire commentary by clicking the link for Torah Resource).
To those words, I have little to add. Keep looking UP, Friends! Walk in obedience with Yehovah, and do not fear. He is fighting the battle, and He Has Won! Keep your eyes open to His work in your life...like Balaam's donkey.
Want to know how this history ends? Follow up with Part 2 in this series -- One More Blessing....Free of Charge!
Want to know how this history ends? Follow up with Part 2 in this series -- One More Blessing....Free of Charge!
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