November 10, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Numbers and 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
Numbers 23 (NIV)
Balaam’s First Message
1 Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” 2 Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
3 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet with me.……Continue Reading
Balak has learned a valuable lesson here….even money can’t curse something God has blessed! This must have been very frustrating for this rich man used to getting his own way through money and power, however, Balaam not only is not cursing the Isrealites but affirming the blessing God has given them.
Numbers 23
1 Corinthians 7; Numbers 23
Numbers 23
The characteristics of God that we can be sure of: he doesn’t lie, he doesn’t change his mind, he does what he says he’s going to do, he fulfills his promises, and he blesses those who believe in him. When we put our trust in the Lord, we will not be disappointed.
Not sure who I would blame more for these interactions: Balaak for thinking he could pay someone off to get God do something against his people or Balaam who keeps stringing him along making him think there is a chance something will come on his favor. Balaam is a sordid character and God in His grace is still willing to use him. It is just wrong of Balaam to offer something that comes from God for a prophet. We might even assume that he is stringing Balaak along to get a better payday.
Balak pays for curses and Balaam delivers 3 blessings.