BALAAM, DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS NUM. 23:10
(1) These are the words of Baalam (Prophet of Midian). Spoken
while trying to pronounce a curse on the people of Israel.
1. Implied confession that Balaam himself was not a righteous
man. Study context to see why.
a. Isreal journeys from Egypt to Kadesh Barnea and Ezion Geber.
They have defeated the Kings of Arad, Sihon and Og.
1. These are the most powerful enemies of Balak King of Moab.
He was terrified of Israel.
(A) Sends for Balaam a prophet of Jehovah to curse them so they
could be defeated.
Sent Ambassadors who offer Baalam money to curse these people.
Balaam does the right thing. NUM. 22:8.
Thats our example when we dont know what to do. Dont
guess about it.
Go to the Bible for your guidance from God. 2 TIM. 3:16-17.
(2) Why do people make the wrong decisions religiously? They dont
go to the Bible.
Go to their own imagination, desires. Prejudiced in favor of their
own decision.
(b) So prejudiced, so convinced they are right the become blinded
to the truth.
(B) Balaam does what is right and God gave him his answer in Vs.
12.
(2) King Balaks persistace. Vs. 13. Just curse a few of
them so they wont be so strong
Then Balaam says, Vs. 15-18. Baalam already knows Gods will
in the matter.
(b) Now why is going back to God? Why is he trying to change Gods
mind?
(c) He has his price. Balak said, Ill give you anything
you want, just curse Israel
(2) Now hes trying to twist Gods arm. God told him
what to do.
(a) He doesnt want to do Gods will. He wants Gods
endorsement so he can justify
taking Balaks money.
People do the same thing today. They dont open their Bibles
to learn Gods will they are looking for an endorsement from
God to justify their own selfish wants.
(c) Show them what Gods Word says and they say, Yes,
I know, but why cant I
do this instead? That person is just like Balaam. 2 PET.
2:15-17. (B) Guess what God does? Gives Balaam what he wants.
Vs. 20-21. (1) Why did God say that? Paul tells us why in 2 THESS.
2:11-12. Balaam thinks God
is happy and is letting him have his own way.
(a) That's not what it says in Vs. 22. God tries one more time.
Vs. 22-35.
(b) Balaam cannot curse Israel, but he wants that wealth Balak
has promised.
(3) He tells Balak how to defeat Israel. NUM.31:16.
(2) This is the man who cried out in NUM. 23:10, Let me
die the death of the righteous
and let my end be like theirs. Thats one prayer that
will never be answered.
(a) Listen to Gods Word . REV. 22:11; 1 COR. 6:9; ROM. 14:10-12.
(b) Are you prepared to die the death of the righteous, or will
your death be like
Balaams? The empty, hopeless, echo of a rebellious heart.
(C) Balaams heart was not righteous. He did not walk according
to Gods commands.
(D) Will you be as unprepared as Balaam? The time to prepare is
now.
(E) ACTS 20:32.
Spur - 12/17/2000 pm
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