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.
That’s our example when we don’t know what to do. Don’t 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 don’t 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 Balak’s persistace. Vs. 13. Just curse a few of them so they won’t be so strong
Then Balaam says, Vs. 15-18. Baalam already knows God’s will in the matter.
(b) Now why is going back to God? Why is he trying to change God’s mind?
(c) He has his price. Balak said, “I’ll give you anything you want, just curse Israel”
(2) Now he’s trying to twist God’s arm. God told him what to do.
(a) He doesn’t want to do God’s will. He wants God’s endorsement so he can justify
taking Balak’s money.
People do the same thing today. They don’t open their Bibles to learn God’s will they are looking for an endorsement from God to justify their own selfish wants.
(c) Show them what God’s Word says and they say, “Yes, I know, but why can’t 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.” That’s one prayer that will never be answered.
(a) Listen to God’s 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
Balaam’s? The empty, hopeless, echo of a rebellious heart.
(C) Balaam’s heart was not righteous. He did not walk according to God’s commands.
(D) Will you be as unprepared as Balaam? The time to prepare is now.
(E) ACTS 20:32.

Spur - 12/17/2000 pm