Read: Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14
The third time Balak made Balaam try to curse the Israelites, Balaam didn’t resort to his divination, he looked out at the people and the Spirit of God came upon him and he could see clearly how God felt about his people. Israel was God’s delight and he wasn’t going to let anyone oppose them. He knew they were blessed and he would be blessed by blessing them but cursed by cursing them.
King Balak was furious and told Balaam he would not be paid, to which Balaam knew that to be cursed by God was much worse than missing out on a paycheck. But, he didn’t leave before he turned the tables on Balak and cursed his people. He prophecied that a king would rise up from Jacob who would crush the Moabites, the Edomites, the Amalekites, and the Kennites. Then, the two of them parted.
Even though Balaam came out looking like the “good guy” he was far from it. Balaam was a sorcerer whose name means “lord or swallower of the people”. He taught Balak how to conquer them from within. Balaam later fought on the side of Balak against Israel (Numbers 31:8).
Balak infiltrated Israel through his seductive women who invited the men of Israel to sacrifice to their gods. It cost Israel the lives of 24,000 of their men. Eleazar zealously killed one of the men who blatantly brought his Moabite woman into is tent to have sex with her. Eleazar ran in and drove the sword through both of their bodies which gained him much honor with God.
In Luke, God moved Mary to the place of prophecy through the decree of the Roman emperor, Augustus. Little did he know, he would be used to fulfill prophecy. Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in a stable and wrapped in cloth that had been garments of the priests. His arrival was announced to shepherds who were watching over the lambs that would become sacrificial lambs for Passover. Jesus would become the Great Shepherd and our High Priest though his beginnings was most humble. The earth was oblivious to his coming, but all the angels of heavens celebrated it. The prophet, Simeon recognized Jesus because he had been looking for him. He prophesied his destiny and was then released to leave this earth and go to his reward.
Lord, may we be found looking for your return.
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