“If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?”
Context:Numbers 24 records the account of Balaam, a prophet hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites. Balak was fearful of the growing Israelite nation and sought to thwart their progress. However, every time Balaam attempted to curse the Israelites, God intervened and turned his curses into blessings. In this verse, Balaam declares his unwavering commitment to speaking only what the Lord commands him.
Commitment to God’s Commandments:Balaam’s statement reflects his commitment to following the commandments of the Lord. He recognizes that he cannot act independently of God’s guidance. As believers, we should also prioritise obeying God’s commandments and seek to align our actions with His will. Balaam’s resolve serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, even when faced with tempting offers or difficult circumstances.
God’s Authority over Material Wealth:Balaam acknowledges that even if Balak were to offer him vast riches, he would not go beyond the commandment of the Lord. This demonstrates the supremacy of God’s authority over material wealth. Balaam’s response indicates that he values God’s commandments and spiritual matters above earthly treasures. It serves as a reminder to us that our pursuit of material possessions should never take precedence over our commitment to God and His instructions.
Dependence on God’s Guidance:Balaam recognises that he cannot speak of his own mind but only what the Lord instructs him to say. This reveals his dependence on God’s guidance in all aspects of life. It emphasises the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, counsel, and direction in our decisions, actions, and speech. Balaam’s humility reminds us that true wisdom comes from God, and we should rely on His guidance rather than leaning on our own understanding.
Faithfulness and Integrity:Balaam’s declaration illustrates his faithfulness and integrity as a prophet. Despite the pressures and enticements around him, he remains committed to speaking only what the Lord commands. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining integrity in our own lives. We should strive to align our words and actions with God’s truth and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, even when faced with temptations or adversities.
Application:From this verse, we can learn to prioritise God’s commandments, recognise His authority over material wealth, depend on His guidance, and uphold faithfulness and integrity in our lives. By doing so, we can live in alignment with God’s will and experience His blessings. Remember, the Bible should be studied in its entirety and in context. Therefore, it is beneficial to explore the surrounding verses and consult other biblical resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage.
