“And they came to Balaam, and said to him, ‘Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me.’”
Context: Numbers 22 tells the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who was concerned about the Israelites encamped near his territory. Balak sought to hire Balaam, a diviner, to curse the Israelites and bring harm upon them. In this verse, messengers from Balak come to Balaam to deliver a message urging him to come to Balak without any hindrance.
Balak’s Motive: Balak was afraid of the Israelites because of their numerous victories over other nations. He believed that if Balaam cursed the Israelites, their God would turn against them and Balak’s people would have the advantage. Balak’s fear and desire for protection led him to seek supernatural assistance through Balaam.
Balaam’s Reputation: Balaam was known as a diviner or sorcerer, skilled in the arts of divination and enchantment. Despite his reputation, Balaam had some knowledge of the true God, as seen in later verses. He had a history of interacting with the divine and had been known to deliver prophetic messages.
Spiritual Lessons:
- God’s Sovereignty: This passage highlights God’s sovereignty over the plans and desires of both Balak and Balaam. Despite their intentions, it is ultimately God’s will that will prevail. God can use even non-believers and their actions to accomplish His purposes.
- Faithfulness to God’s Will: Balaam’s response to Balak’s messengers demonstrates his initial obedience to God. Although he was enticed by the offer of wealth and honor, he sought God’s guidance before proceeding. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s will and not being swayed by worldly temptations.
- Trusting God’s Guidance: Balaam sought God’s direction before making a decision. In subsequent verses, we see that God did not want Balaam to go with Balak’s messengers. It teaches us the significance of seeking God’s guidance in our own lives, trusting that He will direct our paths and protect us from harm.
Application:
- Trust in God’s sovereignty: Just as God was in control of the situation in Numbers 22, we can trust that He is in control of our lives and circumstances. We should rely on Him, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenging situations.
- Seek God’s will: When confronted with choices, it is essential to seek God’s guidance through prayer and studying His Word. This ensures that our decisions align with His plans and purposes for our lives.
- Resist worldly temptations: Balaam was initially tempted by the promise of wealth and honor, but he chose to prioritize God’s will over worldly gains. Similarly, we should resist the allure of worldly temptations and prioritize our obedience to God’s commands.
In summary, Numbers 22:16 illustrates the encounter between Balak’s messengers and Balaam as part of the larger story of Balak’s attempt to curse the Israelites. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty, the importance of seeking God’s will, and the need to resist worldly temptations. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and prioritize obedience to Him in our own lives.
