"And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams."
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and focuses on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. In Numbers 22-24, we encounter the story of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, who was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. However, God intervened and turned Balaam’s curses into blessings.
Balaam and Balak:Balak, the king of Moab, saw the Israelites encamped near his territory and feared their presence. He sought the help of Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse the Israelites and weaken them. Balak believed that Balaam’s words had the power to bring harm to his enemies.
Balaam’s Instructions:In Numbers 23:1, Balaam asks Balak to build him seven altars and prepare seven oxen and seven rams. These instructions were given to perform sacrifices as a means of seeking divine guidance and insight from God. The number seven holds symbolic significance in the Bible, often representing completeness or perfection.
Altars and Sacrifices:Altars were places of worship and sacrifice, where people offered animals and other offerings to God. In this case, Balaam requested seven altars to be built, along with corresponding sacrifices of seven oxen and seven rams. These sacrifices were intended to please God and seek His favour and guidance in delivering the messages Balak desired.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- Obedience:Balaam’s instructions to Balak highlight the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Balaam, although initially tempted by Balak’s offers, understood that his ability to bless or curse was contingent upon following God’s directions precisely.
- Seeking God’s Guidance:Balaam recognised the need to seek divine guidance through sacrifices and worship. Instead of relying solely on his own abilities, he acknowledged the importance of aligning himself with God’s will and seeking His counsel.
- God’s Authority:This passage also demonstrates God’s authority over human affairs. Despite Balak’s intentions to harm the Israelites, God intervened and transformed Balaam’s curses into blessings. It emphasises that God’s plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes.
Application:
- Obedience to God:Like Balaam, we should prioritise obedience to God’s commands, even when faced with tempting offers or pressures to compromise our faith.
- Seeking God’s Guidance:We should earnestly seek God’s guidance in our decision-making processes. Regular worship, prayer, and sacrificial living are essential to aligning ourselves with God’s will.
- Trust in God’s Authority:We can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God is ultimately in control of all situations. Even when faced with opposition or challenges, we can trust that God’s plans and purposes will prevail.
Remember to read and study the entire narrative of Balaam’s story in Numbers 22-24 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the context and the lessons it conveys.
