Distance Devotions – April 24, 2020
Numbers 23:10; 31:7, 8 – The Death of the Righteous
Numbers 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
Numbers 31:7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. 8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
Balaam is an enigma. He seems to be a prophet who heard from the God of heaven and was known for doing so. Yet, it seems apparent that he was a mouthpiece that God used while Balaam himself was an unbeliever. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 11) Here is another reference that proves Balaam to be a pagan. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14) These verses make the point that in spite of what good he may have done, Balaam was at heart, a non-believer in the God of the Old Testament.
The story of Balaam is also very interesting. As far as I know, he is the only man in history who held a conversation with a four-legged donkey. The donkey was smarter than Balaam and had better spiritual vision than her owner. 25 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. 26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. 28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. (Numbers 22) Balaam really did not want to obey God and wanted the treasure Balak offered him. His true prophecies were wrung out of him by the fear of seeing the Angel of the Lord with the drawn sword.
Balaam repeats the words, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said…. (Nu 24:15) However, in reality, his eyes were not opened. One of my favorite bible college professors said this about Balaam: The man who went to hell with his eyes open. That is an accurate description in my opinion. What lesson do we learn from Balaam? The lesson of honesty and sincerity is plainly taught here. Had Balaam really loved the Lord and been an obedient believer, once negative answer from God would have been enough. He would not have helped the enemies of God by teaching them a method to weaken the Jewish nation. His cynical use of Moabite women shows a lack of moral character. Balaam was a bad guy. Having a desire to die like a righteous man was not enough for Balaam and mere desires and emotions won’t suffice for us either. Just because you have religious thoughts and emotions is not evidence of conversion. Remember what Jesus said was a real hallmark of the believer: If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) It was the same in the Old Testament as well. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:6) Rest not in emotions and desires alone, but rest on a sincere faith that changes you and your desires.
Pastor F. J. Weems III