Some ten years ago I visited the Tel Dier Alla, in Jordan, a place visited in ancient times by Balaam, presumably to bless a house. Inscribed in the plaster ruins of a home were the words of this fractured man. Part prophet, part presumptuous, a “seer” blinded by gold, standing for right and chasing the wrong. Where is Balaam today? The New Testament writer, Jude, warns that his kind is still with us, showing up at our praise meeting and eating at our table. Balaam told himself, “I will only bless”, yet when the show was over, he whispered iniquity into Balak’s ear. Balaam, the man is gone, but those who walk his ways are still with us. Our Parashah, Balak (Numbers 22:2 – 25:9) describes a man fighting against God, others and himself.   His story is a cautionary tale that Yeshua’s disciples warned us about. It is far easier recognize Balaam in others but fail to recognize the ways of Balaam in ourselves.

I.  Balaam was fighting God

“But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way an an adversary against him.” Numbers 22: 22 

The Angel of the LORD, sent to guide Israel, positioned Himself as an adversary to Balaam. No doubt, Balaam believed he was doing God’s will, but in truth he was fighting against God. The Angel of the LORD took His place in the narrow alleyway of a vineyard, walls on either side. The man known as a “Seer”, had become blind to what even his donkey could see. At moments, God used Balaam, spoke through him, and gave him visions, and yet in pursuit of his own glory – he stumbled in darkness. Others saw his problem long before Balaam.

This was a spiritual battle of sorcery that Balak wished to cast on Israel, a battle which Moses was likely unaware. God, who sees the secret things of the heart, positioned Himself to fight for Israel. Balaam confessed to Balak, “There is no omen against Jacob, nor is there any divination against Israel.” Numbers 23:23 NKJV Balaam warned, such devices would not succeed against God’s chosen people – a people “separated” from this world and set apart unto the Lord. God has not changed. We are still not reckoned among the peoples; we belong to the God of Israel.

II. Balaam was Fighting those around him

“If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.”   Numbers 22: 28

The Angel of the LORD advanced to a narrow place; it was impossible to turn to the right or left.   The donkey seeing, pressed against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot, and when she came to the narrow place, simply laid down. Angry, Balaam struck her, until the Lord opened her mouth and she spoke. “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” Balaam retorted, “…You have made of mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.”   The donkey reproved Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you? And he said, “No.” Num. 22: 28-30. The Seer’s eyes were opened to the Angel of the LORD with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam had projected his own fault, accusing the donkey of his own disobedience. One walking in the ways of Balaam can see other’s faults more clearly, and are quick to reprove them, while excusing their own disobedience. How ironic, the sword he wished to fall on the donkey, was hanging over his own head.   But now we see where the real battle lay in this man, as he fought over his own evil inclination.

III. Balaam was fighting with himself

“Must I not be careful…” Num. 23:11

Each time Balaam opened his mouth to speak over Israel he gave a blessing. Balak was furious; Balaam replied, “Must I not be careful to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?” Num. 23:11 NKJV   A battle raged on the mountain. Not between Balak and Balaam, but between the desire of Balaam to cast his lot with God and Israel or to stand on the side of evil. A battle he should have won but lost. The oracles of Balaam are some of the most profound prophecies and gems of Scripture. It is rare that this kind of revelation should be given to someone outside of Israel. Moses, however revealed that somewhere on Balaam’s journey, Balaam compromised to entice Balak to introduce immorality into Israel.

“Behold, these (women) caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD.” Num. 21: 16 

If the seer saw clearly what even donkey saw, and had he been mute as the donkey, things would have been different. Balaam lost his life at the hands of Joshua’s forces, not because of the prophetic oracles on the mountain, but for the evil counsel taught to introduce sin into the camp of Israel.

Conclusion

Peter and Jude and John warn us of Balaam, who loved wages of unrighteousness and ran after profit. Their words were written for the Kehillah of God’s people to note that those who operate in spiritual giftings should also be tested. It is heartbreaking to see someone operate in the gifts and falters in the things of this world. Jude warns us, they are like an aimless asteroid hurtling headlong into blackest dark. (Jude 1.13)   Anyone can find their self in this place if they are not careful. God sent several messengers to warn the seer – a donkey who spoke, the Angel willing to smote, and the blessings which he spoke. These all testified to Balaam his need to guard his words on that mountain. If we have found ourselves fighting God, others, and even ourselves on the journey of life, it is time to surrender to the will of the One who said, “Speak only that which I tell you.”

Shavuah Tov