THE ERROR OF BALAAM. Numbers 22 The word "covetous" sometimes seems to be a less obvious and less frequently used way of expressing greed. The apostate prophet, Balaam, was the embodiment of covetousness. This Mesopotamian diviner must have been well known in the Middle East for his predictions. His name means "confuser," and he definitely lived up to that name. His heart was set on money, "the wages of unrighteousness," and he was Satan's servant for the moment. Those liars followed "the father of lies," even speaking in unknown tongues and ecstatic speech. He had some knowledge of God and knew Him as the God of Israel.
Even ungodly people recognize that some things are spiritual, but in their spiritually “dead' state, separated from God, they create idols from their own imaginations. Some craft idols out of ideas and shape them into statues to symbolize their thoughts. Others idolize objects that are bigger and more powerful than themselves or what they understand, such as the sun, moon, and stars. Still, some form idols from things that occupy their minds, like money, science, philosophy, and education.
There were people in the days of the early church who followed "the way of Balaam," and there are those today who do the same. "The wages of unrighteousness" greatly appeal to those who measure success in financial terms. There are those who preach a "prosperity gospel." They say God does not want anyone to be poor. This teaching is false. We do not find any scripture that teaches God exalts the rich. The scriptures do give warnings along that line. "Set not thy heart upon them (riches)." Earthly riches are described in the Bible as spiritually valueless, inferior, fleeting, unsatisfying, hurtful, deceitful, choking, uncertain, and corrupted.
Balak, whose name means "empty," feared the nation of Israel that had encircled his country, Moab, to the east, then moved north and defeated Sihon and Og. Moab was not a Canaanite nation, and God had not planned for it to be attacked. But Balak feared what he saw and seemed to know there was more at play than just a skilled army. He also understood he couldn't handle the problem alone, so he teamed up with the Moabites and Midianites in an effort to defeat Israel militarily.
When God's people live in fellowship with Him and obediently follow His word, there is something unique and special about their demeanor and practice. People of the world wonder how a scripturally gathered church can function without a worldly form of organization. God uses whatever is suitable for a called-out group of His own to do His will in a specific place. Scripturally gathered assemblies are unlike franchises that make each assembly identical. Each one has a distinct "personality" that God customizes for that location.
At the first reading of this passage, it may seem like Balaam knew God intimately, and the Lord indeed gave him words to say. But Balaam didn’t recognize the Lord God as greater than pagan gods. His claim that he was a medium of Israel’s “god” was in the same way as he had toward any false deities. In God's dealings with Balaam, He never speaks of Himself as Lord to Balaam. When He is Lord, obedience, faith, love, appreciation, and gratitude are evident. Any person that uses the work of God or the things of God as a deliberate means of financial gain knows nothing about the Lordship of Christ.
Balaam's initial refusal of Balak's request and the riches he offered was not because he was committed to obeying God. God had clearly told Balaam to refuse what Balak wanted, even though the promise of unrighteous wealth tempted him. When a second delegation from Balak came, Balaam used the phrase "my God," but it was only a polite gesture and a way to avoid personal responsibility for rejecting Balak's offer. Balaam wouldn’t accept God’s “No” as an answer, so after reiterating his request and acting on his greed-driven free will, God allowed him to do as he wished.
Balaam believed that the Lord God was similar to any demon god who was driven by money and ritual. By avoiding his personal responsibility, he made a deadly mistake, and the "error of Balaam" happened on the third time the offer was made for a reward. If we are not convinced that something is wrong, even though God clearly states it is, then He may allow our desire to happen - but we must face the consequences.
Apostasy is intentionally rejecting or opposing the revealed truth. Once engaged in such actions, there is no turning back. Balaam's greed was insatiable. God may permit what He does not desire us to have or do. Balaam was reminded of this three times on his way to see Balak when the Angel of God used the donkey to warn him that he was off the path of righteousness.
The incidents on the way to meet Balak made him realize that the Lord God of Israel was not some fake, petty, false god, but the true, powerful, awesome God who can control situations, movements, and even the mouths of animals, even making them speak a human language. He gave Balaam’s donkey the gift of tongues. More importantly, Balaam learned that the God of Israel gives and takes away life by His own authority and power. Balaam was made to understand that God was in charge, not him or his sinful methods of divination.
A lesson for us to learn is that if we persist in doing something we want, we should be sure it is God’s will that this be done. If God allows a person to have their own way, unavoidable consequences follow. He may give permission for something He does not want to be done but grants our free will to make choices. We need to make it a point to apply the word of God to every matter or situation. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”
God is never limited in how He chooses to communicate His message. We might see something happen right before us that we know is supernatural, but we often overlook the spiritual realities. An awakening to the living God's way of speaking to people is not the same as the new birth. Sometimes, behavior changes happen because someone fears the punishment that might follow.
When Balaam realized the donkey was more aware of God and sensitive to God than he was, he began to see how deep his sin against God was. At least he had learned enough about God that he said, “The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak!” When a person’s eyes of understanding are opened to see that spiritual truth is not magic but reality, things become very serious.
We cannot and should not change the word of the Lord to fit our own desires. When God speaks to us, eternal matters are at stake. Heaven and hell are real destinations, and every person will go to one or the other. The importance of speaking for God to others cannot be overstated.
Against his will, Balaam could only speak the words God had put in his mouth. Looking down from a high peak where they could see the people of God encamped, Balak with Balaam beside him, sacrificed animals as the pagan religions of that area practiced. The organs of sacrificed animals were often inspected as signs regarding the future. The liver was the main organ they looked at when making offerings and decisions.
For us, as God's people, following the ways and practices of other religions around us must be very offensive to God. When someone takes the role of a seer or fortune-teller who claims to have magic powers that people believe in, that person is under Satan's control. There is a clear difference between what comes from God and what comes from man. The first fundamental difference is that God has given us His word to guide our teaching and conduct.
What is convenient, comfortable, or friendly doesn't truly matter. What God says is what matters most. Anything that elevates and enriches man through human effort is worldly. If God chooses to do that, it is His prerogative, but it will be done with spiritual purpose in mind. The insignificance of man compared to God becomes clear when God is executing His will. Men’s faith in Him is the best way to please God. To overlook or curse what God has chosen to bless is to side with the enemy. The opposite is also true: When God reveals His will to us, accept that verdict as final and do not evade the responsibility of refusing what God refuses.
When something is made clear, accept it and don't try to avoid the consequences. Avoiding responsibility can become a bad habit that divides nations and homes. There are costs to doing what is right, and those costs should be expected. We should also be willing to accept the misunderstanding of those who live only by sight. They mock what God does and says because they do not know God or His ways.
Attractions in this world will always appeal to pleasure and our flesh. When we encounter them, the flag of faith is raised, testing the true value of these things. Money, popularity, and fame appeal to mankind's sinful nature, but what is genuine and lasting is often overlooked or rejected. Sometimes, the dark side of an issue that someone may be hiding is only revealed when this life is over.
When God speaks, may I have faith to listen, for I know what He says is the truth. Worldly things may look bright and glisten with appeal, but the outside doesn't reveal the real worth of many things. I need to hear what God says, see what God sees, and act on what I know pleases Him. He alone is the One I want to serve and please, not to be known as someone who pleases men.
The two men in this chapter, Balak and Balaam, are like people around us who either don’t even believe in God or have their own perverted view of God. Balak was a frustrated man who had to face his own helplessness alone. Balaam was a hapless man who had fooled himself into thinking he was something he was not — wiser and more “with it” spiritually than other people. Professing himself to be wise, he became a fool.
Pressured. Popularity is often appealing because it means I am noticed and people recognize I am here. They might think I am someone special. In Balaam’s case, the king did – “Wow! He has called for – ME! Maybe I am important after all. They know my reputation – divination is my game. Fakery is not a nice way to put it. I know there is a God, and He is the All-powerful One. But I have power too and a choice in the matter.”
Money has always held its appeal. “The rewards of divination” are one of the pressure tactics. People like to see the money; let him see it right in your hand. He won’t be able to resist if he can see the money. Most people are alike – if the price is right, they will bite. They tell themselves, “Don’t worry, right and wrong don’t matter if the money is there.” Balaam knew there was an unseen God who knew everything, but that money was right there, and it was his if he went with them.
Importance: everyone wants to feel valued. Tell him we can’t do without him – we must have him, not someone else. He has talked to God, and God said, “No,” but let’s make him believe he is #1. Look, he’s going back to God and arguing with Him. Questioning God is always the way of the self-important ones. Apply a little pressure, and he’ll come around, you’ll see. God is still allowing him to make his own choice. He caved under pressure, even though he knew it was wrong.
Deception, guile, trickery, craftiness, cheating, and cunning—whatever you want to call it—flourish under pressure. After all, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. I’ll do it my way, regardless of what is right or wrong, because it’s my business. Pretending to serve God and pretending to serve man simultaneously is deception and disobedience for profit when under pressure. What difference does it make if no one gets hurt? Who will know the difference? I will—the apostate—and God!!
No matter what methods are used to pressure you into going your own way without God, resist, turn away, walk away, and say “No.” The “error of Balaam” serves as a lesson for all of us. The reward of greed is always wrong. “Others do it, why can’t I” is not an excuse when God says “No.” If the pressure is from popularity and acceptance but it’s wrong, say “No.” If money looks so appealing, the opportunity seems too good to miss, and it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance, say “No.” Remember, you are under a Higher Authority—do not give in to pressure.