Numbers 24 VISION OF THE ALMIGHTY Not very often are unbelievers able to see things as God sees them. Occasionally God removes the blinds of the mind that the god of this world has put on those that hear His Word. When such a thing happens, that person is extremely accountable to act in faith in God. But in the case of Balaam it did not make him a man of faith, only one who was compelled by the Holy Spirit of God to speak the truth. This time Balaam didn't use the pretense of looking for some power of divination on his own. He just looked to where the people of God had been, and presently were, and the Spirit of God led him to see things about the people of God in the way God sees them. God doesn't just look back at the failures and shortcomings of His people. He sees them from the vantage point of looking at the glory of His people and accepts them in Christ. The potential is there. The power is there. And there are glimpses of the glory that will be seen in His chosen ones in the future. When they are obedient to His Word, God's truth is there to be seen. The grace of God is on display when Christ-likeness is seen in their fellowship, obedience to God's commission and their unity of purpose.
The first parable of Balaam pointed out to Balak the value of the separation of God's people. This still is an important truth to be practiced among God's people if we are going to avoid the counterfeit Christianity that is so appealing to the natural man and carnal believers. The second parable established the fact that God's people are justified by God's grace and "what God hath wrought" is all of God, as it relates to the standing of His people. In the third parable, Balaam speaks of the view of the moral beauty God sees in His people who are "in Christ." A number of images are used to describe how God sees us, and in particular, His view of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Looking at the order and design of the encampment of the Israelites was very impressive to the natural eye. The Spirit of God gave Balaam further insight that went beyond the visible to the spiritual. The Spirit came upon him for that reason. In our favor, we those who have been born again by the Spirit of God, can see beyond the visible, to those things God describes. Faith has its own eyesight. The valleys speak of the fertile areas of fruitfulness, that with the application of the water of the word of God, and the sweet empowerment of the Holy Spirit, brings forth abundant moral produce for the glory of God and the blessing of His people.
When from the fullness of God, there springs forth obviously spiritual blessings to nurture God's people, and through them people around are blessed, then praise ascends to our gracious Lord.
A variety of trees were mentioned in Balaam's prophecy. Ling aloes are noted for the fragrance contained in them, and perhaps in them are healing properties. Those costly trees brought from far away places would indicate the people of God have a source of wealth far superior to that which people of the world can draw from to satisfy them in a way similar to those who have the wealth of the world at their disposal. The moral wealth of the people of God comes from the abundant provisions of God Himself. The cedar tree is noted for its usefulness, its fragrance and its long-lasting strength. It doesn't deteriorate and rot quickly like so many other trees. The lasting effect of the people of God who obey Him and love Him may not be obvious at first. As time goes by, people say, "Are you still there?" and wonder at the moral courage and strength of purpose the people of God have. Israel's future glory in referred to in this parable as Israel is again referred to as the wild bull in strength and the great lion that will be revealed when the Lion of the tribe of Judah shall be seated on the throne of David. God's people will endure forever because of the commitment God made to them when He adopted them as His own.
The anger of Balak is mentioned when he clapped his hands in a gesture that often meant death to the offending party in the culture of the Middle East. Balaam's greed for money was not met, nor was Balak's anger appeased, but when God is in control of a situation, neither the immoral designs of men, nor the hatred and anger against God's revealed will, can prevail or stop what God has decreed will happen.
The final prophetic parable of Balaam opens up to a view of Israel's glory in the future. There will come from Israel, the Root and Offspring of David to rule in authority and righteousness over all the nations. Out of Jacob will rise a Star that we know to be the Bright and Morning Star which is one of the titles of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no question as to who will reign when the Scepter arises out of Israel. His rule will be one of all-wise authority, absolute justice and judgment dealt out in a way that cannot be accused as unfair. The nations such as Moab (Balak's kingdom) will be crushed because of their unrighteousness and idolatry. Even Edom, spared previously because of ties to Israel, will be brought in as servants when Christ comes in His power and glory. The Amalakites, Israel's original enemy, and all other nations will be subdued.
The world, the flesh and the devil have always plagued the people of God, but the day is coming when even these ancient enemies of God's people, who have opposed us throughout our lives, will be brought under sovereign rule with when Christ comes. Balaam's doctrine was to mix the people of God with the people of the immoral world around, and some religious leaders today follow, and promote that practice. Even such a greedy person as Balaam, when overpowered by the force of the Spirit of God, had to prophesy what was the truth. He had sought to make great gain out of his deception, but "in vain doth earth and hell oppose, for God is greater that His foes." Balaam was probably a polytheist who God used for His greater purposes. The false prophet perished with the Midianites at a later time. One may say a lot of good things that are right, but that does not make a person of faith, nor one a child of God. We will be increasingly challenged as to our position and commitment to God as the days pass. It is incumbent upon us to not allow the deceptions of our enemies to turn us aside from our "high calling of God." We owe Him our lives, our faith and our earnest endeavor to carry out His work and word in ways that are given by Him, not in ways that appeal to those who want to curse the people of God.