Lessons for life from the Bible – Day 11

Balaam was a magician of repute who possessed the power to invoke blessings and curses. When the Israelites crossed into Moab, on their way to the Promised Land, Balak, their king, was terrified. He feared the hordes of Israelites would over run his people and strip his land.

In desperation, he sent a delegation to hire Balaam to come and curse the Israelites so that they could be driven from his country.

But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12) So Balaam refused and sent the delegation back to Balak.

However, the king persisted and sent a second delegation. He promised to award Balaam handsomely if he would accompany them back. Eventually after sleeping over it, Balaam agreed to go.

On the way, Balaam’s donkey saw an Angel of the Lord blocking their way, so he turned aside. Balaam beat the donkey. Then, on a narrow road, the donkey saw the angel again and pressed against a wall, crushing Balaam’s foot. Balaam, beat the donkey again. The third time the donkey saw the angel, she lay down and Balaam beat her once more.

Then the donkey said: “What have I done to you, to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28)

It was not until the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes and he saw the Angel of the Lord for himself, that he realised why he was being blocked. Knowing he had sinned, Balaam offered to turn back. However, the angel instructed him to continue but to say only the words God put in his mouth.

On meeting King Balak, Balaam refused to curse the Israelites, instead he blessed them with these words: “May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!” (Numbers 24:9)

The story of Balaam reveals the wonderful assurance that God always protects his own. His love holds us in his keeping until that glorious day, when he welcomes us home.