Numbers 22:7-14

A simple reading of this would make you think that Balaam was alright. But, let's not think simply about this because we just saw that the rest of the Bible paints him as a very evil and wicked man. So, let's read this with a bit of cynicism, because it is important to get the lesson.

This is interesting: The princes come to Balaam and tell him what Balak has asked. Then, when Balaam goes to God, he leaves out some of what the princes said. After God gives His answer, Balaam reports back to the princes, this time leaving out some of what God said. Finally, when the men return to Balak, all they say is, "He is not coming."

So, there is a lot of deception here in trying to hide the communications between one another for advantage. The princes certainly don't want Balak mad at them because they didn't succeed at their mission; and Balaam didn't want to tell them everything because he wants them to come back with more money.

That's what I mean about not looking at this straight forwardly. We have to remember that this was Balaam's living. This is how he made his money. He was a sorcerer for hire—for pay.

This man was negotiating here. That's what we've been reading. We just read a sorcerer's negotiation for hire.

Now the first thing that Balaam did wrong right off the bat—these guys waltz into his courtyard, and they said, "Balak wants you to come and curse Israel for him." He says, "Oh. Let me think about that. In the meantime, why don't you stay the night? Here, I'll put you up. I'll feed you."

I don't know; he probably entertained them. Maybe he performed "parlor tricks" for them.

But, what should a Christian have done? What should a good person have done? They would have said, "Get out of here!" and not even listened to them.

Numbers 22:12-19

God's word to him was clear: Don't go with the Moabites, and don't curse Israel. But Balaam wasn't satisfied with that. His lust for wealth and esteem was overpowering. He tried to appear obedient, while he also tried to get God to change His mind.

What he was saying, in his own way was, "Let me see if I can convince God into letting me do what I want so that I can get the riches from you.

His answer to the Moabites in verse 13 reeks of self-righteous posturing. He complained, "the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you." But in his proud heart, Balaam wished that God would give him permission. He wished God would be like him—a bit more permissive. When tempted with more money, Balaam went back to God again "just in case" God had changed his mind.

Balaam's attitude was one of self-centeredness. He wanted to see how much he could get away with. Eventually, God gave him enough rope to hang himself by—letting him go with the Moabites. Then God overruled Balaam's prophecies.