seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Numbers 22:15 Then Balak sent other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. 16 They came to Balaam and said:
“This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, 17 because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me.”
18 But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. 19 Now spend the night here so that I can find out what else the Lord will tell me.”
20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”
“This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, 17 because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me.”
18 But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. 19 Now spend the night here so that I can find out what else the Lord will tell me.”
20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”
This is from the easy English commentary.
Balaam had not told the first group of officials why he refused to curse the Israelites. Probably, Balak thought that Balaam wanted more money as his payment. So Balak sent a larger, more important group of officials. They brought the same message with them. Already God had spoken to Balaam about Balak’s request (verse 12). Already God had given clear instructions to Balaam. But still Balaam told the officials to stay overnight. Balaam would find out what God would say about this matter. Perhaps Balaam thought that God would say something else.
And God did say something else. He allowed Balaam to go with Balak’s officials. But still Balaam had to obey God’s instructions. It seems that God had changed his decision. But, in fact, he had decided to use Balaam in his plan to bless the Israelites.
And God did say something else. He allowed Balaam to go with Balak’s officials. But still Balaam had to obey God’s instructions. It seems that God had changed his decision. But, in fact, he had decided to use Balaam in his plan to bless the Israelites.
Now according to the blueletterbible.org, God didn't change his mind.
God did not change His mind. Balaam would not now be in the will of God if he went with Balak's messengers.
No doubt, he woke up at the break of dawn. He could not wait to do the wrong his heart desired, and he is so happy God is "blessing" by allowing him to go!
We can say that God did not change His will. He had clearly declared His will, and Balaam had decisively rejected it. Now God prepared Balaam up for judgment, to both test and reveal the wickedness of Balaam's heart.
We know that sometimes, God says "no" to the prayers of His people, because He loves them. But also, sometimes God says "yes" to the desires of the wicked, because He will judge them.
We know that sometimes, God says "no" to the prayers of His people, because He loves them. But also, sometimes God says "yes" to the desires of the wicked, because He will judge them.
No doubt, he woke up at the break of dawn. He could not wait to do the wrong his heart desired, and he is so happy God is "blessing" by allowing him to go!
We can imagine Balaam all sullen and depressed when God said "no" through both conscience and clear word. Then he was happy and excited, believing he had convinced God to say "yes" - with no idea what God was really doing.
IMHO this is proof positive that on top of the established fact that humans have dysfunctional families.... humans act like spoiled rotten kids too!
