Be Aware And On Guard

All five of the Midianite kings—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—died in the battle. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. [Numbers 31.8]

Evidently, whatever Balaam did in addition to what was recorded in Numbers 22-24 was not good. Although we have no direct narrative of Balaam's indiscretion, we do have matter-of-fact references that indicate that Balaam was responsible for advising the Midianite women to infiltrate Israel in a sexual way. Yes, it was sex. And, yes, it was Balaam, the man who spoke such eloquent blessings upon Israel, that advised the action.

It's not that other sins are not entirely possible, but sexual diversions seem to be one of the most successful plots to undermine any good thing. It is not ironic that it was that way then and it is that way now - history and the evening news prove it.

I guess what I see is that if there is any indiscretion to be found in a man, it will most likely manifest through sex.

This little bit of information provides a true golden nugget of warning for us all: beware of the potential pitfalls that can be introduced by sexual indiscretion!

Father, Balaam's story reveals perhaps the longest-standing method of effectively penetrating any man's or country's defenses. Help us to be aware and on guard!