While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people. [Numbers 25.1-3]
Although we have no record of the actual encouragement by Balaam for the Moabite women to take the action above, we will find in Numbers 31.16 that it was Balaam who advised Moab to do so.
This being said, there was definitely a dark side to Balaam that Numbers 22-24 does not directly address. The most sobering part of this story is that Balaam really appeared to be seeking Yahweh and even had communication with Him!
The moral of the story?
The old cliche that "one cannot judge a book by its cover" is, in fact, good advice. However, it may also serve as a warning to each and every one of us too! There may be a nasty truth buried below the surface!
Father, I certainly don't want to appear holy before others - even to the point of having communication and apparent relationship with You - and still have evil in my heart. Help me to see myself for what I am. And, help me to understand that just because a person looks good on the outside (or initially) does not mean they are good.
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