“Why have you let all the women live?” he demanded. “These are the very ones who followed Balaam’s advice and caused the people of Israel to rebel against the LORD at Mount Peor. They are the ones who caused the plague to strike the LORD’s people. [Numbers 31.15-16]
And here we have it - the rest of Balaam's story. What wasn't revealed in the context of Balaam's story is revealed here, and it isn't pretty!
At some point in Balaam's interaction with Balak, he suggested that the Midianite women seduce the men of Israel and, in so doing, entice them to worship Baal (see Numbers 25). Although Numbers 25 doesn't mention Balaam as the reason for this event, Numbers 31 does.
Balaam's failure didn't just affect Israel though. His "plan" caused destruction to Moab as well. That's just like deception, isn't it?
For whatever reason the initial story of Balaam did not mention his devious plan to conquer Israel, his ill-begotten deed still took place. It was a nasty plan.
I suppose the lesson for us today is that even though 'the story' as we initially see it may seem harmless, there could be something else beneath the surface that is deadly.
Father, help me to evaluate every situation in which I find myself and be sure to stay attentive to Your Holy Spirit to guide me safely through!
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