“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]
Although we don't have a historical record of Balaam's malicious advice, Moses' reference here is enough to confirm it happened. Chapters 22-24 of Numbers tell of Balaam's story but do not discuss his advice to Balak. Then Numbers 25 chronicles that the Midianite women did exactly what Moses described in Numbers 31.15-16 as having been Balaam's advice. It would appear that sometime between the events of Numbers 24 and the events of Numbers 25, Balaam and Balak had a discussion about a strategy of the Midianite women seducing Israel's men as a way to destroy Israel from within as opposed to from an outside attack.
The conclusion of the matter is that Balaam should have just stayed home like the LORD told him the first time. He should have obeyed unquestioningly the first time. But he didn't, and, the rest is history. Balaam died an untimely death at the hand of Israel.
As a sidenote, it is worth pointing out that sex carries a manipulative power that is undeniable.
Father, once again, may I be reminded that obedience 'the first time' is crucial and could make the difference between living a fulfilled life or being cut down in the prime of life. I confess my sin in the name of Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment