Numbers 22

Numbers 22:1-14

The following table shows a peradventure of I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. 12. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, thou shalt not curse the people, for they are blessed. 13. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refueth to give me leave to go with you. 14. And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refueth to come with us.

Frighted at the progress of the arms of Israel, and apprehensive left the next stroke might descend on them, the king of Moab, with the elders of Midian, are contriving to save themselves. They need not be apprehensive of danger: their relation, as descendants from Lot, secured them; and probably Moab had informed them they were safe. But the wicked are in fear where no fear is; and they who are conscious of their own ill intentions, are ever ready to fufpect ill of others. 1. The method be pursued. Unable he thought to cope with the armies of Israel, that had now spoiled his conquerors, he has recoudit to magic arts, and fends for Balaam, a forester, to curd the people, in hopes under his imprecation he might prevail, though he could not by his sword alone. Who Balaam was, is uncertain; it is evident only he was famed for his incantations; and Balak assuredly concludes, that whom he curfeth are curd, and whom he blefeth are blefed. To prevail on him to come, he exalts him as a God, honours him with a splendid embassy, and supports all with the child argument of magnificent presents. Note, (1.) The prayers or curfes of the wicked are alike impotent, to do good or evil. (2.) They who think to purchase heaven by their slime-giving, act as foolishly as Balak, who wanted by his gifts to procure Balaam’s blessing. 2. The refusal given the ambassadors of Moab. Balaam stayed them that night, that, as he says, he might enquire of God; and God, for his people’s sake, is pleased to honour him with his appearance in a dream or vision of the night, forbids his journey, and assures him of the blessing that was upon Israel. In the morning he reports his answer to the messengers, but conceals the more material part, the blessing God had pronounced on Israel; and they, to flatter their matter, make their report, as if the refusal to come was not from God’s forbidding, but from Balaam, and that he might be gained by greater invitation and prelents. Observe, (1.) God may for wife reasons employ wicked men. No doubt, many like Balaam will perish, though with him they may have done many wonderful works. (2.) When we love the sin, and only are restrained by fear, we are but Balaam’s followers. (3.) To conceal part of the truth, is as dangerous often as a direct lie.

Heb. Benot than bered from, due.