The Treacherous Paths: Understanding the Ways of the Wicked

Numbers 22

Summary: Numbers 22 tells the story of Balaam, a prophet who allowed greed and pride to lead him astray, attempting to curse the people of God for personal gain.

Application: This passage serves as a warning against the dangers of compromising our beliefs and morals for personal gain. It challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with temptations.

Teaching: The story of Balaam teaches us that even those who appear to be close to God can be led astray by greed and selfish desires. It reminds us of the importance of staying true to God's Word and resisting the allure of sin.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, we see Jesus as the ultimate example of faithfulness to God's will, never swaying from His mission despite facing great temptations. He is the true prophet who leads us on the path of righteousness.

Big Idea: Resist the temptations of the world and remain faithful to God's Word, following the example of Jesus in staying committed to His will.

Recommended Study: For further study, explore the theological implications of Balaam's story and the concept of false prophets in the Old and New Testaments. Use Logos to delve into the cultural context of divination and spiritual warfare in the ancient Near East, shedding light on the significance of Balaam's actions. Additionally, examine the parallels between Balaam's story and other instances of greed and deception in the Bible, drawing connections to modern-day challenges of integrity and faithfulness.

1. Temptation's Initial Whisper

Numbers 22:1–14 “Then the children of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan from Jericho. Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. Moab was very afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up all that are around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, “A people went out from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they dwell next to me. And now, please come curse this people for me because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will prevail, and we will defeat them, and I will drive them out of the land because I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” The elder…”

You could start by setting the stage with the request from Balak to Balaam to curse Israel, highlighting the temptations of power and wealth that can lead even the faithful astray. Consider pointing out how Jesus, contrasted with Balaam, consistently rejected earthly power and wealth, remaining faithful to His heavenly Father's will.

2. Twisted Truths of Temptation

Numbers 22:15-21

Maybe explore Balaam's conversation with God and his subsequent actions, using this to discuss the importance of not just hearing God's word but also obeying it. This point could highlight the difference between Balaam's disobedience and Jesus' perfect obedience, emphasizing the danger of compromised obedience to God.

3. The Danger of Spiritual Blindness

Numbers 22:22-35

Perhaps discuss Balaam's encounter with the angel and his blindness to God's messenger, which can serve as an allegory for our own spiritual blindness when we prioritize personal gain over God's direction. It also offers a chance to illustrate how Jesus, unlike Balaam, was always in tune with God's will and never deviated from His path.

4. Opportunities Missed and Grace Denied

Numbers 22:36-41

You could conclude with Balaam's arrival to meet Balak, focusing on the final opportunity for repentance that Balaam fails to take. This can highlight the mercy and patience of God contrasted with our often stubborn pursuit of our own desires, in opposition to Jesus who surrendered completely to God's plan for the salvation of humanity.

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[1] Modern English Version (Thinline Edition, Nu 22:28). (2014). Passio.