Numbers 23-24 #2
Dear RTB’ers,
More Balak and Balaam – today, his actual words, his blessings. And they are numerous. First, Balaam asks three times for Balak to “Build for me here seven altars and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” (23:1, 14, 29). Balak does as requested and Balaam responds with three sets of substantial blessings upon Israel. Balak is furious, but Balaam responds to Balak’s anger with four more sets of blessings and prophecies, including a short prelude to Balak: “And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.” (v. 24:14) After a few more blessings, Balaam prophecies destruction upon Moab, Edom, Seir, Amalek, the Kenite, Asshur (Assyria) and Eber. They then depart.
STS asks us to read through the blessings carefully. A few of them stood out for me:
Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his! (23:10)
The Lord their God is with them… (23:21b).
… a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of
Israel… (24:17b). Possibly Messianic…??
Now you… Your favorites? Your comments on Balaam?
Blessings!
Fred