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How Balaam Led Israel into Sin
287
Strong Men Conquered by Women
When the Hebrews sinned against God’s law by yielding to
temptation, their defense left them. When the people of God are
faithful to His commandments, “there is no sorcery against Jacob,
nor any divination against Israel” (
Numbers 23:23
). This is the
reason that Satan uses all of his clever skills to attract them into sin.
If those who claim to be the keepers of God’s law sin against it, they
separate themselves from God and will not be able to stand against
their enemies.
The Israelites who could not be overcome by warfare or the
sorcery of Midian fell victim to her harlots. This is the power that
women, who have chosen to serve Satan, have used to destroy souls.
“She has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her
were strong men” (
Proverbs 7:26
). Joseph was tempted in this way.
This is also why Samson betrayed his strength into the hands of
the Philistines. Here David stumbled. And Solomon, the wisest of
kings, became a slave of passion and sacrificed his integrity to the
same bewitching power.
Satan has studied with vicious intensity for thousands of years,
and through many generations he has worked to overthrow leaders
of His people by the same temptations that were so successful at
Baal Peor. As we approach the close of time, on the borders of
the heavenly Canaan, Satan will intensify his efforts to prevent the
people of God from entering the beautiful land. He will prepare his
temptations for those in holy office; if he can lead them to pollute
their souls, he can destroy many through them. By worldly friend-
ships, the charms of beauty, pleasure-seeking, partying, feasting, or
liquor, he tempts people to violate the seventh commandment.
Those who will dishonor God’s image and defile His temple
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in their own bodies will not step back from any dishonor to God
that will gratify the desire of their depraved hearts. It is impossible
for slaves of passion to realize the sacred obligation of the law of
God, to appreciate the atonement, or to appreciate the value of the
soul. Goodness, purity, truth, reverence for God, and love for sacred
things—all are burned up in the fires of lust. The heart becomes a
blackened and desolate waste. People formed in the image of God
are dragged down to a level with the animals.