Balaam Tries to Curse Israel
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A day is coming when judgment will be pronounced against those who
abuse God’s creatures.
Balaam Prevented From Cursing Israel
When he beheld the messenger of God, Balaam exclaimed in terror,
“I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against
me; now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.” The
Lord suffered him to proceed on his journey, but his words would be
controlled by divine power. God would give evidence to Moab that
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the Hebrews were under the guardianship of Heaven, and this He did
when He showed them how powerless Balaam was to utter a curse
against them.
The king of Moab, informed of the approach of Balaam, went out
to receive him. When he expressed his astonishment at Balaam’s delay
in view of the rich rewards awaiting him, the prophet’s answer was,
“Have I now any power at all to say anything? the word that God
putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.” Balaam greatly regretted this
restriction; he feared that his purpose could not be carried out.
The king, with the chief dignitaries of the kingdom, escorted Bal-
aam to “the high places of Baal,” from which he could survey the
Hebrew host. How little the Israelites knew of what was taking place
so near them! How little they knew of the care of God, extended over
them by day and by night!
Balaam had some knowledge of the sacrificial offerings of the
Hebrews, and he hoped that by surpassing them in costly gifts he
might ensure the accomplishment of his sinful projects. Seven altars
were erected, and he offered a sacrifice upon each. He then withdrew
to a “high place” to meet with God.
With the nobles and princes of Moab, the king stood beside the
sacrifice, watching for the return of the prophet. He came at last,
and the people waited for the words that should paralyze forever that
strange power exerted in behalf of the hated Israelites. Balaam said: