394
Patriarchs and Prophets
slow are they, in every age, to comprehend His great love and mercy!
If they could discern the wonderful power of God constantly exerted
in their behalf, would not their hearts be filled with gratitude for His
love, and with awe at the thought of His majesty and power?
Balaam had some knowledge of the sacrificial offerings of the
Hebrews, and he hoped that by surpassing them in costly gifts he
might secure the blessing of God and ensure the accomplishment of
his sinful projects. Thus the sentiments of the idolatrous Moabites were
gaining control of his mind. His wisdom had become foolishness; his
spiritual vision was beclouded; he had brought blindness upon himself
by yielding to the power of Satan.
By Balaam’s direction seven altars were erected, and he offered a
sacrifice upon each. He then withdrew to a “high place,” to meet with
God, promising to make known to Balak whatever the Lord should
reveal.
With the nobles and princes of Moab the king stood beside the
sacrifice, while around them gathered the eager multitude, 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:
“The king of Moab hath brought me from Aram,
Out of the mountains of the east,
Saying, Come, curse me Jacob,
And come, defy Israel.
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?
Or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not de-
fied?
For from the top of the rocks I see him ,
And from the hills I behold him :
Lo, the people shall dwell alone,
And shall not be reckoned among the nations.
Who can count the dust of Jacob,
And the number of the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous,
And let my last end be like his!”
[445]
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