Balaam
395
Balaam confessed that he came with the purpose of cursing Israel,
but the words he uttered were directly contrary to the sentiments of
his heart. He was constrained to pronounce blessings, while his soul
was filled with curses.
As Balaam looked upon the encampment of Israel he beheld with
astonishment the evidence of their prosperity. They had been repre-
sented to him as a rude, disorganized multitude, infesting the country
in roving bands that were a pest and terror to the surrounding nations;
but their appearance was the reverse of all this. He saw the vast extent
and perfect arrangement of their camp, everything bearing the marks
of thorough discipline and order. He was shown the favor with which
God regarded Israel, and their distinctive character as His chosen peo-
ple. They were not to stand upon a level with other nations, but to be
exalted above them all. “The people shall dwell alone, and shall not
be reckoned among the nations.” At the time when these words were
spoken the Israelites had no permanent settlement, and their peculiar
character, their manners and customs, were not familiar to Balaam.
But how strikingly was this prophecy fulfilled in the afterhistory of
Israel! Through all the years of their captivity, through all the ages
since they were dispersed among the nations, they have remained a dis-
tinct people. So the people of God—the true Israel—though scattered
throughout all nations, are on earth but sojourners, whose citizenship
is in heaven.
Not only was Balaam shown the history of the Hebrew people as a
nation, but he beheld the increase and prosperity of the true Israel of
God to the close of time. He saw the special favor of the Most High
attending those who love and fear Him . He saw them supported by
His arm as they enter the dark valley of the shadow of death. And
he beheld them coming forth from their graves, crowned with glory,
honor, and immortality. He saw the redeemed rejoicing in the unfading
glories of the earth made new. Gazing upon the scene, he exclaimed,
“Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part
of Israel?” And as he saw the crown of glory on every brow, the joy
beaming from every countenance, and looked forward to that endless
life of unalloyed happiness, he uttered the solemn prayer, “Let me die
the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!”
[448]
If Balaam had had a disposition to accept the light that God had
given, he would now have made true his words; he would at once have