Balaam
397
[449]
Awed by these revelations, Balaam exclaimed, “Surely there is
no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against
Israel.” The great magician had tried his power of enchantment, in
accordance with the desire of the Moabites; but concerning this very
occasion it should be said of Israel, “What hath God wrought!” While
they were under the divine protection, no people or nation, though
aided by all the power of Satan, should be able to prevail against
them. All the world should wonder at the marvelous work of God
in behalf of His people—that a man determined to pursue a sinful
course should be so controlled by divine power as to utter, instead of
imprecations, the richest and most precious promises, in the language
of sublime and impassioned poetry. And the favor of God at this time
manifested toward Israel was to be an assurance of His protecting
care for His obedient, faithful children in all ages. When Satan should
inspire evil men to misrepresent, harass, and destroy God’s people, this
very occurrence would be brought to their remembrance, and would
strengthen their courage and their faith in God.
The king of Moab, disheartened and distressed, exclaimed, “Nei-
ther curse them at all, nor bless them at all.” Yet a faint hope still
lingered in his heart, and he determined to make another trial. He
now conducted Balaam to Mount Peor, where was a temple devoted
to the licentious worship of Baal, their god. Here the same number of
altars were erected as before, and the same number of sacrifices were
offered; but Balaam went not alone, as at other times, to learn God’s
will. He made no pretense of sorcery, but standing beside the altars, he
looked abroad upon the tents of Israel. Again the Spirit of God rested
upon him, and the divine message came from his lips: