Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·
“And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.”
Numbers 24:2 · KJV
What changes in Numbers 24?
Balaam sees that it pleases the Lord to bless Israel. He stops going to seek omens as before and turns toward the wilderness. He looks at Israel dwelling by tribes, and the Spirit comes upon him. His speech then describes the people with pictures of gardens and waters, before declaring blessing on those who bless them.
What does Balaam’s later reputation teach us?
Numbers 31 connects Balaam with counsel that drew Israel into unfaithfulness, and 2 Peter remembers his love of unrighteous wages. Scripture can record a true word from God and still judge a speaker’s motives and conduct. That is a warning against treating one extraordinary moment as the final measure of someone’s character.
Read the blessing and the warning together
Read Numbers 24:1–9 and 2 Peter 2:15–16. Ask where money, reputation, or the desire to please someone might bend the way you speak.
Read the Scripture passages
- Numbers 24:2 · KJV
- Numbers 22:5-20 · KJV
- Numbers 23:19-23 · KJV
- Numbers 24:1-9 · KJV
- Numbers 31:16 · KJV
- 2 Peter 2:15-16 · KJV
