Numbers 22-24: Balaam

Introduction

• Satan sought a new way to fight against the people of God... not through armies and leaders, but by a curse

Balak Sends for Balaam

• Seeing all the danger around him, instead of preparing for war and for battle, Balak king of Moab sent for Balaam to come and curse the Israelites.
• Who is Balaam?
  • Does not belong to the people of God
  • He was a magician or diviner and God used him for His divine mission and purpose
    • St Gregory of Nyssa believes that Balaam was using satanic power, but God was showing the inability of Satan to harm His children; that if Satan intends to curse, he is committed to bless.
    • Origen believes Balaam was a magician using Satan's power, but God intervened because of His love for Israel
  • Revelation 2:14 "who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication"
• God speaks to Balaam and commands him
  • Balaam even replies "the Lord my God"

Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel

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Balaam's First Prophecy

• Speaks of the incarnation

Balaam's Second Prophecy

• Speaks of the passions and Resurrection

Balaam's Third Prophecy

• Speaks of the Day of Pentecost

Balaam Foretells Israel's Happiness

Balaam's Fourth Prophecy