SFJ Bible Reading Plan

Judges 4:1-12

Deborah and Barak

4:1 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died. 2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3 Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years.

4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. 7 And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?” 8 Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” 9 And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh. And 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him.

11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent as far away as the oak in Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh.

12 When Sisera was told that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor,

(ESV)

Going Deeper

Balaam (1-23-16)

How many times have you made a choice based on desire or gain- where rather than following the clear warning of God on a matter, you pushed it until you got your way?  Sometimes it seems like you are getting what you want and then it does not work out as you expected. Other times we justify what we want and will work any angle to get it.

As we read the introduction to Balaam, we notice a couple of things. First, Balaam is not an Israelite (Numbers. 22:5). Second, God is fulfilling His promise to strike fear in the hearts of the inhabitants of Canaan (Numbers 22:3). Third, Balaam inquired of the Lord (Numbers 22:8). Fourth, God spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:9). Fifth, Balaam listened to God but did not obey (Numbers 22:22). Sixth, Balaam could not do anything contrary to the Lord’s will (Numbers 23:8).

First, Balaam is not an Israelite. Many times it is easy to assume that God only speaks to certain types of people. This is not always the case. God usually speaks through a particular means that he has defined. In the Age of Balaam, God used visions and prophets as His mouthpiece. In the Old Testament, this can develop an elitism that Israel was the only people God spoke through. But, here we have an instance of a non-Israelite receiving direct communication from God in a very specific manner. We have to understand that this is not the norm. Peter tells us that we have something surer, the prophetic word. God declares His will to all peoples through His word.

Second, God is fulfilling His promise to strike fear in the hearts of the inhabitants of Canaan. Exodus 23:27 “I will send my terror before you, and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.” God promised to go before Israel and He did. So, Balak, the king of Moab, was scared, so he called on the Balaam. Balaam had a reputation for divination and power. In essence, Balak knew that he could not defeat the Israelites in battle. He also understood that there are spiritual realities and God works in his mighty way. Balak brought together the Moab and Midian in hope of giving themselves more strength. God always does what He says He will do.

Third, Balaam inquired of the Lord (Numbers 22:8). Balaam inquired and asked God what He wanted him to do. The irony here is so funny. Balaam is asking God if He can go and curse the people that God brought out of the land of Egypt. Balaam did not have all the data. He did not realize that Israel was the people of the same God as he (Balaam) followed. This should be a warning to us, many times we lack all the data and pray in our own ignorance. Whereas, if we did the research, we could pray better. We can thank God that He has given His Spirit to pray when we do not know what to pray. This is a good thing for us to keep in mind. Notice that when Balaam was willing to follow direction from the Lord. I am not using the word for obedience in relation to Balaam because He did not obey. We will discuss this later. Balaam had a willingness to submit to the outward command. How often are we inquiring of the Lord not because we want to obey, but because we know it is necessary and right?

Fourth, God spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:9). The passage that this verse is in, is key to understanding all of the issues with Balaam. God specifically tells Balaam ‘you will not curse these people, for they are blessed’. God clearly tells Balaam what he is not to do ‘do not go, do not curse’. This is a clear declaration by God of what Balaam is and is not to do. Balaam listens and sends the men on his way.

Fourth, Balaam listened to God, but did not obey (Numbers 22:22). This is a major point. This will clarify the problem of contradictory commands in the text. Balaam knew what the command of God was concerning the people of Israel, yet he entertained the princes and told them he would inquire of the Lord again.  We know from other text in the Bible that the money offered to Balaam was a great temptation. God specifically told Balaam of what He could not do. This is like when our children know you have said no to something and then start to whine and wheedle or persistently ask, yet what they are asking for is harmful and what is not best for them. Obedience is not just following orders, but it is having a right heart and attitude.

Balaam did not obey. He did not have the right heart or attitude based on his willingness to listen to the princes of Moab. How do we know this? Peter tells, “Forsaking the right way; they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.” This is a common error. Scripture speaks of Balaam’s error on more than one occasion and never in good way. (Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14). Oftentimes we think we know what we want and we are persistent even after God has given us a direct or clear no answer. We would rather have our stuff than give God obedience.

God told Balaam to go, even though God had clearly told Balaam what was and was not going to happen. Balaam had a direct command not to curse. Balaam knew that this was what Balak wanted Him to do. God gave Balaam warnings along the way, so much so that Balaam was rebuked by a donkey. God handed Balaam over to his sin and Balaam reaped the rewards (Numbers 31:8).

Fifth, Balaam could not do anything contrary to the Lord’s will (Numbers 23:8). God allowed Balaam to go, but God did not listen to Balaam and curse His people rather He made Balaam bless them. God put the words in Balaam’s mouth. No matter how much Balaam wanted to curse these people, he could not because the only thing he could do was what the Lord told him to do. Though Balaam knew that he could not curse Israel, He did deal treacherously with the people of Israel. Numbers 31:16 tells us that Balaam caused the people of Israel to act against the Lord. Balaam had the Moabite women lead the men of Israel astray in to pagan worship. Remember God told Israel to not intermarry as this will lead them away from God. This command continually is disobeyed and the people of Israel end up in captivity because of this sin of idolatry. In Numbers 25, we see that the Israelites followed after other women and they followed after the other gods. Balaam instigated this.

Balaam is a figure that we can look at and be thankful for God’s work and plan. God tells us clearly in Joshua 24:10 that He would not listen to Balaam. God is not at our beckon call. Throughout the story, Balaam seeks God hoping for a change and it never happens. God has a clear plan he has laid down from the foundation of the world. This plan is according to His own infinite and wise counsel.  We have seen how God always fulfills His Word. It is a refuge for us.

How are you trusting in the promises of God, relying on Him, following Him in all things with a right heart and right attitude? What ways are you following after the error of Balaam? How are material things more important than the Word of the Lord? Spend some time meditating and reading God’s Word and ask the Spirit to illuminate these things.

By His grace and for His glory,

-Shepherd

Soldiers for Jesus MC

National Chaplain

*Special thanks to Pastor Jason Taylor for his Gospel Partnership and help with this week’s devotional.

Revelation 2:12-17

To the Church in Pergamum

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith¹ even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

Footnotes

[1] 2:13 Or your faith in me

(ESV)

Numbers 24:1-25

Balaam’s Third Oracle

24:1 When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and he took up his discourse and said,

  “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
    the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,¹
4   the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
    who sees the vision of the Almighty,
    falling down with his eyes uncovered:
5   How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
    your encampments, O Israel!
6   Like palm groves² that stretch afar,
    like gardens beside a river,
  like aloes that the LORD has planted,
    like cedar trees beside the waters.
7   Water shall flow from his buckets,
    and his seed shall be in many waters;
  his king shall be higher than Agag,
    and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8   God brings him out of Egypt
    and is for him like the horns of the wild ox;
  he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries,
    and shall break their bones in pieces
    and pierce them through with his arrows.
9   He crouched, he lay down like a lion
    and like a lioness; who will rouse him up?
  Blessed are those who bless you,
    and cursed are those who curse you.”

10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, ‘I will certainly honor you,’ but the LORD has held you back from honor.” 12 And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, 13 ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the LORD speaks, that will I speak’? 14 And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”

Balaam’s Final Oracle

15 And he took up his discourse and said,

  “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
    the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
16   the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
    and knows the knowledge of the Most High,
  who sees the vision of the Almighty,
    falling down with his eyes uncovered:
17   I see him, but not now;
    I behold him, but not near:
  a star shall come out of Jacob,
    and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
  it shall crush the forehead³ of Moab
    and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18   Edom shall be dispossessed;
    Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed.
    Israel is doing valiantly.
19   And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion
    and destroy the survivors of cities!”

20 Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said,

  “Amalek was the first among the nations,
    but its end is utter destruction.”

21 And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said,

  “Enduring is your dwelling place,
    and your nest is set in the rock.
22   Nevertheless, Kain shall be burned
    when Asshur takes you away captive.”

23 And he took up his discourse and said,

  “Alas, who shall live when God does this?
24     But ships shall come from Kittim
  and shall afflict Asshur and Eber;
    and he too shall come to utter destruction.”

25 Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.

Footnotes

[1] 24:3 Or closed, or perfect; also verse 15

[2] 24:6 Or valleys

[3] 24:17 Hebrew corners [of the head]

(ESV)

Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s First Oracle

23:1 And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” 2 Balak did as Balaam had said. And Balak and Balaam offered on each altar a bull and a ram. 3 And Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever he shows me I will tell you.” And he went to a bare height, 4 and God met Balaam. And Balaam said to him, “I have arranged the seven altars and I have offered on each altar a bull and a ram.” 5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” 6 And he returned to him, and behold, he and all the princes of Moab were standing beside his burnt offering. 7 And Balaam took up his discourse and said,

  “From Aram Balak has brought me,
    the king of Moab from the eastern mountains:
  ‘Come, curse Jacob for me,
    and come, denounce Israel!’
8   How can I curse whom God has not cursed?
    How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?
9   For from the top of the crags I see him,
    from the hills I behold him;
  behold, a people dwelling alone,
    and not counting itself among the nations!
10   Who can count the dust of Jacob
    or number the fourth part¹ of Israel?
  Let me die the death of the upright,
    and let my end be like his!”

11 And Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them.” 12 And he answered and said, “Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

Balaam’s Second Oracle

13 And Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, from which you may see them. You shall see only a fraction of them and shall not see them all. Then curse them for me from there.” 14 And he took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15 Balaam said to Balak, “Stand here beside your burnt offering, while I meet the LORD over there.” 16 And the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus shall you speak.” 17 And he came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?” 18 And Balaam took up his discourse and said,

  “Rise, Balak, and hear;
    give ear to me, O son of Zippor:
19   God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
  Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
20   Behold, I received a command to bless:
    he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.
21   He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob,
    nor has he seen trouble in Israel.
  The LORD their God is with them,
    and the shout of a king is among them.
22   God brings them out of Egypt
    and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.
23   For there is no enchantment against Jacob,
    no divination against Israel;
  now it shall be said of Jacob and Israel,
    ‘What has God wrought!’
24   Behold, a people! As a lioness it rises up
    and as a lion it lifts itself;
  it does not lie down until it has devoured the prey
    and drunk the blood of the slain.”

25 And Balak said to Balaam, “Do not curse them at all, and do not bless them at all.” 26 But Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell you, ‘All that the LORD says, that I must do’?” 27 And Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.” 28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert.² 29 And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” 30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Footnotes

[1] 23:10 Or dust clouds

[2] 23:28 Or Jeshimon

(ESV)