Balaam, the so-called non-Israelite prophet of the LORD, Numbers 22:2 part one NIV
Balak Summons Balaam Numbers 22:1-18 part one
Then the Israelites traveled to the plans of Moab and camped along the Jordan
across from Jericho. Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to
the Amorites and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. In-
deed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.
The Moabites said to the elders of Midian,"This horde is going to lick up every-
thing around us, as a ox licks up the grass of the field."
So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at the time, sent messengers to
summon Balaam, son of Boer, who was at Pethor, near the River, in his native
land. Balak said:
"A people has come out of Eygpt; they cover the face of the land and have settled
next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too power-
ful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country.
For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."
The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When
they came to Baalam, they told him what Balak had said.
"Spend the night here," Balaam said to them," and I will bring you back the answer
the LORD gives me." So the Moabite princes stayed with him.
God came to Baalam and asked,"Who are those men with you?"
Baalam said to God,"Balak, son of Zippor, King of Moab, sent me this message.
A people has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put
a curse on them for me. Perhaps I will be able to put a curse on them and drive
them away.'"
But God said to Balaam,"Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on these
people, because they are blessed."
The next morning go up and said to Balak's princes,"Go back to your own country,
for the LORD has refused to let me go with you."
So the Moabite princes returned to Balak and said,"Balaam has refused to come
with us."
Then Balak sent more princes more numerous and more distinguished than the
first. They came to Balaam and said:
"This is what Balak son of Zippor says: "Do not let anything prevent you from com
ing to me, because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come
and put a curse on these people for me."
But Balaam answered them,"Even if Balak gave me a palace filled with silver and
gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD
my God. Now stay here tonight as the
Roxanne Lea Dubarry
Roxy Lea 1954/October Country
July 14, 2024
Copyright © Roxanne Dubarry | Year Posted 2024
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