Numbers 22:1-14 – Moab Terrified
The Moabites are terrified of Israel, but they have no need to be if they understand (and probably Moses let them know) the orders God has given to Israel not to fight with the Moabites, Deut. 2:9. But, if they do know about these orders, they don’t trust them. Despite the old friendship between Abraham and Lot, the Moabites determine to destroy Israel if they can, and they assume that Israel feels the same way. These fears they communicate to their neighbours, the elders of Midian, that some plan can be thought up between them for their common safety. The Moabites have reason to rejoice, and give God and Israel thanks for freeing them from the threatening power of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who has taken from them part of their country, and was likely to overrun the rest. They have reason to befriend Israel and to come to their assistance; but having forsaken the religion of their father Lot, and being sunk into idolatry, they hate the people of the God of Abraham.
The king of Moab thinks if he can just get some prophet, with his powerful charms to curse Israel, then he will be able to deal with them. Balaam ought to have given the messengers their answer immediately, that he will never curse a people whom God has blessed; but he takes a night to think about it. When we stop to think about temptations we are in great danger of being overcome by them. Balaam is not faithful in returning God’s answer to the messengers. He only tells them, the Lord refuses to give me permission to go with you. He does not tell them, as he ought to have done, that Israel is a blessed people, and must by no means be cursed. They are a target for Satan’s temptation that speak lightly of God’s commands, as if they amount to no more than the denial of permission.
Question
- Why does Moab have no reason to be afraid?
- What does Balaam reply to the messengers?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would resist temptation.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.