mh_parser/vol_split/4 - Numbers/Chapter 22.xml

<div2 id="Num.xxiii" n="xxiii" next="Num.xxiv" prev="Num.xxii" progress="75.62%" title="Chapter XXII">
<h2 id="Num.xxiii-p0.1">N U M B E R S</h2>
<h3 id="Num.xxiii-p0.2">CHAP. XXII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Num.xxiii-p1">At this chapter begins the famous story of Balak
and Balaam, their attempt to curse Israel, and the baffling of that
attempt; God's people are long afterwards told to remember what
Balak the king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor
answered him, that they might know the righteousness of the Lord,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Mic.6.5" parsed="|Mic|6|5|0|0" passage="Mic 6:5">Mic. vi. 5</scripRef>. In this chapter
we have, I. Balak's fear of Israel, and the plot he had to get them
cursed, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.1-Num.22.4" parsed="|Num|22|1|22|4" passage="Nu 22:1-4">ver. 1-4</scripRef>. II. The
embassy he sent to Balaam, a conjurer, to fetch him for that
purpose, and the disappointment he met with in the first embassy,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.5-Num.22.14" parsed="|Num|22|5|22|14" passage="Nu 22:5-14">ver. 5-14</scripRef>. III. Balaam's
coming to him upon his second message, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.15-Num.22.21" parsed="|Num|22|15|22|21" passage="Nu 22:15-21">ver. 15-21</scripRef>. IV. The opposition Balaam met
with by the way, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.22-Num.22.35" parsed="|Num|22|22|22|35" passage="Nu 22:22-35">ver.
22-35</scripRef>. V. The interview at length between Balak and
Balaam, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.36-Num.22.41" parsed="|Num|22|36|22|41" passage="Nu 22:36-41">ver. 36</scripRef>,
&amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.22" parsed="|Num|22|0|0|0" passage="Nu 22" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.1-Num.22.14" parsed="|Num|22|1|22|14" passage="Nu 22:1-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.22.1-Num.22.14">
<h4 id="Num.xxiii-p1.9">Balak Sends for Balaam. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p1.10">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxiii-p2">1 And the children of Israel set forward, and
pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan <i>by</i>
Jericho.   2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel
had done to the Amorites.   3 And Moab was sore afraid of the
people, because they <i>were</i> many: and Moab was distressed
because of the children of Israel.   4 And Moab said unto the
elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all <i>that
are</i> round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the
field. And Balak the son of Zippor <i>was</i> king of the Moabites
at that time.   5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the
son of Beor to Pethor, which <i>is</i> by the river of the land of
the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a
people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the
earth, and they abide over against me:   6 Come now therefore,
I pray thee, curse me this people; for they <i>are</i> too mighty
for me: peradventure I shall prevail, <i>that</i> we may smite
them, and <i>that</i> I may drive them out of the land: for I wot
that he whom thou blessest <i>is</i> blessed, and he whom thou
cursest is cursed.   7 And the elders of Moab and the elders
of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand;
and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
  8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will
bring you word again, as the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p2.1">Lord</span>
shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
  9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men <i>are</i>
these with thee?   10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son
of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, <i>saying,</i>  
11 Behold, <i>there is</i> a people come out of Egypt, which
covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them;
peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
  12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them;
thou shalt not curse the people: for they <i>are</i> blessed.
  13 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the
princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p2.2">Lord</span> refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
  14 And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto
Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p3">The children of Israel have at length
finished their wanderings in the wilderness, out of which they went
up (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.21.18" parsed="|Num|21|18|0|0" passage="Nu 21:18"><i>ch.</i> xxi. 18</scripRef>),
and are now encamped in the plains of Moab near Jordan, where they
continued till they passed through Jordan under Joshua, after the
death of Moses. Now we have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p4">I. The fright which the Moabites were in
upon the approach of Israel, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.2-Num.22.4" parsed="|Num|22|2|22|4" passage="Nu 22:2-4"><i>v.</i> 2-4</scripRef>. They needed not to fear any
harm from them if they knew (and it is probable that Moses let them
know) the orders God had given to Israel not to contend with the
Moabites, nor to use any hostility against them, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.2.9" parsed="|Deut|2|9|0|0" passage="De 2:9">Deut. ii. 9</scripRef>. But, if they had any notice of
this, they were jealous that it was but a sham, to make them
secure, that they might be the more easily conquered.
Notwithstanding the old friendship between Abraham and Lot, the
Moabites resolved to ruin Israel if they could, and therefore they
will take it for granted, without any ground for the suspicion,
that Israel resolves to ruin them. Thus it is common for those that
design mischief to pretend that mischief is designed against them;
and their groundless jealousies must be the colour of their
causeless malice. They hear of their triumphs over the Amorites
(<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.2" parsed="|Num|22|2|0|0" passage="Nu 22:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>), and think
that their own house is in danger when their neighbour's is on
fire. They observe their multitudes (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.3" parsed="|Num|22|3|0|0" passage="Nu 22:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>): <i>They were many;</i> and hence
infer how easily they would conquer their country, and all about
them if some speedy and effectual course were not taken to stop the
progress of their victorious arms: "They shall <i>lick up</i> or
devour us, and <i>all that are round about us,</i> as speedily and
irresistibly <i>as the ox eats up the grass</i>" (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.4" parsed="|Num|22|4|0|0" passage="Nu 22:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>), owning themselves to be
an unequal match for so formidable an enemy. Therefore they were
sorely afraid and distressed themselves; thus were the wicked <i>in
great fear where no fear was,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.53.5" parsed="|Ps|53|5|0|0" passage="Ps 53:5">Ps.
liii. 5</scripRef>. These fears they communicated to their
neighbours, the elders of Midian, that some measures might be
concerted between them for their common safety; for, if the kingdom
of Moab fall, the republic of Midian cannot stand long. The
Moabites, if they had pleased, might have made a good use of the
advances of Israel, and their successes against the Amorites. They
had reason to rejoice, and give God and Israel thanks for freeing
them from the threatening power of Sihon king of the Amorites, who
had taken from them part of their country, and was likely to
overrun the rest. They had reason likewise to court Israel's
friendship, and to come in to their assistance; but having forsaken
the religion of their father Lot, and being sunk into idolatry,
they hated the people of the God of Abraham, and were justly
infatuated in their counsels and given up to distress.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p5">II. The project which the king of Moab
formed to get the people of Israel cursed, that is, to set God
against them, who, he perceived, hitherto fought for them. He
trusted more to his arts than to his arms, and had a notion that if
he could but get some prophet or other, with his powerful charms,
to imprecate evil upon them, and to pronounce a blessing upon
himself and his forces, then, though otherwise too weak, he should
be able to deal with them. This notion arose, 1. Out of the remains
of some religion; for it owns a dependence upon some visible
sovereign powers that rule in the affairs of the children of men
and determine them, and an obligation upon us to make application
to these powers. 2. Out of the ruins of the true religion; for if
the Midianites and Moabites had not wretchedly degenerated from the
faith and worship of their pious ancestors, Abraham and Lot, they
could not have imagined it possible to do any mischief with their
curses to a people who alone adhered to the service of the true
God, from whose service they had themselves revolted.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p6">III. The court which he made to Balaam the
son of Beor, a famous conjurer, to engage him to curse Israel. The
Balaam lived a great way off, in that country whence Abraham came,
and where Laban lived; but, though it was probable that there were
many nearer home that were pretenders to divination, yet none had
so great a reputation for success as Balaam, and Balak will employ
the best he can hear of, though he send a great way for him, so
much is his heart upon this project. And to gain him, 1. He makes
him his friend, complaining to him, as his confidant, of the danger
he was in from the numbers and neighbourhood of the camp of Israel:
<i>They cover the face of the earth,</i> and they <i>abide over
against me,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.5" parsed="|Num|22|5|0|0" passage="Nu 22:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>.
2. In effect he makes him his god, by the great power he attributes
to his word: <i>He whom thou blessest is blessed,</i> and <i>he
whom thou cursest is cursed,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.6" parsed="|Num|22|6|0|0" passage="Nu 22:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. The learned bishop Patrick
inclines to think, with many of the Jewish writers, that Balaam had
been a great prophet, who, for the accomplishment of his
predictions and the answers of his prayers, both for good and evil,
had been looked upon justly as a man of great interest with God;
but that, growing proud and covetous, God departed from him, and
then, to support his sinking credit, he betook himself to
diabolical arts. He is called a <i>prophet</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.16" parsed="|2Pet|2|16|0|0" passage="2Pe 2:16">2 Pet. ii. 16</scripRef>,) because he had been one, or
perhaps he had raised his reputation from the first by his magical
charms, as Simon Magus, who bewitched the people so far that he was
called <i>the great power of God,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Acts.8.10" parsed="|Acts|8|10|0|0" passage="Ac 8:10">Acts viii. 10</scripRef>. Curses pronounced by God's
prophets in the name of the Lord have wonderful effects, as Noah's
(<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.9.25" parsed="|Gen|9|25|0|0" passage="Ge 9:25">Gen. ix. 25</scripRef>), and Elisha's,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.2.24" parsed="|2Kgs|2|24|0|0" passage="2Ki 2:24">2 Kings ii. 24</scripRef>. But the
curse <i>causeless shall not come</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:Prov.26.2" parsed="|Prov|26|2|0|0" passage="Pr 26:2">Prov. xxvi. 2</scripRef>), no more than Goliath's, when
he <i>cursed David by his gods,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.17.43" parsed="|1Sam|17|43|0|0" passage="1Sa 17:43">1
Sam. xvii. 43</scripRef>. Let us desire to have the prayers of
God's ministers and people for us, and dread having them against
us; for they are greatly regarded by him who blesseth indeed and
curseth indeed. But Balak cannot rely upon these compliments as
sufficient to prevail with Balaam, the main inducement is yet
behind (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.9" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.7" parsed="|Num|22|7|0|0" passage="Nu 22:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>): they
took <i>the rewards of divination in their hand, the wages of
unrighteousness,</i> which he <i>loved,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p6.10" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.15" parsed="|2Pet|2|15|0|0" passage="2Pe 2:15">2 Pet. ii. 15</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p7">IV. The restraint God lays upon Balaam,
forbidding him to curse Israel. It is very probable that Balaam,
being a curious inquisitive man, was no stranger to Israel's case
and character, but had heard that God was with them of a truth, so
that he ought to have given the messengers their answer
immediately, that he would never curse a people whom God had
blessed; but he lodges the messengers, and takes a night's time to
consider what he shall do, and to receive instructions from God,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.8" parsed="|Num|22|8|0|0" passage="Nu 22:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. When we enter
into a parley with temptations we are in great danger of being
overcome by them. In the night God comes to him, probably in a
dream, and enquires what business those strangers had with him. He
knows it, but he will know it from him. Balaam gives him an account
of their errand (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.9-Num.22.11" parsed="|Num|22|9|22|11" passage="Nu 22:9-11"><i>v.</i>
9-11</scripRef>), and God thereupon charges him not to go with
them, or attempt to curse that blessed people, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.12" parsed="|Num|22|12|0|0" passage="Nu 22:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. Thus God sometimes, for the
preservation of his people, was pleased to speak to bad men, as to
Abimelech (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.20.3" parsed="|Gen|20|3|0|0" passage="Ge 20:3">Gen. xx. 3</scripRef>), and
to Laban, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.31.24" parsed="|Gen|31|24|0|0" passage="Ge 31:24">Gen. xxxi. 24</scripRef>.
And we read of some that were workers of iniquity, and yet in
Christ's name prophesied, and <i>did many wondrous works.</i>
Balaam is charged not only not to go to Balak, but not to offer to
curse this people, which he might have attempted at a distance; and
the reason is given: <i>They are blessed.</i> This was part of the
blessing of Abraham (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.12.3" parsed="|Gen|12|3|0|0" passage="Ge 12:3">Gen. xii.
3</scripRef>), <i>I will curse him that curseth thee;</i> so that
an attempt to curse them would be not only fruitless, but perilous.
Israel had often provoked God in the wilderness, yet he will not
suffer their enemies to curse them, for he <i>rewards them not
according to their iniquities.</i> The blessedness of those whose
sin is covered comes upon them, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Rom.4.6-Rom.4.7" parsed="|Rom|4|6|4|7" passage="Ro 4:6,7">Rom.
iv. 6, 7</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p8">V. The return of the messengers without
Balaam. 1. Balaam is not faithful in returning God's answer to the
messengers, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.13" parsed="|Num|22|13|0|0" passage="Nu 22:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>.
He only tells them, <i>the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go
with you.</i> He did not tell them, as he ought to have done, that
Israel was a blessed people, and must by no means be cursed; for
then the design would have been crushed, and the temptation would
not have been renewed: but he, in effect, desired them to give his
humble service to Balak, and let him know that he applauded his
project, and would have been very glad to gratify him, but that
truly he had the character of a prophet, and must not go without
leave from God, which he had not yet obtained, and therefore for
the present he must be excused. Note, Those are a fair mark for
Satan's temptation that speak diminishingly of divine prohibitions,
as if they amounted to no more than the denial of a permission, and
as if to go against God's law were only to go without his leave. 2.
The messengers are not faithful in returning Balaam's answer to
Balak. All the account they give of it is, <i>Balaam refuseth to
come with us</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.14" parsed="|Num|22|14|0|0" passage="Nu 22:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>), intimating that he only wanted more courtship and
higher proffers; but they are not willing Balak should know that
God had signified his disallowance of the attempt. Thus are great
men wretchedly abused by the flatteries of those about them, who do
all they can to prevent their seeing their own faults and
follies.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22" parsed="|Num|22|0|0|0" passage="Nu 22" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.15-Num.22.21" parsed="|Num|22|15|22|21" passage="Nu 22:15-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.22.15-Num.22.21">
<h4 id="Num.xxiii-p8.5">Balak's Second Message to
Balaam. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p8.6">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxiii-p9">15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and
more honourable than they.   16 And they came to Balaam, and
said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I
pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:   17 For I will
promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou
sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
  18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak,
If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot
go beyond the word of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p9.1">Lord</span> my
God, to do less or more.   19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry
ye also here this night, that I may know what the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p9.2">Lord</span> will say unto me more.   20 And God
came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to
call thee, rise up, <i>and</i> go with them; but yet the word which
I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.   21 And Balaam
rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the
princes of Moab.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p10">We have here a second embassy sent to
Balaam, to fetch him over to curse Israel. It were well for us if
we were as earnest and constant in prosecuting a good work,
notwithstanding disappointments, as Balak was in pursuing this ill
design. The enemies of the church are restless and unwearied in
their attempts against it; but he that sits in heaven laughs at
them. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p11">I. The temptation Balak laid before Balaam.
He contrived to make this assault more vigorous than the former. It
is very probable that he sent double money in the hands of his
messengers; but, besides that, now he tempted him with honours,
laid a bait not only for his covetousness, but for his pride and
ambition. How earnestly should we beg of God daily to mortify in us
these two limbs of the old man! Those that know how to look with a
holy contempt upon worldly wealth and preferment will find it not
so hard a matter as most men do to keep a good conscience. See how
artfully Balak managed the temptation. 1. The messengers he sent
were <i>more,</i> and <i>more honourable,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.15" parsed="|Num|22|15|0|0" passage="Nu 22:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. He sent to this conjurer with
as great respect and deference to his quality as if he had been a
sovereign prince, apprehending perhaps that Balaam had thought
himself slighted in the fewness and meanness of the former
messengers. 2. The request was very urgent. This powerful prince
becomes a suitor to him: "<i>Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder
thee</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.16" parsed="|Num|22|16|0|0" passage="Nu 22:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>),
no, not God, nor conscience, nor any fear either of sin or shame."
3. The proffers were high: "<i>I will promote thee to very great
honour</i> among the princes of Moab;" nay, he gives him a blank,
and he shall write his own terms: <i>I will do whatsoever thou
sayest,</i> that is, "I will give thee whatever thou desirest, and
observe whatever thou orderest; thy word shall be a law to me,"
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.17" parsed="|Num|22|17|0|0" passage="Nu 22:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. Thus sinners
stick at no pains, spare no cost, and care not how low they stoop,
for the gratifying either of their luxury or of their malice; shall
we then be stiff and strait-handed in our compliance with the laws
of virtue? God forbid.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p12">II. Balaam's seeming resistance of, but
real yielding to, this temptation. We may here discern in Balaam a
struggle between his convictions and his corruptions. 1. His
convictions charged him to adhere to the command of God, and he
spoke their language, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.18" parsed="|Num|22|18|0|0" passage="Nu 22:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. Nor could any man have said better: "<i>If Balak
would give me his house full of silver and gold,</i> and that is
more than he can give or I can ask, <i>I cannot go beyond the word
of the Lord my God.</i>" See how honourably he speaks of God; he is
<i>Jehovah, my God.</i> Note, Many call God theirs that are not
his, not <i>truly</i> because not <i>only</i> his; <i>they swear by
the Lord, and by Malcham.</i> See how respectfully he speaks of the
word of God, as one resolved to stick to it, and in nothing to vary
from it, and how slightly of the wealth of this world, as if gold
and silver were nothing to him in comparison with the favour of
God; and yet, at the same time, the searcher of hearts knew that he
loved the wages of unrighteousness. Note, It is an easy thing for
bad men to speak very good words, and with their mouth to make a
show of piety. There is no judging of men by their words. God knows
the heart. 2. His corruptions at the same time strongly inclined
him to go contrary to the command. He seemed to refuse the
temptation, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.18" parsed="|Num|22|18|0|0" passage="Nu 22:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>.
But even then he expressed no abhorrence of it, as Christ did when
he had the kingdoms of the world offered him (<i>Get thee hence
Satan</i>), and as Peter did when Simon Magus offered him money:
<i>Thy money perish with thee.</i> But it appears (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.19" parsed="|Num|22|19|0|0" passage="Nu 22:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>) that he had a strong
inclination to accept the proffer; for he would further attend, to
know what God would say to him, hoping that he might alter his mind
and give him leave to go. This was a vile reflection upon God
Almighty, as if he could change his mind, and now at last suffer
those to be cursed whom he had pronounced blessed, and as if he
would be brought to allow what he had already declared to be evil.
Surely he thought God <i>altogether such a one as himself.</i> He
had already been told what the will of God was, in which he ought
to have acquiesced, and not to have desired a re-hearing of that
cause which was already so plainly determined. Note, It is a very
great affront to God, and a certain evidence of the dominion of
corruption in the heart, to beg leave to sin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p13">III. The permission God gave him to go,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.20" parsed="|Num|22|20|0|0" passage="Nu 22:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>. God came to
him, probably by an anger, and told him he might, if he pleased, go
with Balak's messengers. <i>So he gave him up to his own heart's
lust.</i> "Since thou hast such a mind to go, even go, yet know
that <i>the journey thou undertakest shall not be for thy
honour;</i> for, though thou hast leave to go, thou shalt not, as
thou hopest, have leave to curse, <i>for the word which I shall say
unto thee, that thou shalt do.</i>" Note, God has wicked men in a
chain; <i>hitherto they shall come</i> by his permission, but no
further that he does permit them. Thus he makes the wrath of man to
praise him, yet, at the same time, restrains the remainder of it.
It was in anger that God said to Balaam, "Go with them," and we
have reason to think that Balaam himself so understood it, for we
do not find him pleading this allowance when God reproved him for
going. Note, As God sometimes denies the prayers of his people in
love, so sometimes he grants the desires of the wicked in
wrath.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p14">IV. His setting out in the journey,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.21" parsed="|Num|22|21|0|0" passage="Nu 22:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. God gave him
leave to go <i>if the men called him,</i> but he was so fond of the
journey that we do not find he staid for their calling him, but he
himself <i>rose up in the morning,</i> got every thing ready with
all speed, and <i>went with the princes of Moab,</i> who were proud
enough that they had carried their point. The apostle describes
Balaam's sin here to be that he <i>ran greedily into an error for
reward,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.11" parsed="|Jude|1|11|0|0" passage="Jude 1:11">Jude 11</scripRef>. The
love of money is the root of all evil.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.22-Num.22.35" parsed="|Num|22|22|22|35" passage="Nu 22:22-35" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.22.22-Num.22.35">
<h4 id="Num.xxiii-p14.4">God's Displeasure against Balaam;
Remonstrance of Balaam's Ass; The Angel Appears to
Balaam. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p14.5">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxiii-p15">22 And God's anger was kindled because he went:
and the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.1">Lord</span> stood in
the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his
ass, and his two servants <i>were</i> with him.   23 And the
ass saw the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.2">Lord</span>
standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass
turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam
smote the ass, to turn her into the way.   24 But the angel of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.3">Lord</span> stood in a path of the
vineyards, a wall <i>being</i> on this side, and a wall on that
side.   25 And when the ass saw the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.4">Lord</span>, she thrust herself unto the wall, and
crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
  26 And the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.5">Lord</span>
went further, and stood in a narrow place, where <i>was</i> no way
to turn either to the right hand or to the left.   27 And when
the ass saw the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.6">Lord</span>,
she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he
smote the ass with a staff.   28 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.7">Lord</span> opened the mouth of the ass, and she said
unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me
these three times?   29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because
thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for
now would I kill thee.   30 And the ass said unto Balaam,
<i>Am</i> not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since
<i>I was</i> thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto
thee? And he said, Nay.   31 Then the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.8">Lord</span> opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the
angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.9">Lord</span> standing in the
way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head,
and fell flat on his face.   32 And the angel of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.10">Lord</span> said unto him, Wherefore hast thou
smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to
withstand thee, because <i>thy</i> way is perverse before me:
  33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times:
unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee,
and saved her alive.   34 And Balaam said unto the angel of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.11">Lord</span>, I have sinned; for I knew
not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it
displease thee, I will get me back again.   35 And the angel
of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p15.12">Lord</span> said unto Balaam, Go
with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that
thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p16">We have here an account of the opposition
God gave to Balaam in his journey towards Moab; probably the
princes had gone before, or gone some other way, and Balaam had
pointed out where he would meet them, or where they should stay for
him, for we read nothing of them in this part of our narrative,
only that Balaam, like a person of some quality, was attended with
his two men-honour enough, one would think, for such a man, he
needed not be beholden to Balak for promotion.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p17">I. Here is God's displeasure against Balaam
for undertaking this journey: God's <i>anger was kindled because he
went,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.22" parsed="|Num|22|22|0|0" passage="Nu 22:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>.
Note, 1. The sin of sinners is not to be thought the less provoking
to God because he permits it. We must not think that, because God
does not by his providence restrain men from sin, therefore he
approves of it, or that it is therefore not hateful to him; he
suffers sin, and yet is angry at it. 2. Nothing is more displeasing
to God than malicious designs against his people; he that touches
them touches the apple of his eye.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p18">II. The way God took to let Balaam know his
displeasure against him: <i>An angel stood in the way for an
adversary.</i> Now God fulfilled his promise to Israel (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.23.22" parsed="|Exod|23|22|0|0" passage="Ex 23:22">Exod. xxiii. 22</scripRef>), <i>I will be an
enemy to thy enemies.</i> The holy angels are adversaries to sin,
and perhaps are employed more than we are aware of in preventing
it, particularly in opposing those that have any ill designs
against God's church and people, for whom Michael our prince stands
up, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Dan.12.1 Bible:Dan.10.21" parsed="|Dan|12|1|0|0;|Dan|10|21|0|0" passage="Da 12:1,Da 10:21">Dan. xii. 1; x.
21</scripRef>. What a comfort is this to all that wish well to the
Israel of God, that he never suffers wicked men to form an attempt
against them, without sending his holy angels forth to break the
attempt and secure his little ones! When the prophet saw the four
horns that scattered Judah, at the same time he saw four carpenters
that were to fray those horns, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.1.18-Zech.1.21" parsed="|Zech|1|18|1|21" passage="Zec 1:18-21">Zech. i. 18</scripRef>, &amp;c. When the <i>enemy
comes in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a
standard against him.</i> This angel was an adversary to Balaam,
because Balaam counted him his adversary; otherwise those are
really our best friends, and we are so to reckon them, that stop
our progress in a sinful way. The angel stood with his sword drawn
(<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.23" parsed="|Num|22|23|0|0" passage="Nu 22:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>), <i>a
flaming sword,</i> like that in the hands of the cherubim
(<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.3.24" parsed="|Gen|3|24|0|0" passage="Ge 3:24">Gen. iii. 24</scripRef>), <i>turning
every way.</i> Note, The holy angels are at war with those with
whom God is angry, for they are the ministers of his justice.
Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p19">1. Balaam had notice given him of God's
displeasure, by the ass, and this <i>did not startle him.</i> The
<i>ass saw the angel,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.23" parsed="|Num|22|23|0|0" passage="Nu 22:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>. How vainly did Balaam boast that he was a man whose
<i>eyes were open,</i> and that he <i>saw the visions of the
Almighty</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.3-Num.24.4" parsed="|Num|24|3|24|4" passage="Nu 24:3,4"><i>ch.</i> xxiv. 3,
4</scripRef>), when the ass he rode on saw more than he did, his
eyes being blinded with covetousness and ambition and dazzled with
the rewards of divination! Note, Many have God against them, and
his holy angels, but are not aware of it. The <i>ass knows his
owner,</i> sees his danger, but Balaam does <i>not know, does not
consider,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.1.3" parsed="|Isa|1|3|0|0" passage="Isa 1:3">Isa. i. 3</scripRef>.
<i>Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.26.11" parsed="|Isa|26|11|0|0" passage="Isa 26:11">Isa. xxvi. 11</scripRef>. Let none be
puffed up with a conceit of visions and revelations, when even an
ass saw an angel; yet let those be ashamed of their own
sottishness, worse than that of the beasts that perish, who, when
they are told of the sword of God's wrath drawn against them, while
they persist in wicked ways, yet will go on: the ass understood the
law of self-preservation better than so; for, to save both herself
and her senseless rider, (1.) She <i>turned aside out of the
way,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.23" parsed="|Num|22|23|0|0" passage="Nu 22:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>.
Balaam should have taken the hint of this, and considered whether
he was not out of the way of his duty; but, instead of this, he
<i>beat her into the way again.</i> Thus those who by wilful sin
are running headlong into perdition are angry at those that would
prevent their ruin. (2.) She had not gone much further before she
saw the angel again, and the, to avoid him, <i>ran up to a
wall,</i> and <i>crushed her rider's foot,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.24-Num.22.25" parsed="|Num|22|24|22|25" passage="Nu 22:24,25"><i>v.</i> 24, 25</scripRef>. How many ill accidents
are we liable to in travelling upon the road, from which if we are
preserved we must own our obligations to the divine Providence,
which by the ministry of angels <i>keeps us in all our ways, lest
we dash our foot against a stone;</i> but, if we at any time meet
with a disaster, it should put us upon enquiring whether our way be
right in the sight of God or no. The crushing of Balaam's foot,
though it was the saving of his life, provoked him so much that he
smote his ass the second time, so angry are we apt to be at that
which, though a present uneasiness, yet is a real kindness. (3.)
Upon the next encounter with the angel, the ass fell down under
Balaam, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.26-Num.22.27" parsed="|Num|22|26|22|27" passage="Nu 22:26,27"><i>v.</i> 26,
27</scripRef>. He ought to have considered that there was certainly
something extraordinary in this; for his ass was not restive, nor
did she use to serve him thus: but it is common for those whose
hearts are <i>fully set in them to do evil</i> to push on
violently, and break through all the difficulties which Providence
lays in their way to give check to them and to stop them in their
career. Balaam the third time smote his ass, though she had now
done him the best piece of service that ever she did him, saving
him from the sword of the angel, and by her falling down teaching
him to do likewise. (4.) When all this would not work upon him, God
opened the mouth of the ass, and she spoke to him once and again;
and yet neither did this move him: <i>The Lord opened the mouth of
the ass,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.8" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.28" parsed="|Num|22|28|0|0" passage="Nu 22:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>.
This was a great miracle, quite above the power of nature, and
wrought by the power of the God of nature, who made man's mouth,
and taught him to speak, for otherwise (since we learn to speak
purely by imitation, and therefore those that are born deaf are
consequently dumb) the first man would never have spoken, nor any
of his seed. He that made man speak could, when he pleased, make
the ass to <i>speak with man's voice,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.9" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.16" parsed="|2Pet|2|16|0|0" passage="2Pe 2:16">2 Pet. ii. 16</scripRef>. Here Mr. Ainsworth observes
that the devil, when he tempted our first parents to sin, employed
a subtle serpent, but that God, when he would convince Balaam,
employed a silly ass, a creature dull and sottish to a proverb; for
Satan corrupts men's minds by the <i>craftiness of those that lie
in wait to deceive,</i> but Christ has <i>chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise.</i> By a dumb ass God rebukes
the madness of the prophet, for he will never want reprovers, but
when he pleases can make the stones cry out as witnesses to him,
<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.10" osisRef="Bible:Luke.19.40 Bible:Hab.2.11" parsed="|Luke|19|40|0|0;|Hab|2|11|0|0" passage="Lu 19:40,Hab 2:11">Luke xix. 40; Hab. ii.
11</scripRef>. [1.] The ass complained of Balaam's cruelty
(<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.11" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.28" parsed="|Num|22|28|0|0" passage="Nu 22:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>): <i>What
have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me?</i> Note, The
righteous God will not see the meanest and weakest abused; but
either they shall be enabled to speak in their own defence or he
will some way or other speak for them. If God would not suffer a
beast to be wronged, much less a man, a Christian, a child of his
own. We cannot <i>open the mouth of the dumb,</i> as God did here,
but we may and must <i>open our mouth for the dumb,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.12" osisRef="Bible:Prov.31.8 Bible:Job.31.13" parsed="|Prov|31|8|0|0;|Job|31|13|0|0" passage="Pr 31:8,Job 31:13">Prov. xxxi. 8; Job xxxi. 13</scripRef>.
The ass's complaint was just: <i>What have I done?</i> Note, When
we are prompted to smite any with hand or tongue, we should
consider what they have done unto us, and what provocation they
have given us. We hear it not, but thus the whole creation groans,
being burdened, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.13" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.22" parsed="|Rom|8|22|0|0" passage="Ro 8:22">Rom. viii.
22</scripRef>. It was much that Balaam was not astonished to hear
his ass speak, and put to confusion: but some think that it was no
new thing to him (being a conjurer) to be thus spoken to by his
familiars; others rather think that his brutish head-strong passion
so blinded him that he could not observe or consider the
strangeness of the thing. Nothing besots men worse than unbridled
anger. Balaam in his fury <i>wished he had a sword to kill his ass
with,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.14" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.29" parsed="|Num|22|29|0|0" passage="Nu 22:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. See
his impotency; can he think by his curses to do mischief to Israel
that has it not in his power to kill his own ass? This he cannot
do, yet he fain would; and what would he get by that, but make
himself so much the poorer (as many do), to gratify his passion and
revenge? Such was the madness of this false prophet. Here bishop
Hall observes, It is ill falling into the hands of those whom the
brute-creatures find unmerciful; for <i>a good man regardeth the
life of his beast.</i> [2.] The ass reasoned with him, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p19.15" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.30" parsed="|Num|22|30|0|0" passage="Nu 22:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. God enabled not only a
dumb creature to speak, but a dull creature to speak to the
purpose. Three things she argues with him from:—<i>First,</i> His
propriety in her: <i>Am not I thy ass?</i> Note, 1. God has given
to man a dominion over the creatures: they are <i>delivered into
his hand</i> to be used, and <i>put under his feet</i> to be ruled.
2. Even wicked people have a title to the possessions God gives to
them, which they are not to be wronged of. 3. The dominion God has
given us over the creatures is a good reason why we should not
abuse them. We are their lords, and therefore must not be tyrants.
<i>Secondly,</i> Her serviceableness to him: <i>On which thou hast
ridden.</i> Note, It is good for us often to consider how useful
the inferior creatures are, and have been, to us, that we may be
thankful to God, and tender of them. <i>Thirdly,</i> That she was
not wont to do so by him, and had never before crushed his foot,
nor fallen down under him; he might therefore conclude there was
something more than ordinary that made her do so now. Note, 1. The
rare occurrence of an offence should moderate our displeasure
against an offender. 2. When the creatures depart from their wonted
obedience to us, we should enquire the cause within ourselves, and
be humbled for our sin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p20">2. Balaam at length had notice of God's
displeasure by the angel, and this did startle him. When God opened
his eyes <i>he saw the angel</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.31" parsed="|Num|22|31|0|0" passage="Nu 22:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>), and then he himself <i>fell
flat upon his face,</i> in reverence of that glorious messenger,
and in fear of the sword he saw in his hand. God has many ways of
breading and bringing down the hard and unhumbled heart. (1.) The
angel reproved him for his outrageousness (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.32-Num.22.33" parsed="|Num|22|32|22|33" passage="Nu 22:32,33"><i>v.</i> 32, 33</scripRef>): <i>Wherefore hast thou
smitten thy ass?</i> Whether we consider it or no, it is certain
that God will call us to account for the abuses done to his
creatures. Nay, he shows him how much more reason he had to smite
upon his breast, and to condemn himself, than to fly out thus
against his ass ("<i>Thy way is perverse before me,</i> and then
how canst thou expect to prosper?"), and how much wiser his ass was
than himself, and how much beholden he was to her that she turned
aside; it was for his safety, and not for her own, for had she gone
on he had been slain, and she had been saved alive. Note, When our
eyes are opened we shall see what danger we are in in a sinful way,
and how much it was for our advantage to be crossed in it, and what
fools we were to quarrel with our crosses which helped to save our
lives. (2.) Balaam then seemed to relent (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.34" parsed="|Num|22|34|0|0" passage="Nu 22:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>): "<i>I have sinned,</i> sinned
in undertaking this journey, sinned in pushing on so violently;"
but he excused it with this, that he saw not the angel; yet, now
that he did see him, he was willing to go back again. That which
was displeasing to God was not so much his going as his going with
a malicious design against Israel, and a secret hope that
notwithstanding the proviso with which his permission was clogged
he might prevail to curse them, and so gratify Balak, and get
preferment under him. It does not appear that he was sensible of
this wickedness of his heart, or willing to own it, but, when he
finds he cannot go forward, he will be content (since there is no
remedy) to go back. Here is no sign that his heart is turned, but,
if his hands are tied, he cannot help it. Thus many leave their
sins only because their sins have left them. There seems to be a
reformation of the life, but what will this avail if there be no
renovation of the heart? (3.) The angel however continued his
permission: "<i>Go with the men,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p20.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.35" parsed="|Num|22|35|0|0" passage="Nu 22:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. Go, if thou hast a mind to be
made a fool of, and to be shamed before Balak, and all the princes
of Moab. <i>Go, only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that
thou shalt speak,</i> whether thou wilt or no," for this seems not
to be a precept, but a prediction of the event, that he should not
only not be able to curse Israel, but should be forced to bless
them, which would be more for the glory of God and his own
confusion than if he had turned back. Thus God gave him fair
warning, but he would not take it; he <i>went with the princes of
Balak.</i> For the iniquity of Balaam's covetousness God was wroth,
and smote him, but he <i>went on frowardly,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p20.5" osisRef="Bible:Isa.57.17" parsed="|Isa|57|17|0|0" passage="Isa 57:17">Isa. lvii. 17</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xxiii-p20.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.36-Num.22.41" parsed="|Num|22|36|22|41" passage="Nu 22:36-41" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.22.36-Num.22.41">
<h4 id="Num.xxiii-p20.7">Meeting between Balak and
Balaam. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxiii-p20.8">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxiii-p21">36 And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he
went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which <i>is</i> in the
border of Arnon, which <i>is</i> in the utmost coast.   37 And
Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call
thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to
promote thee to honour?   38 And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I
am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing?
the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.  
39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.
  40 And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and
to the princes that <i>were</i> with him.   41 And it came to
pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into
the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost
<i>part</i> of the people.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxiii-p22">We have here the meeting between Balak and
Balaam, confederate enemies to God's Israel; but here they seem to
differ in their expectations of the success. 1. Balak speaks of it
with confidence, not doubting but to gain his point now that Balaam
had come. In expectation of this, he went out to meet him, even to
the utmost border of his country (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.36" parsed="|Num|22|36|0|0" passage="Nu 22:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>), partly to gratify his own
impatient desire to see one he had such great expectations from,
and partly to do honour to Balaam, and so to engage him with his
utmost power to serve him. See what respect heathen princes paid to
those that had but the name and face of prophets, and pretended to
have any interest in heaven; and how welcome one was that came with
his mouth full of curses. What a shame is it then that the
ambassadors of Christ are so little respected by most, so much
despised by some, and that those are so coldly entertained who
bring tidings of peace and a blessing! Balak has now nothing to
complain of but that Balaam did not come sooner, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.37" parsed="|Num|22|37|0|0" passage="Nu 22:37"><i>v.</i> 37</scripRef>. And he thinks that he should
have considered the importunity Balak had used, <i>Did I not
earnestly send to thee?</i> (and the importunity of people inferior
to kings has prevailed with many against their inclinations), and
that he should also have considered Balak's intentions concerning
him: <i>Am not I able to promote thee to honour?</i> Balak, as
king, was in his own kingdom the fountain of honour, and Balaam
should have his choice of all the preferments that were in his
gift; he therefore thinks himself affronted by Balaam's delays,
which looked as if he thought the honours he prepared not worthy
his acceptance. Note, Promotion to honour is a very tempting bait
to many people; and it were well if we would be drawn into the
service of God by the honour he sets before us. Why do we delay to
come unto him? Is <i>not he able to promote us to honour?</i> 2.
Balaam speaks doubtfully of the issue, and bids Balak not depend to
much upon him (<scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.38" parsed="|Num|22|38|0|0" passage="Nu 22:38"><i>v.</i>
38</scripRef>): "<i>Have I now any power at all to say any
thing?</i> I have come, but what the nearer am I? Gladly would I
curse Israel; but I must not, I cannot, God will not suffer me." He
seems to speak with vexation at the hook in his nose and the bridle
in his jaws, such as Sennacherib was tied up with, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p22.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.37.29" parsed="|Isa|37|29|0|0" passage="Isa 37:29">Isa. xxxvii. 29</scripRef>. 3. They address
themselves with all speed to the business. Balaam is nobly
entertained over night, a sacrifice of thanksgiving is offered to
the gods of Moab, for the safe arrival of this welcome guest, and
his is treated with a feast upon the sacrifice, <scripRef id="Num.xxiii-p22.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.40" parsed="|Num|22|40|0|0" passage="Nu 22:40"><i>v.</i> 40</scripRef>. And the next morning, that no
time might be lost, Balak takes Balaam in his chariot to the high
places of his kingdom, not only because their holiness (such as it
was), he thought, might give some advantage to his divinations, but
their height might give him a convenient prospect of the camp of
Israel, which was to be the butt or mark at which he must shoot his
envenomed arrows. And now Balaam is really as solicitous to please
Balak as ever he had pretended to be to please God. See what need
we have to pray every day, <i>Our Father in heaven, lead us not
into temptation.</i></p>
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