Commentary on "The 'Madness' of the Prophet"

MARTIN L. CAREY

 

Day 6: Thursday, December 3, 2009

 

This lesson, “Star and Scepter,” looks at the second and third oracles of Balaam, and how his attempts to curse Israel failed. Three times the king took Balaam to three different mountaintops, sacrificed the bulls and rams as Balaam asked, he will curse Israel. Three times Balaam blessed Israel.

The lesson then looks at the prophecies of Numbers 24 and their messianic predictions. Ellen White is quoted stating that Balaam, as fellow “magician,” provided prophecy to guide the magi who came from the East to see Christ. The star and the scepter are given as symbols of light and power to show us that Christ, the rightful Owner of the world, will someday prevail.

 

Observations

Balak took Balaam to three different high places to approach the gods for the desired curses on Israel. However, the story did not end when Balaam gave his three oracles. The king was furious and told Balaam he had better flee to his own country. Balaam said he’ll go, but not until he let Balak “know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.” Balaam then gave the fourth and most detailed oracle for which the first three have set the stage.

The lesson’s discussion about Israel and the messianic prophecies is vague and uncertain. The real message is brilliantly clear when we understand the certainty of God’s purposes for Israel and Abraham’s Seed. Before looking at the fourth oracle, let’s summarize what the Holy Spirit said in the first three.

The first oracle: Balaam can only speak what God has declared. It is not possible for Balaam to denounce whom God has not denounced. This God will never break His promises. Israel is “a nation that lives alone,” and will become numerous like particles of dust. Balaam wishes that he could participate in their blessings.

The Second Oracle: God is not like a man that He should change his mind (As Balaam thought), and He cannot be given orders by men. He has already declared a blessed future for Israel. He also blesses them by grace alone, and not by their righteousness, so He sees no trouble for them. The Lord is with Israel; He brought them out of Egypt and made them strong. No divination will work against them, and their enemies will be devoured.

After 3 mountains, 21 altars and 42 animal sacrifices, Balaam finally realizes that his enchantments are useless in approaching to God. He now passively waits for God to bring word to him.

The Third Oracle: How beautiful and blessed are the dwellings of Israel! Their king and kingdom will be exalted. They are strong like a bull and will devour hostile peoples. “Blessed is he that blesses you, and cursed is he that curses you.” This repeats the promise given to Abraham.

The Fourth Oracle: The oracle of him who hears the words of God and sees a vision from Him: in the future, a Star will march from Jacob, and a Scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush Moab, and Edom will be His possession. Israel is doing valiantly. One from Jacob will exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities.

Balaam then departs from Balak, and is not seen again until he returns to Moab and tempts Israel into immorality and idolatry. Balak’s schemes have brought trouble down on his own head. In fact, Balak’s very attempt to denounce Israel has brought about his worst fears—he and his nation are cursed. Balak and Balaam are both present in the war between Israel and Midian, and are slain.

What can we take away from these oracles? It is this: God is not a man, that He should lie, or change His mind. What He has blessed is blessed. All the prophecies of the Bible depend on this one truth, and if we miss this, the rest of the Bible becomes meaningless. It is the promises of God to Abraham, and to his seed, that must culminate in the Messiah’s rule over the entire world. God has ordained that His purposes for the human race will be fulfilled through Israel. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will not just someday prevail. He has prevailed! Rev. 5:5

Paul asks in Romans 3, “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?” Tomorrow, we’ll look at this more closely.

 

Summary

1. The first three oracles regarding God’s promises set the stage for the final oracle that foretells the triumph of the Messiah.
2. Balak’s schemes bring the curses of the Abrahamiv Covenant down on his head.
3. God’s unchangeable promises to Israel are the very center of scripture’s message for us. If they can be changed, then all the other promises and prophecies are emptied of their power.
4. God’s promises for Israel culminate in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and He has prevailed.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised December 2, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

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