Nu 22: Decisions, decisions

       Three times the donkey stopped, three times Balaam beats her and then the LORD first opens her mouth and then opens Balaam’s eyes. He sees the angel of the LORD. The angel of the LORD explains:

       32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy 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.

       Balaam’s way [Krd derek] is perverse [jry yarat]. It is interesting that the angel of the LORD says that it was the donkey’s action that kept Balaam alive and that the angel of the LORD would have saved her alive [hyx chayah] anyway. I don’t know what (if any) inferences to draw from this; I just find it interesting.

       At what point did Balaam’s way become perverse? When does error become colossal failure? Many times scripture illustrates a pattern of poor decisions. If you look at the account, there are several times Balaam could have chosen a different action. Keep this in mind when you find yourself in what seems like a cascade of events and worsening choices. Had Balaam exercised wisdom and obedience, at several points in time, he may have avoided folly and judgment. 

       Balak, king of Moab sent messengers to Balak. They carried the “rewards of divination [Moq qecem]” with them. Balaam speaks with them and invites them to stay the night. One might argue he should never have let them stay, but custom probably dictated that he do this, so I won’t fault him there. In verse 8, it appears that he doesn’t know that God will forbid cursing Israel.

       8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

       In verse 9, God comes to Balaam. God forbids Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam sends them off. So far, so good.

       In verse 15, Balak sends a more impressive company and bigger promises. What does Balaam say? “Not for a million bucks.” {My paraphrase.}

       Culturally, is this an indicator of willingness to bargain? (Note to my sister EJ: if you can find out, PLEASE let me know!) I once heard some “specialist” on a daytime talk show say that if someone says, “Not for a million bucks,” that this indicates the person might be, well, venal.

       Having said this, however, I remind myself of my personal rule when I write about biblical people: unless the Bible actually says that someone is evil, I give them the benefit of the doubt. I believe Balaam was a real person, so I dare not accuse him unjustly.

       What we do know is how scripture summed up his motivation:

       2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

         Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

       The Bible says that Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness and that other people have run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. Balaam [agapaw agapao]-ed the wages of unrighteousness. He welcomed, entertained, was fond of and loved dearly the wages [misyov misthos] of unrighteousness [adikia adikia].

       By the time Balaam gets to Balak, he has had three chances to pay attention to the frightened donkey. Balak brings him to place after place to curse Israel.

       Do you see the places where Balaam could have stopped and changed his direction? How was Balak so persuasive? Did Balaam fear Balak? Did he feel trapped at this point? Scripture doesn't say. Speculation about Balaam doesn't necessarily provide application for my life. Or does it?

       I can think of times that I have been tempted to do what I knew wasn't right. The temptations seemed relentless. Thankfully, the Bible gives believers two iron-clad promises.

First,

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Second,

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

      God is faithful. Take heart and make right decisions. Don't let a history of bad decisions prevent you from making good ones now.

      Shalom.