7th.: Balaam and the Blessing
With the Lord’s permission, Balaam went to Balak (Num. 22).
The Lord told Balaam, to officially bless Israel (Num. 23:1-10).
Balaam’s blessing angered Balak (Num. 23:11).
Balak then took Balaam to a second place, hoping that Balaam would curse Israel.
Balaam asked the Lord.
The Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth, which was another blessing for Israel (Num. 23:13-24).
Balak then took Balaam to a third place, hoping for a curse against Israel (Num. 23:25-30).
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, …” (Num. 24:1).
Seven altars later, Balaam didn't bother asking the Lord, because
he finally accepted that the Lord intended to bless Israel.
At times, we can persuade God to change His mind.
But, there are times, when God will not change His mind.
The sooner that we recognize the difference, the better.
“I would not hearken unto Balaam, therefore he blessed you still, so I delivered you out of his hands.” (Josh. 24:10)