Balak - Reading #6

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #6 -  Numbers 23:27–24:13 

My Thoughts:

Verse 9, “Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.” Balaam is announcing Hashem’s words to Balaak. And it still stands true today. The nations that curse Israel are cursed themselves, and those who bless are blessed. I remember hearing about a book that talked about the United States and the times it has “cursed” Israel, or not supported them. And there would be a natural disaster within days of some important decision not to support Israel. Israel and it’s people are special and must be blessed and protected. The cool thing is you will be blessed if you bless them. Think about financially supporting Israel today. There are many organizations that help older people, poor people and pregnant women. Organizations that support start up businesses or businesses that have been boycotted. Go online and check it today.

Challenge:

Verse 24:2 we read, “Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of Elohim came on him.” Can you imagine? He looks out and sees Israel and all of its tribes -- and something holy happens. The spirit of Elohim comes upon him. It is interesting that Hashem would allow this to happen to a person who is using divination. I wonder if when people are looking at Hashem’s people/land if something holy does come upon us. When I have gone to Israel this seems to happen. A special feeling comes over you, like nothing you have ever experienced. Is this the Spirit of Elohim? My challenge is to see if Hashem is blessing you in some way today. And to look at your life and see if there are any times when you have felt His Spirit coming upon you. Be grateful and praise Him for these times. Amen. 

Reading #6 - Numbers 23:27–24:13

23:27 Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please G-d that you may curse them for me from there.”

28 Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert. 29 Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”

30 Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

24:1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Hashem’s Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2 Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of Elohim came on him. 3 He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,

    the man whose eyes are open says;

4 he says, who hears the words of Elohim,

    who sees the vision of the Almighty,

    falling down, and having his eyes open:

5 How goodly are your tents, Jacob,

    and your dwellings, Israel!

6 As valleys they are spread out,

    as gardens by the riverside,

    as aloes which Hashem has planted,

    as cedar trees beside the waters.

7 Water shall flow from his buckets.

    His seed shall be in many waters.

His king shall be higher than Agag.

    His kingdom shall be exalted.

8 Elohim brings him out of Egypt.

    He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.

He shall consume the nations his adversaries,

    shall break their bones in pieces,

    and pierce them with his arrows.

9 He couched, he lay down as a lion,

    as a lioness;

    who shall rouse him up?

Everyone who blesses you is blessed.

    Everyone who curses you is cursed.”

10 Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, Hashem has kept you back from honor.”

12 Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 13 ‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond Hashem’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what Hashem says’?

Balak - Reading #5

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #5 -  Numbers 23:13–26

My Thoughts:

The Word that Balaam gives Balak from Hashem is so strong! Hashem has blessed and it cannot be reversed (verse 20)! There is nothing we can “undo” that Hashem has ordered. Even in our own lives. He is the ultimate source and power of everything, and it is time we realize this. The world can go about thinking the people have the power to take control, but they don’t -- only Hashem has control. He owns it all. And the sooner we realize this the better! In Olam Haba there will no longer be a power struggle. We will no longer have to curse people, lie and cheat. We will serve only One Elohim -- the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Amen!

Challenge:

In verse 19 we read, “...Has He said, and He won’t do it? Or has He spoken, and He won’t make it good?” When Hashem promised His people to give them the Land of Israel, He meant it. He never broke His promise. However, we break our promises to Him all the time. Think of the last time you promised Hashem something you would never do again, and yet you find yourself breaking that promise and do it again? It’s time we begin to change and think about how Hashem wants us to be holy as He is holy. He wants us to be righteous -- at all costs. Let’s start today to try and clean up our lives. Let us try to honor and please Him in all we do. Amen!

Reading #5 -  Numbers 23:13–26

23:13 Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, where you may see them. You shall see just part of them, and shall not see them all. Curse them from there for me.”

14 He took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar. 15 He said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet Elohim over there.”

16 Hashem met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and say this.”

17 He came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. Balak said to him, “What has Hashem spoken?”

18 He took up his parable, and said,

“Rise up, Balak, and hear!

    Listen to me, you son of Zippor.

19 Elohim is not a man, that He should lie,

    nor a son of man, that he should repent.

Has He said, and He won’t do it?

    Or has He spoken, and He won’t make it good?

20 Behold, I have received a command to bless.

    He has blessed, and I can’t reverse it.

21 He has not seen iniquity in Jacob.

    Neither has He seen perverseness in Israel.

Hashem his Elohim is with him.

    The shout of a king is among them.

22 Elohim brings them out of Egypt.

    He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.

23 Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob;

    Neither is there any divination with Israel.

Now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,

    ‘What has Elohim done!’

24 Behold, a people rises up as a lioness.

    As a lion he lifts himself up.

He shall not lie down until he eats of the prey,

    and drinks the blood of the slain.”

25 Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”

26 But Balaam answered Balak, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘All that Hashem speaks, that I must do?’”

Balak - Reading #4

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #4 - Numbers 22:39–23:12

My Thoughts:

This is quite the story and somewhat hard to understand. Except it seems like Balaam does really want to follow Hashem, and not curse the Israelites. It is curious in verse 4 that “Balaam met Elohim”. It almost sounds casual. Like anyone at that time, could “meet with” Hashem. And then Hashem speaks to Balaam. And says He will put “His words” in his mouth. Maybe in a time of less distraction it was easier to “meet” with Hashem. Maybe our world is so busy, so full of other things that if we just got in a peaceful, quiet place -- we too, could “meet” with Hashem. And hear what He has to say. Let’s try it.

Challenge:

Let’s talk briefly about blessing people. In this reading Balaam is blessing people through words. But, there are obvious other ways to bless people. That is my challenge to you today. Think about and pray about, how Hashem wants you to bless others. It could be through listening to someone and their concerns. Or maybe someone needs some authentic financial help. Maybe someone needs prayer and/or an encouraging word. Look around you and see how you can bless someone today. Let’s help make the world a better place today.

Reading #4 - Numbers 22:39–23:12

2239 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth. 40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him. 41 In the morning, Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from there part of the people.

23 Balaam said to Balak, “Build here seven altars for me, and prepare here seven bulls and seven rams for me.”

2 Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bull and a ram. 3 Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps Hashem will come to meet me. Whatever He shows me I will tell you.”

He went to a bare height. 4 Elohim met Balaam, and he said to Him, “I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.”

5 Hashem put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”

6 He returned to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, he, and all the princes of Moab. 7 He took up his parable, and said,

“From Aram has Balak brought me,

    the king of Moab from the mountains of the East.

Come, curse Jacob for me.

    Come, defy Israel.

8 How shall I curse whom Elohim has not cursed?

    How shall I defy whom Hashem has not defied?

9 For from the top of the rocks I see him.

    From the hills I see him.

Behold, it is a people that dwells alone,

    and shall not be listed among the nations.

10 Who can count the dust of Jacob,

    or count the fourth part of Israel?

Let me die the death of the righteous!

    Let my last end be like his!”

11 Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether.”

12 He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Hashem puts in my mouth?”

Balak - Reading #3

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #3 - Numbers 22:21–38

My Thoughts:

This is quite the recount of what happened to Balaam and his donkey. Some think this is a parable, some think it is true. I believe everything in Torah is true (taking in account translations, etc.). So, if this is true an angel appears to the donkey and soon to Balaam. However, as in other stories of angels, they sometimes turn out to be Hashem Himself. In the end He instructs Balaam to speak the word He says (verse 35). We may not understand all of this, but there is a general message to receive. Hashem wants to direct our lives. He wants us to listen and obey. When we challenge Him -- He is not happy about that. However, He will send warnings to us, like the angel that blocks Balaam’s way. Let us pay attention to what He says to us and how He directs our paths. It will change our lives.

Challenge:

In verse 38 Balaam says he will speak the words Elohim puts in his mouth. Pause and reflect on this. Do you speak the words that Hashem gives you? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like Hashem was telling you to speak something, but you did not? Or maybe you did and you saw wonderful results. We may not hear from Hashem audibly, but all of us have a “sense” of when He is speaking to us. Listen to what He says and do it. Speak what He tells you to speak. My challenge to you today is to go through today and listen. If you think you hear Him -- do what or say what He tells you. See what happens. If you are unsure it is Him, and the message you think you hear is positive and only encourages someone -- take a chance and say it. See if it bears fruit. This is the way we will learn to hear His voice. Amen.

Reading #3 - Numbers 22:21–38

22:21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22 Elohim’s anger burned because he went; and Hashem’s angel placed himself in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 The donkey saw Hashem’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned out of the path, and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the path. 24 Then Hashem’s angel stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. 25 The donkey saw Hashem’s angel, and she thrust herself to the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. He struck her again.

26 Hashem’s angel went further, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 The donkey saw Hashem’s angel, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

28 Hashem opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

29 Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have mocked me, I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would have killed you.”

30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long until today? Was I ever in the habit of doing so to you?”

He said, “No.”

31 Then Hashem opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw Hashem’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face. 32 Hashem’s angel said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way is perverse before me. 33 The donkey saw me, and turned away before me these three times. Unless she had turned away from me, surely now I would have killed you, and saved her alive.”

34 Balaam said to Hashem’s angel, “I have sinned; for I didn’t know that you stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases you, I will go back again.”

35 Hashem’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men; but you shall only speak the word that I shall speak to you.”

So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. 36 When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him to the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border. 37 Balak said to Balaam, “Didn’t I earnestly send for you to summon you? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?”

38 Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. Have I now any power at all to speak anything? I will speak the word that Elohim puts in my mouth.”

Balak - Reading #2

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #2 - Numbers 22:13–20

My Thoughts:

Did Hashem change His mind? He told Balaam not to go. But, King Balak wants something different. So, he sends more princes and more gifts. Then Balaam tells them to wait overnight to see if Hashem is something else to say (verse 19). Haven’t you done the very same thing? Clearly Hashem is telling you not to do something but you come back to Him to reason, to ask Him to clarify His decision. We know that Hashem is full of mercy and grace, and just like a parent, maybe He wants to give us what we want -- beyond reason. And of course, a lesson will be learned when this happens. Just like Balaam. We will read on and see what happens. 

Challenge:

Balaam is “challenging” Hashem in a sense, when he decides to see if Hashem will have anything more to say. Clearly Hashem said not to go with these men. Not to curse Israel. But, Balaam “challenge” Him. The challenge today is for you to look at your life. What has Hashem clearly told you “no” on, and yet you wait for Him to change His mind? Listen to what He says and obey, even if you don’t like it! If not, you will suffer consequences. Amen.

Reading #2 - Numbers 22:13–20

22:13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, “Go to your land; for Hashem refuses to permit me to go with you.”

14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.”

15 Balak again sent princes, more, and more honorable than they. 16 They came to Balaam, and said to him, “Balak the son of Zippor says, ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, 17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’”

18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the word of Hashem my Elohim, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore please stay here tonight as well, that I may know what else Hashem will speak to me.”

20 Elohim came to Balaam at night, and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do.”

Balak - Reading #1

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #1 - Numbers 22:2–12

My Thoughts:

Balaam is consulted to go and “curse” the Israelites. Balak seems to think this will help his cause. We may be appalled that he has been asked to do this, and it seems like he refuses to do so. But, then it made me think about our lives. We will be talking about someone and then we have this conviction that we may be gossiping. We try to repair what we have said. And even then stop to pray for that person. In all reality have we really “cursed” that person? If we were speaking negative words into the air, then it is like a curse. Like if we say, “That was awful that she/he did that. They ought to be hanged.” Or if we say something like, “She is dependent on the government just like generations before her. She will never amount to anything.” On and on. Gossip is destructive and can be just like a “curse”. So, think about it next time you find yourself talking about someone and the language you or the people around you are speaking. Are you speaking “life” into someone’s situation or are you speaking curses (death) -- just like Balaam was asked to do!

Challenge:

Who is Balaam? I challenge you today to do some research. At first glance, he seems to be some sort of believer because he says he will consult Adonai. And as we continue to read this week, he refuses to curse Israel. However, in future writings he is said to have enticed Israel to sin through sexual immorality. Do some research and see what you find. I think this story is important because it is a description of being “double-minded”. We act like we are one way, but then really in our hearts we are another. Look at your own life and see if there are any areas in which you are double minded. If so, clean it up, and become single minded -- only with one focus, on one Elohim.

Reading #1 - Numbers 22:2–12

22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. 4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.”

Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. 5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt. Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me. 6 Please come now therefore, and curse this people for me; for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

8 He said to them, “Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Hashem shall speak to me.” The princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Elohim came to Balaam, and said, “Who are these men with you?”

10 Balaam said to Elohim, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me, 11 ‘Behold, the people that has come out of Egypt covers the surface of the earth. Now, come curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.’”

12 Elohim said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

Balak - Week #7

Balak בָּלָק

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Micah 5:6-6:8

Matthew 21:1-11

1.1 First reading — Numbers 22:2–12

1.2 Second reading — Numbers 22:13–20

1.3 Third reading — Numbers 22:21–38

1.4 Fourth reading — Numbers 22:39–23:12

1.5 Fifth reading — Numbers 23:13–26

1.6 Sixth reading — Numbers 23:27–24:13

1.7 Seventh reading — Numbers 24:14–25:9