c ver. 22 — 34. with 2 Pet. ii. 1G.
d Compare Numb. xxxi. 16. with Rev. ii. 14.
regard for holiness, and of a desire after everlasting happiness ; and what an astonishing inconsistency will appear!
But, in truth, though his circumstances were peculiar, his state is common. Many, many are the people, who, amidst high professions of regard for religion, are as much actuated by love of wealth and honour as ever Balaam was; and, if they can only obtain their own ends, are as little scrupulous as he about the means. Such are they who resemble the ancient Pharisees, on the one hand; and such also are the descendants of Judas and of Demas, on the other hand. Such characters abounded even in the apostolic age e : and we must not wonder, if they be to be found also in the present day f.]
In the course of this history, whilst we mark the inconsistency of Balaam, we cannot but notice also,
II. The consequences resulting from it —
Let us attend to those which resulted, 1. To his employers —
[Balak had raised his expectations high, and had hoped to derive great advantage from the aid of Balaam : " I know that he whom thou blessest, is blessed ; and he whom thou cursest, is cursed." But, after all his expense and trouble, he found that he had trusted to a broken reed ; and was constrained to dismiss with indignation the man, whom he had so anxiously endeavoured to interest in his favour.
What a picture does this afford us of the disappointment too often generated in the minds of men by hypocritical professors ! One perhaps, having heard of the religious principles of such or such a servant, promises himself the highest satisfaction in connexion with him : but finds him, after all, conceited, idle, de- ceitful, disobedient. Another deals with such or such a trades- man, in expectation that he shall find in him the integrity suited to his religious professions: but soon learns, that others, who know nothing of religion, are more honourable, and more to be depended on, than he. Another contracts a matrimonial alliance, from the presumption, that the person's sentiments will have a suitable influence on his conduct: but learns afterwards, by bitter experience, that asperities of temper, and imprudences of conduct, even such as any moral person would be ashamed of, are too often cloked under a garb of religion, and gratified, to the utter subversion of domestic happiness. Need we say, what a stab such conduct gives to religion, or what a stumbling-block it lays in the way of the ungodly ? Truly, through such persons " the way of truth is evil spoken of," the prejudices of thousands are confirmed, and the name of our God and Saviour is blasphemed.]
e See 2 Pet. ii. 14, 15. with Rev. iii. 1. and former part of ver. 9. f Ezek. xxxiii. 31.
170. J Balaam's character. 135
2. To Israel—
[Though the enchantments of Balaam were unavailing, his diabolical advice was but too successful : the Israelites, unable to resist the allurements of the Midianitish women, were betrayed into an unlawful commerce with them ; and thus fell into the snare which Balak had laid for them, and brought upon them- selves the heavy displeasure of their God.
And are not hypocritical professors a snare to many ? Do they not, either, by a spirit of disputation, turn weak believers " from the simplicity of the Gospel;" or, by a spirit of licen- tiousness, (which they call liberty,) induce them to violate their own consciences ? Multitudes of such professsors there have been, and yet are, in the Christian Church ; nor will it ever be known till the day of judgment, how many " weak brethren, for whom Christ died, have perished" through their means g.]
3. To himself —
[It might have been hoped, that after having been con- strained to bless Israel, and thus to lose " the rewards of divi- nation" which he coveted, he would have seen " his error," and repented of it. But this is very rarely the lot of those, who proceed for any time in a wilful opposition to the convictions of their own minds: they generally become "seared in their con- sciences," and hardened in their sins. Thus it was with Balaam. Though foiled for the present in his hopes of gain, he would not relinquish his pursuit of it, but still continued among the Mi- dianites, and soon afterwards was involved in their destruction11. What a lesson does this teach us ! What a prospect does it afford to all who yield themselves to the dominion of an unhal- lowed appetite! How vain his wish to have " his end like that of the righteous," when he would not resemble them in his life ! And truly, if we follow his steps, we shall, like him, perish miserably at last among the enemies of God. J