The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 314

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 5, 6.-Balaam's greatness and fall. Balaam's character and history have supplied materials for many theological and ethical studies. His character and conduct, though somewhat perplexing, are not more so than those of many around us, and are full of instruction and warning. At present we confine ourselves to twc points :-I. BALA.ill'S LOFTY POSITION AND PRIVILEGES. II. THE SECRET OF BALAAM 11i! HUMILUTING FALL. I. (1) He had a knowledge of the true God. Among the heathens of Mesopotamia he retains a knowledge of the God revealed "from the creation of the world." ( Compare the cases of Melchizedec and Job.) He was like the evening star, showing in which direction the sun of truth had set (Rom. i. 21), and reflecting some of its light. His knowledge may be illustrated by his lofty utterances respecting God and Lis people; e./. eh. x::riii. 10, 19; and according to some interpreters, eh. vi. 8. (2) He enjoye the gift of inspiration by God. Though there were no Scriptures, God was not left without witnesses, and among them was Balaam "the prophet" (2 Pet. ii. 16). He expected Divine communications, and was not disappointed No wonder then that (3) he enjoyed wide-spread fame. It extended hundreds of miles away, to Moab and Midian, whence more than once an embassy crossed the desert with such flattering words as those in ver. 6. Yet we know that Balaam was a bad man who came to a bad end. Thus we have lessons of warning for ourselves, who have a fuller knowledge of God than Balaam, and may enjoy gifts, if not as brilliant, yet more useful than his. All of these mny avail nothing for our salvation, but may be perverted to the worst ends. Illustrations :-Hymenreus and Alexander, the companions of St. Paul (1 Tim. i. 19, 20); Judas, the apostle of Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. vii. 21-23; xi. 23; 1 Cor. xiii. 1, 2). II. Balaam's name mentioned in the New Testament only three times, and each time it is covered with reproach (2 Pet. ii. 15; Jude 11; Rev. ii. 14). His root sin was the ancient, inveterate vice of human nature, selfishness. He knew God, but did not love Lim, £or "lie loved the wages of unrighteousness." He did not follow the Divine voice but "followed after" reward. God taught him sublime truths; he "taught Ba!dk" base arts of seduc:tion. His selfishness was shown in-(1) Ambition. There was nothing of the self-forgetfulness of such prophets as EliJah, Elisha, Jeremiah, or Balaam's contemporary, Moses. He is esteemed as a great man, and he takes good care Le shall be so esteemed. He knows divination has no power with God, but to magnify himself among the heathens of Moab, he resorts to it. He constantly aspires to the " very great honour'' to which Balak offers to promote him (cf. Pa. cmi. 1-3; Jer. xiv. 5). (2) Covetousness. He would be rich, and therefore fell into tem1->tation, &c. (1 Tim. vi. 9; 2 Pet. ii. 15). His words were fair (ver. 18), yet suspicious, like those of a venal voter boasting his incorruptibility. Balaam coveted the offered honour and wealth. How could he gain them while God waa k~eping him back? Two ways were possible. He might get God to change ~is mmd.. He wanted to get permission from God to do what was at present a em. lie might have known from the first, as he says (eh. xxiii. 19). But he struggles &tl conquer God, u though the fact was not that God cannot change, but that God ou. xxn. 2-40.] THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. 299