The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 349

mind of the Christian dwell encouragingly on them. Balak eete forth the intolerant ond suspicious spirit of the world in tul ite kingdomu; nnd the world does not heed prophecies ; it does not take them to heart, else it would cease to be the world. These prophecies, though they were first spoken by a BaJ,a.am and listened to by a Balalc, were meant in due course to reach, guide, 11Seure, and comfort Israel. If there are times when we are tempted to fear the world, with ite designs, its resources, and the might of its f11Scinating spirit, then we ehtul do well to recollect that, by a double and enlarged assurance, God reckons his Church to have the strength of the unicorn and the spirit of the lion, utterly to subdue and destroy all those kingdoms of the world which, to keep up the figure, are considered ne the natural prey of the Church.-Y. Vere. 1-10.-Bal,aam-the .first parable. The word "parable" ie used here in a somewhat peculiar sense. It ie not, ae in the New Testament, a fictitious narrative embodying and enforcing some moral truth, but a "dark saying," a mystic prophecy cast in the form of figurative poetic language, n prophecy that partakes of the nature of allegory. In these ecstatic utterances the impulse of Balaam'e better nature over- masters hie more sordid passion, ond n true prophetic spirit from God takes the place of the false Satanic spirit of heathen divination. The thoughts respecting Israel to which Balaam gives utterance in this first parable aro deeply true of the redeemed people of God in every age. I. THEIR SPECIAL PRIVILEGE AS OBJECTS OF THE DIVINE FAVOUR. "How shall I curse," &c. Balak had faith in Balaam'e incantations. "I wot that he whom thou blessest," &c. (eh. xxi.i. 6). But he himself knew well that there was an arbitrament of human interests and destinies infinitely higher than his. God has absolute sovereignty for good or ill over all oar human conditions, There ie no real blessing where hie benediction does not rest, nor need any curse be dreaded by those who live beneath hie smile. "If God be for ue," &c. (Rom. viii. 31). No alternative so momentous as this-the favour or the disfavour of God. Note, respecting the Divine favour, that-1. It is determined by spiritual character. Not an arbitrary, capricious bestowment. It is for ue to supply the conditions. We must" be reconciled to God" if we would know the benediction of his smile. God is "for" those who are for him. The cloud in which his glory dwells gives light to those who are in spiritual accord with him, but is darkness and confusion to his foes. 2. It is neither indicated nor disproved by the outward experiences of life. External conditions nre no criterion of the state of the soul and its Divine relations. The wicked may "have all that heart can wish" of the good of this life, and their very " prosperity may slay them;" while it is often true that " whom the Lord loveth he chnsteneth " with sorest tribulations, and those tribulations "work out for them a far more exceeding o.nd eternal weight of glory." We judge very falsely if we suppose that spirituo.l experiences must needs be reflected in outward conditions. 3. It is the source of ths purestjoy of which the soul of a man is capable. This is true blessedness-to walk consciously in the light of God's countenance. "His favour is life," his loving kindness" better than life." This was the pure joy of the well-beloved Son-the abiding sense of the Father's approval. Have this joy in you, and you may defy the disturbing influences of life nnd the bitterest 'maledictions of a hostile world. II. THEIR SEPARATENESS. "Lo, the people shall dwell alone," &c. (ver. 9). The Jews were an elect people (" Ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people"-Exod. xix. 6), chosen and separated, not ae monopolising the Divine regard, but ae the instruments of a Divine purpose. They were called to be witnesses for God among the nations,-the majesty of hie Being, the sanctity of hie claims, the method of hie government, &c. ,-nnd to be the chnnnele of boundless blessing to the world. The same grand distinction belongs to all whom Christ hae redeemed from among men. "Ye are a chosen generation," &c. (1 Pet. ii. 9). He eaye to nil hie followers, "Ye are not of the world," &c. (John xv. 19; xvii. 16, 17). This separation ie-1. Not circumstantial,, lnit nwral,; lying not in the renunciation of any human interest or the rending of any natural humnn tie, but in distinctive qualities of spiritual character nnd life. In morn! elevation and spiritual dignity only ure they culled to "dwell alone." 2. Not for the worl<ta drprivation, but for ,ta ~ L  886 THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [cit. XXII. 41-xxrv.