Numbers 23 - 24

Numbers 23

Balaam’s First Message

Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven oxen and seven rams.” Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on every altar.

Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.” Then he went off to a high place.

God met with him, and Balaam said, “I have prepared seven altars, and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”

Then LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and this you shall speak.”

So he went back to him and found him standing beside his offering, with all the princes of Moab. Then Balaam took up his parable and said:

“Balak brought me from Aram,

    the king of Moab from the eastern mountains.

‘Come,’ he said, ‘curse Jacob for me;

    come, defy Israel.’

How can I curse

    those whom God has not cursed?

How can I defy

    those whom the LORD has not defied?

From the rocky peaks I see them,

    from the hills I see him.

I see a people who live alone

    and do not consider themselves one of the nations.

Who can count the dust of Jacob

    or number even a fourth of Israel?

Let me die the death of the righteous,

    and may my final end be like theirs!”

Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them altogether!”

He answered, “Must I not speak that which the LORD has put in my mouth?”

Balaam’s Second Message

Then Balak said to him, “Come with me to another place where you can see them, but you will not see them, only the outskirts of their camp. From there, curse them for me.”

So he took him to the field of Zophim to the top of Pisgah, and there he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I meet with LORD over there.”

The LORD met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and say this.”

So he went to him and found him standing beside his offering, with the princes of Moabite.  Balak asked him, “What did the LORD say?”

Then Balaam took up this parable and said:

“Arise, Balak, and listen;

    hear me, son of Zippor.

God is not a man, that he should lie,

    Neither the son of man, that he should repent.

Does he speak and then not act?

    Does he promise and not fulfill?

I have received a command to bless;

    he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

“No iniquity is seen in Jacob,

    no misery observed in Israel.

The LORD their God is with them;

    the shout of the King is among them.

God brought them out of Egypt;

    they have the strength of a wild ox.

Surely, there is no enchantment against Jacob,

    Neither is there any divination against Israel.

It will now be said of Jacob

    and of Israel, ‘See what God has done!’

The people shall arise as a great lion;

    they rouse themselves as a young lion

that does not rest till it devours its prey

    and drinks the blood of its victims.”

Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”

But Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says I must do?”

Balaam’s Third Message

Then Balak said to Balaam, “Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there.”

And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, overlooking Jeshimon.

Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on every altar.

Numbers 24

Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek for enchantments as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness.

When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he took up this parable, and said:

“Balaam son of Beor, has said

    the man whose eyes are open has said,

the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,

    who sees a vision from the Almighty,

 who falls into a trance, and whose eyes are opened:

“How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob,

    and your tabernacles, O Israel!

“Like valleys they spread out,

    like gardens beside a river,

like trees planted by the Lord,

    like cedars beside the waters.

Water will flow from their buckets;

    their seed will have abundant water.

“Their king will be greater than Agag;

    their kingdom will be exalted.

“God brought them out of Egypt;

    they have the strength of a wild ox.

They devour the nations of their enemies

    and break their bones in pieces;

 with their arrows they pierce them.

Like a lion they crouch and lie down,

    As a great lion, who dares to rouse them?

“May those who bless you be blessed

    and those who curse you be cursed!”

Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times altogether. Now leave at once and go home! I said I would promote you with great honor, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.”

Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent for me, ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD, and I must say only what the LORD says’?

Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me advise you on what this people will do to your people in days to come.”

Balaam’s Fourth Message

Then Balaam took up this parable, and said:

“The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,

    the prophecy of one whose eye are opened,

the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,

    who has knowledge from the Most High,

who sees a vision from the Almighty,

    who falls into a trance, but whose eyes are opened:

“I see him, but not now;

    I behold him, but not near.

A Star shall come out of Jacob;

    a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.

He will crush the foreheads of Moab,

    And break down all the sons of Sheth.

Edom will be conquered;

    Seir, his enemy, will be conquered,

 but Israel will grow strong.

A ruler shall come out of Jacob

    and destroy the survivors of the city.”

Balaam’s Fifth Message

Then he looked upon Amalek and took up this parable, and said:

“Amalek was first among the nations,

    but their end shall perish for ever.”

Balaam’s Sixth Message

Then he looked upon the Kenites and took up this parable, and said:

“Your dwelling place is secure,

    your nest is set in a rock;

yet you Kenites will be destroyed

    when Ashur takes you captive.”

Balaam’s Seventh Message

Then he took up this parable, and said:

“Alas! Who can live when God does this?”

Ships will come from the coast of Kittim;

they will subdue Ashur and Eber,

    but they too will perish forever.”

Then Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.

Peter warned against “the way of Balaam,” a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons, Jude against “the error of Balaam,” was his willingness to accommodate pagan beliefs out of greed, and in Revelation the church of Pergamum was scolded for tolerating “the doctrine of Balaam,” Balaam taught Balac how to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, causing them to eat things sacrificed to idols, and commit fornication with the Moabite women (see 2 Peter 2:1-2,10,12-16,18-20; Jude 4,5,8,10,11,16; Revelation 2:12,14-16).

What ways can be considered the “doctrine of Balaam”?

It is the attitude that one can be fully cooperative with the world and still serve God. The doctrine of Balaam teaches compromise; wanting Christians to forget they are called to be separate and holy.

The doctrine of Balaam is a belief that “a little sin” doesn’t hurt (Galatians 5:9, A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.), especially if there is some financial or personal benefit involved (1 Timothy 6:5, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.).

A person following the doctrine of Balaam is willing to compromise his beliefs for the sake of economics. He acts to enable sinful behaviors for personal gain or even participate in them (Romans 1:32, Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.).

A person following the doctrine of Balaam is willing to accommodate pagan beliefs out of greed or reward (Jude 1:11, Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.).

(For information on false prophets see document at end of page)

See Numbers 31:16 when Moses was faced with the Midianite women taken captive in battle, the same women that had caused the children of Israel to sin against the LORD through the counsel of Balaam. Balaam was also slain in that battle with the Midianites (Numbers 31:8).

False Teachers

How do we know a false prophet, preacher, teacher, or brother? They will not teach the apostles doctrine nor obey it.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:3, 4 KJV) Notice: What faith? The one delivered by the apostles.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matthew 7:15, 16 KJV)  Notice: The Bible tells us we will know them by their fruit.  The fruit of a false prophet is that he will not preach “Word for Word” the gospel that the apostles preached to the lost in the book of Acts. He will change it to some degree.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:11-13 KJV)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (1 Corinthians 15:15)

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV)

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13 KJV)

And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: (Galatians 2:4 KJV)

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (2 Peter 2:1, 2 KJV) Notice: The truth will be evil spoken of.  Pernicious means exceedingly harmful.  People will say we can live anyway we want and still be saved, but this is not what the apostles taught.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1) Notice: Try the spirits. Do they follow the apostles teachings? Do they preach repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, baptism of the Holy Ghost? Do they preach holiness? Do they preach you can not continue to follow in your pernicious (harmful) ways.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:6-12 KJV) Notice: We said? (We) are the apostles. If any man preach any other gospel, let him be accursed. If any man preach any other gospel we should not listen to anything they preach because they are accursed.

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2 KJV)

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 KJV) Notice: Our gospel. Whose gospel? The gospel of God preached by the apostles.

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14 KJV)

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. (Romans 16:25 KJV) Notice: according to my gospel. Gospel preached by Paul and other apostles.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:1-4 KJV)  Notice: If the word of God is handled deceitfully then the gospel is hid to them that are lost.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:21-23 KJV) Notice: be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:16-18 KJV) Notice:  What happens to those that obey not the gospel of God preached by the apostles?

The answer: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 KJV)

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:2-4 KJV)

Notice:  Preach the Word – Time will come – men will not endure sound doctrine (turn from the truth). 

What truth? The one taught by the apostles.  Preach What? The Word. 

The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine because people are full of lust, they shall hire themselves a preacher that will tickle their ears (tell them what they want to hear).  They will turn from The Truth.

Notice:  What are we to do with those that preach not the gospel of God or the apostles doctrine?

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (2 John 1:6, 7, 9, 10 KJV) Notice: What doctrine? The apostle’s doctrine. Receive him not into your house.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17, 18 KJV) Notice: those being contrary to the doctrine. Avoid them.

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:3-7 KJV) Notice: Do not hang around with them or take part in their doings.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV) Notice: deny what? The power of the Holy Ghost.  From such turn away.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful;  (Psalms 1:1) Notice: Do not walk with the ungodly or sit in the seat of the scornful.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 KJV) Notice: These people have their conscience seared from the truth.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 KJV) Notice: These didn’t want to believe the truth because they took pleasure in sin. God sent them a strong delusion that they would believe the lie they were living in because they did not love or want the truth.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46 KJV)

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:20-23 KJV) Notice: If you do not know God here on earth he will not know you on judgment day. How do you get to know God.  Read, study, and obey his Word.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:29, 30 KJV)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-28 KJV)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV)

Continue in the faith and gospel taught BY THE APOSTLES so that we can be presented before God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (not bad works).

False preachers, teachers, prophets, brethren, etc… will not:

1.  Preach or teach repentance and turn from sin.

2.  Preach or teach baptism in JESUS NAME as the apostles taught.

3.  Preach or teach the infilling of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

4.  Preach or teach the apostles doctrine or gospel.

5.  Preach or teach living a holy (pure) life.

6.  Preach or teach separation from the world.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them, which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned; and avoid them.  Romans 16:17-18

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God our saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Kim Howard

(318) 450-2148

email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com

www.womanofgodinlouisiana.blogspot.com