Numbers 25

Numbers 25:1-18

Numbers 22:1-41; Numbers 23:1-30; Numbers 24:1-25; Numbers 25:1-18III. On the Plains of Moab (Numbers 22-36)1. The Opposition of Israel’ s Enemies (Numbers 22-25) These chapters narrate the story of Balak and Balaam. Much light is thrown on these chapters by comparison with the following New Testament passages: “ 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” (Jude 1:11). Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’ s voice forbade the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:14-16). Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness and in order to obtain the same sought to be a friend of God’ s friends and God’ s enemies at the same time, a thing which is absolutely impossible, for no man can “ serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24), and whosoever would “ be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). There is an interesting lesson in connection with Israel’ s fall in these chapters. Balaam probably led the children of Israel into sinful relations with the Moabites on the basis that they were a covenant people and could not, therefore, be cast off by God. The great truth taught in these chapters is that there is no covenant relationship which willful sin will not violate. Yet note God’ s interest in His even unworthy people (cf. Zechariah 3:1-5). One can hardly pass by the fall of the Israelites without recognizing that the same thing has caused the fall of the Church again and again, namely, worldliness or participation in the festivities of the world (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12).