March 5: Numbers 23-25

March 5, Numbers 23-25

Numbers 23 is a continuation of the saga of Balaam and King Balak. Balaam has them set up seven altars before the Lord to sacrifice and to seek God. Balaam climbs a mountain and God tells him that He must speak the words that God puts in his mouth. What comes out of his mouth to King Balak? Nothing but blessings on Israel, as they are God’s people and numerous. Obviously, King Balak was upset with him, so instead of calling it off, he schemes on taking him to another place so that they can see part of their tribes, and then hopefully curse them. Again, Balaam seeks God and God tells him to only bless the Israelites. King Balak was pleading with Balaam to not bless them, but he was only allowed to say what God wanted him to say...

Numbers 24 The third oracle is where Balaam saw that God was pleased to bless Israel as God has opened Balaam’s eyes - as God’s Spirit came upon him. Again, Balaam blesses Israel, and does not curse them. King Balak was infuriated towards Balaam and wants to send him home. But before he goes, he blesses Israel one more time!

Numbers 25 is back to the disobedient children of God, the Israelites. They began to whore after the daughters of Moab, sacrificing to their gods (an abomination to the Yahweh), and even bowing down to their gods. God was very angry with the Israelites and told Moses to take all the chiefs of the people (their leaders) and hang them, so God’s anger would leave against the Israelites. Moses went to the judges of Israel and carried out God’s demands because the people had whored after other gods and people. 

Once that was done, Aaron’s grandson Phinehas, sees one of the chief’s sons, taking a Midianite woman into his families tent (most likely for sexual relations) - but he was flaunting it and was basically bragging about it to those around him, and Phinehas takes a spear and killed both of them! God was very pleased with Phinehas because he wanted what God wanted, and he was  blessed for it. About 24,000 Israelites died that day.

At the end of the chapter, God instructs Moses to harass and strike down the Midianites, for they have harassed the Israelites.

To sum it all up:

• God will not be trifled with - He knows what is best for His people and will make sure that they are taken care of! Are you pursuing God or your selfish desires? The reason I ask, I care about you and your eternal destiny. Don't fall prey to the enemies tactics and schemes...