God kept his word to Moses and the Israelites, and there was a complete defeat and destruction of the king Og, the giants and all the people of Bashan. The children of Israel have tasted of the victory that comes when you put your trust in God. So the land on the east side of the Jordan river has been either taken, or the people remaining, the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites are all kin to the Israelites, and adamic peoples. The plains of Moab is the final staging area for the crossing of the Jordan, and entering in and taken the promise land of Canaan.

This chapter is going to study the man named Balaam, "Bil'am" in the Hebrew. Balaam is also talked about in Joshua 13:22, and 24:9, 10. He is identified with Bela in Genesis 36:31, 32, where Moses incorporates Balaam in a list of Edomite kings. Balaam was know as a medium or spiritualist. According to the Tel-el-Amarna tablets he was a Hittite chieftain, who established a kingdom for himself: and he died fighting against Israel by the side of hs Midianite allies; where that battle was recorded in Joshua 13:22, and in Numbers 31:8.

Numbers 22:1 "And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on the side Jordan by Jericho."

This is the final campsite before the Israelites follow God's instruction in taking the land. While encamped on the plains of Moab, the tribes will get their armies in order, the land east of the Jordan that was taken from the Amorites and Heshbonites will be settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manesseh, and Moses will review for the people all that they went through over the past forty years and before that.

The book of Deuteronomy was written to record exactly what Moses had reminded the Children of Israel. Moses gave the outline of the law in layman's terms, as well as the blessings that God would give them for following His instructions; and the cursings when they would stray from those way. However the rest of this book of Numbers deals with the preparations that the children of Israel will take to ready themselves for the battles that are still ahead.

Each town and hill and valley will have to be taken in battle, yet God has promised that He would provide the victory if they would just follow His instructions, and give him the glory for each of the victories that they have. The Israelites have just tasted of a few of the victories, when God cleaned the lands of the Amorites, and Og and his giant nation. We will also read in the rest of the book of numbers how God instructs Israel in the dividing of the lands amongst the tribes as their inheritance.

So the Israelites are on the east side of the Jordan river, just across from the town of Jericho. So this is the staging area for going into battle with the nations of the land of Canaan.

Numbers 22:2 "And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites."

"Balak" in the Hebrew means "spoiler". Balak was the king of Moab, and he sat back and watch how the Lord had given the children of Israel their victory over the peoples of the Amorites and Og and the giants in Hesbon. Though God instructed the Israelites to leave the Moabites and the Ammorites along, because they were brethren, Balak and the Moabites did not know this at the time.

Numbers 22:3 "And Moab was sore afraid of the People, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel."

These Moabites were afraid of the children of Israel, and at one time they even sold food and provisions to the children of Israel. They watch as the Israelites moved through the wilderness, and those acts of destruction that happened to the nations that gave Israel trouble, and this set fear in the Balak and the Moabites minds. Balak knew that if the Israelites wanted the water and food outright they could have just taken it, but instead the Israelites paid for everything that was received. As the children of Israel passed through the wilderness, they multiplied far greater than the few millions that departed out of Egypt. These thirteen tribes had nothing to do but sit around in their tents and multiply over the past forty years. Balak and the Moabites could see that the Israelites outnumbered them and had an military order to them.

Remember back in Numbers 1:4-16 leaders and generals were assigned by God over each of the tribes, the each of the tribes numbered their males and assigned them in a military order, and ranks, so each of the tribes became their own military unit. The numbering of the males for the military service is what this book of Numbers is all about. The separation of the Priest line, Aaron and his sons, and the tribe of Levi for the service in and to the tabernacle, was completed when each firstborn soul of the other the other tribes was redeemed from temple duty, by the males of the the tribe of Levi, of the age of one month and older.

Though there was grumbling and murmurings at times, there was also order in the ranks of the Israelites, and Balak was well aware of this. Yet as said before, Balak was not aware that God specifically gave orders to Moses and the Israelites to leave their brethren alone, and pay them for anything they took from these kinfolk.

Numbers 22:4 "And Moab said unto the elders of Midian "Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time."

After Sarah died, Abraham remarried and took Katurah for his wife. [Genesis 25:1]

Genesis 25:2 "And she [katurah] bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah."

So we see that Midian and the Midianites were also of Abrahamic lineage. Balak the king of the Moabites went to the elders of these Midianites, and they discussed the Israelites, and the fear that they had after watching how these Israelites destroyed these powerful nations of the Amorites and the giants of Heshbon. They were discussing exactly what they should do; shall we allow these Israelites to lick up or kill all of the allies or nations around us? "The ox licketh up the grass of the field", in the Hebrew text means that "they were going to consume us and all of our possessions". So this is what Balak did.

Numbers 22:5 "He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, "Behold, there is a People come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:"

"Balaam" means "not of the people", or "destroyer", a double meaning. Balaam was a medium, and gave curses on people that would destroy them. Balaam was a spiritualist, dealing with evil spirits. Balak the king of the Moabites sent for Balaam, to bring a curse on the Israelites, and to protect them for the overwhelming power of the Israelites. He was not a prophet of God, of YHVH, Because in Joshua 13:22; "Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them." Moses told the children of Israel:

Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizzard, or a necromancer."

A Prophet of God will in no way attach himself to any of these mediums, as were common to Balaam. Those things that Balaam used in his vexing of the people were an abomination to God. A sign of a soothsayer, is the sign of a false prophet and a grievous sin. We will see in this chapter that Balaak knew of God, and even professed that YHVH was his God, and God even used Balaak at certain times, yet that use was for the sake of setting apart both Israel and Himself from the nations. So watch what is said about Balaam, and what he did and said, and you make of your mind whether Balaam was a true profit for God, or for the money he could get.

This messenger that Balak sent, went to the city of Aram, which was also called Mesopotamia, as we read in Deuteronomy 23:4; "Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee." Balak is telling Balaam that he wants to hire him to come to Moab, and place a curse on the Israelites. Remember that Balak's fears are not based on reality, but what he is thinking. The Moabites and the Ammonites are not worshippers of the true God, but of Baal, and Molech.

Numbers 22:6 "Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this People; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed." 

Balak thought that Balaam had the powers to curse people from YHVH, and that what Balaam would curse, God would curse; and those that Balaam would bless, God would bless. Oh how wrong he was! Balaam had nothing more than a heathen magic, and those that worshipped those heathen gods thought these magical powers were passed on father to son. Balak and the leaders of the Moabites had a fear, and they wanted to buy some mystic powers to overcome the power that God gave to Israel.

There is only One that has the Power to Bless and Curse, and He is YHVH, our Heavenly Father.

Numbers 22:7 "And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak."

Balak has taken council with his neighbors, the Midianites, and the elders of these two nation and sent their leaders to meet with Balaam, to ask and give Balaam the rewards of divination, to pay to bring a curse down on the children of Israel. As we read earlier in this chapter from Deuteronomy 23, this act of divination will bring the curse instead down on the heads of the Moabites and the Midianites. "The words of Balak", of course was to "come and cures these people" [the Israelites].

Numbers 22:8 "And he said unto them, "Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me:" and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam."

Notice that Balaam is saying; "as the lord shall speak unto me". Balaam is claiming that his instructions will come from YHVH, as to the destruction of YHVH's own people, the Israelites. What do you think God response would be when Balaam would ask God if he could curse the children of Israel? Israel was God's covenant nation, and this almost seemed like a joke, if we didn't know it actually happened.

Numbers 22:9 "And God came unto Balaam, and said, "What men are these with thee?" "

God knew exactly who these men that came to Balaam were, and God did speak to Balaam. YHVH asked Balaam do you know who these men are and why they are here? God was trying to wake up Balaam, that this cursing that Balaam would bring on Israel would come right back on his own head. I think that Balaam is starting to realize that.

Numbers 22:10 "And Balaam said unto God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unt me, saying,"

Numbers 22:11 "Behold, there is a People come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out." 

Balaam is telling God exactly what the request by Balak was, that this curse would cause the Israelites to leave the land of the Amorites down the Heshbon. Israel was God's covenant nation, and the intent of God was to have Israel drive out the heathen nations that possessed the promise land. Notice that Balaam left out the rewards of divination that these elders of the Moabites and Midianites had brough with them.

Numbers 22:12 "And God said unto Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the People: for they are blessed."  

Notice now how the story changes each time it is told. First God is telling Balaam: "Thou shalt not go with them, Thou shalt not curse the People: for they are blessed." This is how the message started out. The Israelites were not blessed by Balaam, but they were blessed by YHVH, or heavenly Father.

Numbers 22:13 "And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, "Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you."

Balaam is speaking the the leaders of these two nation, to go back to your land, for God refused to give me leave to go with you. It is a pretty tough thing for Balaam to pass up this reward for placing a curse on the Israelites. Notice how Balaam did not tell these leader how the Israelites were YHVH's own blessed people, and that the order was not to curse these People. All that Balaam said was "the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you."

Numbers 22:14 "And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, "Balaam refuseth to come with us." 

Notice now how the story changed again when these princes of Moab and Midian got back home, they reported that "Balaam refuseth to come with us." They left out the part that "The Lord refuseth to give me leave to come with you." This is exactly how Satan and and false preachers and prophets work, they use only the words that are useful for their intention, and leave out the part that goes against their agenda. A word added here, and a word left out there, that make it a lie. So the Lord is completely left out of this message back to Balak.

Numbers 22:15 "And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they."

Balak is living in fear, and he is desperate to have Balaam come and place this curse on the Israelites, and he now sends a higher ranked man from the Moabites.

Numbers 22:16 "And they came to Balaam, and said to him, "Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:"

There is no word of a curse or of the intent of coming, only come now, immediately.

Numbers 22:17 "For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this People."

The king of the Moabites is making this offer to Balaam, and this is not just a reward for giving a curse, but offering what ever Balaam wants, just for coming and making a curse. God is completely left out of this offer.

Now stop and think for a moment, for Paul has warned us that everything given in the scriptures at this time was for a warning to you and I living in this final generation. There is a time coming shortly when another king of all the earth at that time will be sending for you, and that kings name is Satan. His leaders and princes will be sending to ask you question, and give reason why you will not worship him, and give a curse on those that of God that are dear to us from His Word. Satan will be a tough ruler to resist giving him exactly what he wants. He wants your soul, and you to bow to Him. Satan will be the king of the whole earth, and what every your soul desire, is his to give you. So ask yourself; "What is the price that your soul is worth?"

Balaam claims to be this prophet from God, and this king Balak has just offered him anything in the kingdom to come and curse the Almighty Father and His People. We know that Balaam made the wrong choice, and it will cost him his life and his soul. Satan comes with his fiery word of lies and magic to that will even fool most Christians today, and God has warned us that we have to prepare for that time now, before it is to land. Our protection for each of us is placing our Spiritual armor of God on, each piece of the armor set in place to protect us from those fiery darts of Satan. Satan is coming and He will offer you what ever it takes to buy your soul.

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."

To be "strong in the Lord" means that you are sure in your mind of the Lord. Our strength in the Lord comes from the things we can do in the authority of Jesus Christ's name. God's might is where all our power comes from. Natural instinct is the using of common sense. We must allow our own natural instincts and common sense to override that which is false. When we arm ourselves in the Word of God, the Word should set the direction for our lives. The Word should open our minds to know truth from false teaching, false doctrine, and the false information of man's traditions.

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

We are in the end times, and this fierce spiritual battle is with Satan, his evil spirits, his offspring on the earth [the Kenites], and this spirit of Antichrist will be ruling the world at the sounding of the sixth trump. God will give these forces the authority to exercise, and bring to fulfillment the completion of His plan in this earth age of flesh man. Though Satan and his forces will try to deceive you with his lies and deception; in Luke 10:18, Jesus said that "we have the power over all our enemies", and Satan will be our most fierce enemy.

Now is the time to prepare for that battle, to learn from the Scriptures what to expect in our generation, and the events of our day. Jesus gave us the seven major events of the end times, and most of them are history to us living today. The point is when you learn from prophecy what to expect, when it happens, it should not be a great mystery to you.

The "wiles of the devil" refers to the lies, supernatural works, and deceitfulness he and his offspring [the Kenites] may use to bring down Christians. "The whole armor" is all the protection necessary to stand against those lies and trick, and without those protections, Satan will out wit you, and you will not stand.

Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Much of this battle that we will be fighting against is not flesh and blood, it is not people you are around, but it is against hidden and deceitful spiritual powers. Satan is the prince of darkness and spiritually he controls the minds and actions of not only rulers of this earth, but all evil sprits in the heavenlies. His helpers are the angelic beings in their fallen and rebellious state, for they have given themselves over to Satan. Are you prepared mentally to do battle with them? Remember that this battle is not with guns and tanks, but with words and doctrines; with concepts and ideas which are the fiery darts that Satan will use against you. Daniel 8:23-25 tells us exactly how this ruler of darkness will come against us

Daniel 8:23 "And in the latter times of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up."

The king in this latter time is Satan, the Antichrist; he is "the king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences". In the Hebrew text it says that Satan is "skilled in dissimulation" of the truth of God's Word. Satan knows all of God's Word, and as such, he is the father of lies and deception. He will twist the truth of God's word to make it a lie from his lips. Satan is the Antichrist that is coming to this earth at the sixth trump, so learn to accept that truth as fact.

Daniel 8:24 "And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy People."

Satan will cause so much disruption in Christianity through false doctrines, such as the rapture doctrine, that all those without their full [whole] armor on and in place will be deceived and follow him. Satan will bring with him the promise of peace and prosperity; and with false promises he will give you a false hope to fulfill every one of your wishes; if you will but follow him.

Daniel 8:25 "And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."

Satan's "policies" establishes the way that he fights, which is his methods of operation. His "policies" sets the limits and goals of his full business operation: What he will do, and what he will not do. When Satan is allowed to have "craft to prosper in his hand", refers to the his ability that God will give him to do the many miracles and wonders that he will do before our eyes. In other words when you see those things happening that are simply not of this earthly realm done for peoples benefit, expect it to happen. Remember that Satan is supernatural, and God will allow Satan to do supernatural things to test God's People.

II Thessalonians 2:4 "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called god, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God, shewing [calling] himself that he is God." In other words, when Satan sits in his temple in Jerusalem and declares himself to be God, this is what Daniel and Jesus called, "the abomination of desolation." This is going to happen, so expect it and don't be blown away when you see it before your eyes.

"Peace" is Satan's secret weapon, for peace is the most powerful weapon used against God's people in this final generation. The hope and thought of peace is disarming the Christian church, and the nations of today. In the end Satan will be "broken without hand", because it will be by the two edged sword from the mouth of Jesus Christ, that Satan will be put in the pit. That same sword from the mouth of the Lord, formed the worlds, and put the stars, sun and moon in their place. The point though is for us not to underestimate the power and strength of Satan and his forces.

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

"The evil day" is just before the Lord's day, and on that day God's elect must be prepared to face Satan, and his rulers in the councils and synagogues with our full armor on and in place.

Our "breastplate of righteousness" is our justification, or authority for everything we say or do. That authority comes from the Word of God. The promises within the Word of God will protect you, but only if you are able to think for yourself. That wisdom is to direct our thinking that comes only from the Holy Spirit of God. Without that truth, and willingness to submit and have God's Spirit to speak through you will not be able to stand in this spiritual battle. Remember that you are flesh man, or woman, and the one you are doing battle with is supernatural. Your whole strength is in the Spirit of the Lord, and your submitting to Him.

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins gert about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Your "girt" is your belt, it is what holds your pants up, and our spiritual belt is the Word of God, the promises that God gave us for this hour. God's word will keep you from flying out in many directions. And again "the breastplate of righteousness" is our justification, or authority of everything that we say or do. Without that truth from God's Word in your mind, you are spiritually naked, and defenseless in all spiritual battles. The world today is Biblically illiterate.

Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

There is only one true peace, and that is "the gospel of peace" from our Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel of peace is the full plan of God, that directs your feet as you walk in these last days. Your feet is what gets you around and helps you walk; and your shoes protect those feet when you do walk. There are no secrets in these final days, for every move that Satan and his realm will make is outlined in the plan of God. When you know where to go, and where to walk, you avoid those paths and places that will cause you to stumble. That's why we are to be shod with the "gospel of peace" or plan of peace in our mind.

Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

So Paul is telling us that "Above all", more important then every things else, you must take "the shield of faith". It is the "Shield of faith" that is the most important of all of your armor that will quench all those fiery darts that the wicked one, Satan, will throw your way. There is absolutely nothing that Satan can throw your way, if your are sealed in your mind with the shield of faith. Satan's time on earth is for five months, and every thing that he can through your way will be over and finished in that short period of time. Then the seventh trump sounds, and everything that exist in these flesh and blood bodies and that deals with this flesh age will be over and finished in the wink of an eye.

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:"

Your "Helmet of salvation" protects your mind, and your "sword of the Spirit" is what you fight with. The "Helmet of salvation" seals your mind, while the "sword of the Spirit", is the instructions that our Holy Spirit gives us to speak at those moments in time. That Sword is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for the saints,"

Do you get it? All the saints of God are under attack just as you will be, and it is our duty before the Father that we remember them in prayer also, asking the Holy Spirit to lead and comfort them and give them strength in the time of attack. We become watchmen, looking out for those dangers and events of our time, to prepare other saints for the deception that Satan will through against them.

Ephesians 6:19 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel,"

That time is coming when you will be called up, as we studied in the prior chapter, from Mark 13:11, when God's elect would be called up before the councils of Satan, and the rulers of this earth in their synagogues. It will be the Holy Spirit then that gives us the words to say, and it will be our duty to speak those words boldly, and every ear from every tongue will understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking to them through you. If you are one of God's elect, and you are called in to speak, you are an ambassador from God Himself, to stand and speak boldly those words that the Holy Spirit is giving you to say for that moment in time. No don't even think of what you will say not, for it is important that you don't muddle the message by your own thought at that moment in time.

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Paul is telling you and I that we should speak the truths of the Word of God, and that we be direct and forthright. That we be bold in what we say, and that we speak with authority, know where in the Word our authority came from. We can do that when we have the whole armor of God on and in place.

I went through this subject of the armor of God, because it will be similar to what Balaam will be asked to do. The king of Moab is the one that controls all the land under his authority, and he has just made Balaam an offer to come before him, and make this curse of God and his people, and he can name the reward for the work that he will do. Remember in Daniel 8:25, for that is the same offer that Satan will make to you, and any of God's elect saints, to come before him and give reason why he will not bow down to him as God.

Numbers 22:18 "And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more."

Notice that Balaam confesses that YHVH is his God. It appears that Balaam is going in the right direction. He appears to be following the Lord, and seeking the direction from the Lord, but will this continue?

Numbers 22:19 "Now therefore I pray you,, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more." "

Remember from verse twelve; "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed." Balaam is going back to see if God has changed his mind, and allowing him to go with these Moabites.

Numbers 22:20 "And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, "If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." "

This time the God that appeared to Balaam is not YHVH the Heavenly Father, but "Elohim". There are two conditions that are given to Balaam here, the first is that when they come to call you, go; The second, but when you get there, the only thing that you shall say is what I give you to say at that moment in time. Do you see the comparison between the elect being called up before the rulers and leaders in the councils and synagogues of Satan. When the come to get you, go. And when the ask you to speak; and I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. When you are asked to speak in that day, speak, but remember that it is the Holy Spirit that will place the words to be spoken in your mind and mouth at that time. Will Balaam do that? That will determine if he is a prophet of God, or a false prophet for money, a hireling.

Numbers 22:21 "And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab."

Did Balaam wait to be called before he rose up to meet the prince of Moab? No! He never waited to be called but when he was thinking of the riches he would gain, he got up, saddled  his ass, and was ready to ride with the princes of Moab. Balaam was thinking of the riches that would be his for the work of cursing the Israelites. He was thinking that maybe he will give me his house filled with gold and silver. Was God's condition met? It didn't matter now, Balaam was ready to try to fulfill the desires of this king Balak of Moab. As he is making his journey from Mesopotamia back to Moab, he is thinking of all these riches that he will have from this simple act of saying a few words. Remember that king Balak said, he would give me anything that you want. Balaam's heart is being taken over with the thoughts of the riches, and what God told him is the least thing on his mind at this moment.

Numbers 22:22 "And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the Angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.""

God's anger was kindled because he did not wait until the conditions were according to God's instructions. Remember the condition was, "If the men come to call on thee, then rise up and go with them." The men did come and call on Balaam. This was a very self willed person, and God gets angry when you put your will over God's will for you. God has a plan, and when you go against that plan and it messes with God's plan, then there is a price to pay.

Numbers 22:23 "And the ass saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way, and His sword drawn in His hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way."

Balaam's mind was on the riches he would receive, but Balaam's ass saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way, sword drawn for action, and the ass turned aside into the field. The mule had more sense than Balaam as he stood them hitting his ass.

Numbers 22:24 "And the angel of the Lord stood in the path of the vineyards, and wall being on his side, and a wall on that side."

As Balaam and his two helpers continued down the path, it became more and more narrower. Prior to this time there was a field to go into, but here there were no fields to run to.

Numbers 22:25 "And when the ass saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff."

When the ass went down, Balaam's foot was crushed under the wall. Balaam is so mad he just started to hit the beast. Here we have a seer or diviner that can't see, and a dumb ass that can see.

Numbers 22:26 "And the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was not way to turn either to the right hand or to the left."

The further Balaam goes, the narrower the path becomes. When God wants to get your undivided attention, He puts those walls up all around you, until you can focus on what He wants you to do. Balaam is heading down a path in the wrong direction and the path is getting impossible to pass. There standing in the middle of the path is the Angel of God with his sword drawn and ready to use.

Numbers 22:27 "And when the ass saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff."

Balaam's mind is many miles away, as he is strolling along on this ass. The thought of large houses and riches has distracted him from what God has said. This poor ass is delaying him from getting the riches that the king has offered him, and this makes Balaam very mad, so mad that he whips the ass.

Numbers 22:28 "And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, "What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?" "

The Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and the ass spoke to Balaam. Get the picture, God is doing the speaking through this old donkey, because Balaam is to close minded to see what is going on around him. Did the donkey premeditate what was to be said to Balaam, of course not, God is in control of everything that is going on here. The donkey was ready, and I'm sure willing to speak out and be the mouthpiece for the Spirit of God to speak through.

Remember Mark 13:9; "But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to their councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My names sake." These are lessons or warning to those of the elect that shall be called up in the time of the end.

Balaam is standing there looking down at his ass on the ground, as this animal is talking to him, and he still can't reason that something is wrong with this whole picture that is going on around him.

Numbers 22:29 "And Balaam said unto the ass, "Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee."

Only the ass could see the sword that was before them, and that sword was in the had of the Angel of the Lord. Balaam is ready to kill this animal of his for the sake of being delayed from his riches.

Numbers 22:30 "And the ass said unto Balaam, "Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden every since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?" And he said, "Nay."

This ass is talking to Balaam and reminding him that she has served him will over the years. Think of it, this conversation between a man and his ass. Not only was Balaam listening to his ass, but talking back to this animal. This donkey asked Balaam if she had ever been contrary to the way that you wanted to go before? Of course the answer by Balaam was no. Think of it, The dumb ass is telling you the truth, and you finally realize that the ass is right and you are wrong.

Numbers 22:31 "Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way, and His sword drawn in His hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face."

After this conversation had take place; then God opened the eyes of Balaam, and he say that he had been blinded by greed. This hirling preacher was on the way to his riches, and God put a sword in his path. Remember that this sword is the Word of the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, and Balaam was blinded so that he could not comprehend that this sword was before him. He just didn't care. He was set in the path or direction to his riches, until the Lord used the mouth of this dumb ass to speak directly to him. The elect will be a humble group of people that will be just as this dumb ass, for they each will be willing to allow the Spirit of God to speak through them, and it will be God's word that comes forth, and God will get all the glory for the enlightenment that comes from those words. Did the donkey get any glory, no; God received all the glory for what was done here.

Mark 13:11 "But they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost [Spirit]"

The ass was not going his way, but was taken down this path to that place to where at the precise moment, it is ready for the words to flow out of the mouth of this dumb animal. Every word that was spoken was direct from the Spirit of God, for that animal did not have the ability to reason, as was obvious from the conversation that took place between this man and his animal. We are approaching this time in our generation where this will come to pass, at the precise hour in time, and only then will the words that the elect will be placed in the mouth of the elect. Remember that the mouth of the animal simply could not those human words, but they came forth. When the elect is in that place and God says to speak, speak, for it will be God Spirit that speaks through you. There is an awesome responsibility, and having your eyes open to the Angel of the Lord is something to thank God for every day.

Numbers 22:32 "And the Angel of the Lord said unto him, "Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before Me:"

When Balaam was heading down the wrong path, this Angel of the Lord went out three time to stand as an adversary against thee, and you did not pay attention to Me. In other words you were to busy chasing riches. Balaam was on the wrong road to destruction, and the Angel of the Lord was setting him back on the right path. But will he follow that path? Remember that God had a plan to sanctify Himself and the children of Israel, and Balaam was going against that plan of God.

II Peter 2:14, 15 "Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children;" [14] "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.;" [15]

This is talking comparisons to our generation.

II Peter 2:16 "But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet."

In Jude 11, Balaam is compared to Cain and Korah; "Woe unto the! 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 [Korah]." Korah was the leader of the rebellion against God and Moses. God does not look on Balaam as a faithful servant was going to use Balaam to fulfill part of His plan, just as He is using the Kenites at the cross, and Satan and the fallen angels at the sixth trump.

God will take those cursing that Balaam will put on the children of Israel, and make them blessings for His children. This will be covered later in Numbers. The purpose that God created all souls in the first place, that first earth age, was to give pleasure to Him. Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Jesus was saying this and John was writing it down for you and me. Have you been giving God any pleasure lately? If you please Him, He sends the blessings your way.

Numbers 22:33 "And the ass saw Me, and turned from Me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive." "

Balaam was heading down the way to riches and honor from the king of Moab, of the world, and he didn't see the warnings that God was putting before him, yet this dumb ass did. Balak's offer to Balaam was that he would give Balaam anything that he wanted, if he would just come and put a curse the children of Israel. Just like many preachers today, Balaam professed to be a prophet of God, yet his mind was centered only on the money, and riches and security that it would bring him. God is trying to wake Balaam up. This Angel of God is telling Balaam that he should be thanking you ass rather than hitting it, for that animal has saved your life. The word "Balaam" means "destroyer" and he was the one people turned to for curses to destroy their enemies.

Numbers 22:34 "And Balaam said unto the Angel of the Lord, "I have sinned; for I knew not that Thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease Thee, I will get me back again."  

Balaam told the Angel of the Lord that if I have displeased you, I'll turn around and head back home.

Numbers 22:35 "And the Angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, "Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that you shalt speak." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. "

The Angel told Balaam, go ahead and go with these princes of Balak, only you don't speak a word other than the words that I give you to speak. Eventually God will turn the cursings of Balaam into blessings for Israel. So Balaam did what the angel told him and went with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 22:36 "And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast."

Once Balaam and these princes reached the border of Moab, in the city of Moab that rest on the shore of the Arnon river, Balak went to meet Balaam. King Balak can see nothing but victory over Israel, once Balaam has cursed the Israelites.

Numbers 22:37 "And Balak said unto Balaam, "Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me: am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?"

The king is asking Balaam, why didn't you come the first time I sent for you? At that time the King offered Balaam a reward for just coming and placing a curse on Israel. Once the reward was raised, then Balaak was ready and willing to come. The entire ministry around Balaam is centered on money, and obtaining wealth. This king of Moab could keep his word and give Balaam anything he wanted, and that is as it shall be when Satan rules this world in that role of the Antichrist.

Numbers 22:38 "And Balaam said unto Balak, "Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak." "

Balaam is telling king Balak,"I can't say anything of my own accord, but that God puts the words in my mouth first." I can't speak my words but only the words of YHVH, that he puts in my mouth; "that shall I speak." Remember back in Mark 13:11; "...but whatsoever is given you in that hour, that speak ye, for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" Balaam is trying to let Balak know that things may not work out as he plans, for Balaam was only called to curse Israel.

Numbers 22:39 "And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth."

"Kirjath-huaoth" means "city of the streets". This place today is an unknown location, and there is no way of knowing where it was. However this was a place for people to come and celebrate and have a fiesta.

Numbers 22:40 "And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him."

The king is not offering oxen and sheep to Balaam and to the princes that brought Balaam to Moab. So we have the meat for a sacrificial offering, for even Balak knew the true God, and the meanings of these offerings. However the gods of the Moabites were not to the YHVH the True God. I feel that these sacrifices were indeed meant to our Lord, the true God, in an effort to find His favor.

Numbers 22:41 "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the People."

These high places of Baal, were the sanctuaries of Baal where their sacrifices to Baal were made. This was a high point in the direction of the plains of Moab, where the children of Israel were encamped. From this high point, Balaam and Balak could look out and see in the distance the edges of the camp of the children of Israel ["People"].