For October 5, 2026
The Rise Of Israel: Balaam I by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
~ Beating the Donkey ~
A STORY STRANGE-SEEMING to us is placed in the scriptures late in the time of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt. Israel is finally coming out of forty years in the desert, and they come out strong. They have militarily defeated two kings—Sihon and Og—and are massed at the southern boundaries of Moab. Balak is the next king in their forceful trajectory towards the Promised Land, and Balak is very nervous. “Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.” (Num. 22:3) He sends messengers to a local well-known astrological diviner, Balaam. “Come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land.” (Num. 22:6a, b) Then we get our first glimpse of how strange this story is, for Balak’s message continues, “For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.” (Num. 22:6c)