Numbers 24:1 “And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.”
The first two times that sacrifices were offered (Numbers 23) and Balaam seeks God’s will in what to tell Balak – the king of Moab, God meets with Balaam. In chapter 23, verses 4 and 16, the Bible – in that order – says that “God met Balaam,” and “the Lord met Balaam.”
Although the text verse is difficult to understand, it reveals that Balaam decided to take a new approach to the matter. This is the third time that sacrifices have been offered (seven bullocks and seven rams – one of each on seven altars). He knew that God would not let him curse Israel, but he had already decided that he wanted Balak’s promised riches. It seems that his previous encounter with the death angel did not deter him from seeking his own way now.
Since there is no mention of Balaam using any “enchantments” previously, it seems to imply that he did not directly seek God this time. Instead, the Bible says in the next verse that the “spirit of God came upon him.” So far, in his previous occasions of seeking God about blessing or cursing Israel, this is the only time that the “spirit of God” is mentioned.
The fact that Balaam goes again and again to see what God will say, it reveals once again that he did not like what God was telling him because he knew it stood in the way of his pleasing Balak. It also would prevent him from getting rich.
It very well may be that God overrode Balaam’s planned message. The result is that he once again blesses Israel – to Balak’s chagrin and severe disappointment. The fact that the Spirit came and interceded may have even surprised Balaam, even though he said that: “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?” (Numbers 24:13).
Numbers chapter 24 reveals Balaam’s final recorded words to Balak. In it, there is an incredible prophecy of Christ. Verse 17 tells us that “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall arise out of Israel.” This is likely the prophecy that brought the wise men to Israel to seek the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2) many years later.
In addition to the prophecy of Christ, Balaam goes on and tells Balak what God revealed to him that Israel will do to the Moabite people in the future. Even though the end of this chapter says that Balaam returned to his home after this, he apparently had at least one more conversation with Balak that is not recorded here. It will prove to be his final fatal mistake.
Next: Balaam’s Last Fatal Mistake