CONTENTS The subject through this chapter is a continuation of the former. The idolatrous prince, and the impious prophet, are both busily engaged, in seeking how to curse the LORD'S Israel, whom GOD hath blessed.... [ Continue Reading ]
I would beg the Reader to observe, for it is well worth observation, what vast pains and expense bad men will put themselves to, under the cover of religion. Alas! what are seven altars, or seventy times seven sacrifices, offered from a wicked heart! But in all ages it is the same. If GOD would but... [ Continue Reading ]
I would beg the Reader to consult the first verse of the next chapter, and this will throw a light upon the whole subject. For it is very plain, from what is there said, that Balaam's leaving Balak, under pretence to hear what the LORD would say to him, was to use enchantments. But how striking is t... [ Continue Reading ]
Aram was in Mesopotamia. Genesis 24:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe what he saith: that he could not; not that he would not, for that he wished. But how precious an instruction doth this hold forth to the believer in JESUS: neither magicians, nor devils, can curse those whom GOD hath pronounced blessed. And if the poor man did but call this to resemblance, n... [ Continue Reading ]
What a delightful string of the most glorious prophecies doth the LORD constrain this man to deliver! Yes! the LORD doth send, by whom he will send, his blessed truths to his church and people. And let the Reader remark with me, that our GOD hath in all ages made use of the worst of instruments to p... [ Continue Reading ]
Sweet thought! though the flock of JESUS be but a little flock when comparatively considered; yet it is in itself an innumerable company. Reader! if it be your portion to be of the number of the ransomed which shall return to Zion, you will find the house of GOD to be neither scanty nor small. Multi... [ Continue Reading ]
Is it not highly probable, that as the LORD wrought so powerfully on the mind of Balaam, he did not leave Balak altogether unconscious of his overruling presence? If so how applicable doth the psalmist speak; Psalms 109:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
It appears very plain, that both the employer and the employed mutually disappointed. How striking is the application of that scripture, in which it is said, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. Job 5:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, the folly as well as impiety of Balak. Common sense, one might have supposed, would have been enough to have convinced him, that if the LORD blessed Israel in one place, never would he suffer them to be cursed in another. I would wish the Reader to remark with me, the uniform custom of all... [ Continue Reading ]
The same or similar observations meet us here as were offered before. Enchantments were what Balaam used when he left Balak under pretence of enquiring of the LORD. See Numbers 24:1. There are several other scriptures which will help to throw a light upon this. See Ezekiel 14:1; Job 12:16; Isaiah 44... [ Continue Reading ]
These are very precious truths; and doubly so when read with an eye to the evidence they bring with them, as they are in JESUS. In the covenant relationship of GOD in CHRIST, the word, the oath, the promises of the FATHER: the blood, the righteousness, the grace, and mercy of the SON: and the fellow... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing can be more evident, I think, from the perusal of the whole conference between Balak and Balaam, than that Balak was satisfied of Balaam's wish to oblige him with cursing Israel, had he dared to have done it. And nothing can be more evident, than that the impious prophet endeavored by all th... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS Is it possible, my soul, in the perusal of this chapter in beholding the LORD'S tender care over his church and people, in making their very enemies the unwilling instruments to testify his watchfulness over them, is it possible anymore to call in question the faithfulness of our covenan... [ Continue Reading ]