CONTENTS We have in this Chapter, the continuation and conclusion of the history of Balak and Balaam. And never surely was there afforded a more memorable evidence, than there is in it, of the LORD'S over-ruling the minds of men to his own glory, his people's joy, and his enemies' destruction. Bala... [ Continue Reading ]
The SPIRIT of GOD came upon him; that is upon him by an overruling, constraining power, so as to prompt to a service his heart would gladly have been excused from; but not in him, in a way of renewing sanctifying grace. Many have felt the power and sovereignty of the HOLY GHOST who have never known... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how the HOLY GHOST hath caused the expressions of Balaam to be guarded. It is the man whose eyes are opened, not whose heart; whose knowledge of divine things is in the head, but who never felt the influence of them in his life and practice. Reader! how very awful is it to behold men who hav... [ Continue Reading ]
If those beautiful words be considered prophetically as undoubtedly they were intended, what a volume of rich mercies, both temporal and spiritual, is contained in them. The Israel of GOD shall prevail over all opposition. This is the burden of the prophecy. The LORD'S people may be, and, no doubt m... [ Continue Reading ]
The anger of Balak would most probably have broken out in some act of violence upon Balaam's person, had he not been restrained by fear. And it is likely that, as the LORD had yet more prophecies to be delivered upon this occasion by Balaam, the LORD over-ruled the mind of the prince of Moab, that h... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! observe the temporizing conduct of Balaam. He doth in effect say by this apology, that he would gladly have obliged Balak, had he dared. But we have authority to make a larger comment upon Balaam's conduct on this occasion, and to observe, that this time-serving wretch actually taught Balak,... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how he endeavours to soften this message by referring the event foretold to the latter days. As much as to say, it will never happen in your time.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is very awful to read again this man's acknowledgment, that his eyes were open, and that he had heard the words of GOD, and knew the knowledge of the Most High. Oh, Reader! think, I charge you think, what a vast difference there is between an head full of the knowledge of GOD, and an heart full o... [ Continue Reading ]
How awful will be the sight of JESUS to the sinner! He will see him but not nigh; not as Job, for himself: but as the unhappy wretch mentioned in the gospel, who in hell lifted up his eyes in torments, and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. See those scriptures: Revelation 1:7; Job 19:27... [ Continue Reading ]
I connect all that is here said respecting the destruction of the nations by Israel, for the sake of shortness. If the Reader be disposed to search out for the accomplishment of these prophecies, I refer him to Judges 3:1; Judges 8:1, and Judges 11:1; 2 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Chronicles 26:1. But when I... [ Continue Reading ]
Here ends the account of the conference. It is proper to observe, that the LORD'S judgments overtook Balaam before the death of Moses; as we read, Numbers 31:8. And which is recorded again by Joshua. Joshua 13:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! do not take a farewell review of the history of Balaam and Balak, without first imploring grace from GOD to take with you the several most interesting improvements which it holds forth. Learn first, what lengths bad men will proceed to, like Balak, in order to accomplish their de... [ Continue Reading ]