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 ]