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 ]