“Numbers 22–24: The Story of Balaam,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 69
“Numbers 22–24,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 69
The Story of Balaam
Would you accept money to do something you knew wasn’t right? Numbers 22–24 tells the story of a man who had to make that decision. His name was Balaam. He was a soothsayer (one who professes to foretell the future) who believed in, or at least knew about, the God of Israel to the degree that he could be influenced by the Spirit. The king of Moab tried to hire Balaam to curse Israel so the Moabites could defeat them in battle. As you read, think about what you would have done if you had been Balaam and what you might have learned from the experience.
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Numbers 22–24.
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Is Your Integrity for Sale?
Just like Balak wanted Balaam to go against what he knew was right for money (see Numbers 22), how do you see people today going against what they know is right for money or the opportunity to be “promoted … unto very great honour”? (v. 17).
or
Write about someone you know who gave up money and honor to do what he or she knew was right.
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Give a Character Reference
Imagine you are Balak, and another king in the area wrote you because he was thinking about hiring Balaam to curse his enemies. Write what your response would be and include what happened the three times he asked Balaam to curse Israel (first time: Numbers 23:1–13; second time: Numbers 23:14–30; third time: Numbers 24:1–13).
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Interpret the Prophecy
In Numbers 24:17, who do you think is the “Star of Jacob” and the “Sceptre of Israel”? (see also vv. 14–16, 18–29). Why do you think so?