The challenges of moving from captivity to Canaan Land

The interesting story we have today is about Balaam, the “diviner,” who was hired to curse Israel by Balak, the King of Moab. Balaam’s story in the Book of Numbers provides us with a case study of a false prophet. He is a false prophet, who seeks to curse Israel, but who can only pronounce blessings upon God’s people. There are some very important lessons for us to learn from Balaam. But let me do a brief background to the book of Numbers, which begins with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, after the Law was given. They are preparing to move out in military style, ready to possess the Promised Land (Numbers 1:1-10: 10).

They then make their way from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea. Twelve men, each representing one tribe of Israel, were sent to spy out the land, and while all had glowing reports of the bounty of the Promised Land, ten of the men expressed fears concerning the size of the Canaanites and doubts about Israel’s ability to take the land from them. Because of this, the Israelites rebelled against God and refused to attack the Canaanites. This led to God’s judgment upon that first generation of Israelites, who were delivered from Egyptian bondage (10:11-14:45). For 40 years, this generation of Israelites had to wander about the wilderness until virtually all died. That wandering period, along with the setting down of certain laws, is described in chapters 15-19.

In chapter 20, the second generation of Israelites sets out toward Moab, the launching point for Israel’s invasion of Canaan. Along the way, Israel comes to the wilderness of Zin, the same place to which the Israelites had come shortly after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 16:1). Here, Miriam dies and is buried (20:1). Since there is no water there, the people begin to grumble once again (20:1-5). Moses is instructed to “speak to the rock” and, by this means, to produce water for the people to drink.

In his anger, Moses strikes the rock twice with his rod (20:10-11), and for this act of irreverence, Moses himself is forbidden to enter the Promised Land (20:12-13). This is also the time for Aaron to “be gathered to his people,” that is, for Aaron to die. His priestly garments are removed from him and placed on his son Eleazar. Then, in the sight of the entire congregation, Aaron ascends Mount Hor, where he dies (20:22-29). All these events signal the end of an important chapter in Israel’s history, a chapter which began at the exodus, and which concluded with the death of that generation of Israelites, who failed to trust and obey their God.

The final section of the Book of Numbers deals with the second generation of Israelites, as they prepare to possess the land of Canaan. These chapters describe the journey of the Israelites, as they approach the Promised Land (chapters 21-25). The people are numbered in preparation for war (chapters 26-27), and they are instructed concerning God’s requirements for their conduct (chapters 28-36). It is in this closing section of the Book of Numbers that the account of Balaam is found.

• Prophet (Dr.) Abiara is General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide
skabiaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk