The men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices of their gods. (Numbers 25:1,2) This is the second installment of Balaam’s story. I’ve never really understood why, from the reporting of chapters 23 and 24, that Balaam would have been sentenced to death. I mean he didn’t curse Israel. This time through I’ve gained a little information. Even though his name is not mentioned again until the report of his death in chapter 31, many biblical scholars think Balaam was behind Moab’s second tier attack – namely the seduction of the Israelites.
On the surface, this speaks to the determination of Moab to defeat the Hebrew people. Balak felt threatened by Israel, and when a frontal military assault (Plan A) proved impractical, he attempted a side door attack (Plan B) through his agent (Balaam). When that proved unsuccessful, Balaam apparently discovered where the men of Israel were weak, and attacked them via their sexual appetites (Plan C).
For a spiritual application, this speaks to Satan’s dogged determination to interfere with our connection to God. Just because he is blocked on one front doesn’t mean he will give up. That’s why we need to be honest about our weaknesses, put on our spiritual armor and take guard every day.
Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (James 1:14)
The front door to your heart is probably locked and well-protected; what about the back door?
There are times the consequences for sin boggle me - pretty graphic here, a spear through two people and the spearer commended for doing a good job of it. Yikes. I had never considered the fact it was labeled a deception and could have been deliberate sabotage rather than the 'usual wandering'. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteAlso like the 5 sisters who collected on their father's inheritance and brought about the statement that if there was no son the daughters could inherit. Talk about a load of worry off a lot of families there! It's still quite patriarchal, but at least they aren't shut out.
(see? God likes us wimmenfolk too!) ;-)