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Commentary on "The 'Madness' of the Prophet"
Day 5: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
In this lesson, Balaam now joins Balak, king of Moab, on the high places of Baal to begin the rites of divination and prophecy. Balaam orders the details of the sacrifices to the gods. Balaam delivers the message which God gave him, “God-controlled,” about Israel. The author asks what powerful message and promise are found in the words Balaam spoke, and what hope is offered to us as well.
The lesson also quotes Ellen White, who states that Balaam had a vision of the future of Israel, and of the resurrection and the joyful righteous saints in Heaven. This sublime vision is what prompted Balaam to exclaim, “Let me die the death of the righteous…” The lesson asks what it means to “die the death of the righteous,” and references Romans 3:20-24.
Observations
It is important to clarify Balaam’s paganism and ignorance of the true God. Although Balaam was brought to the high places of Baal and offered sacrifices there, he knew he must seek the cooperation of Israel’s God. He continued to attempt serving two masters: the riches promised by Balak, and the God of Israel, who was much less cooperative. So even though the high places and sacrifices were pagan methods, Balaam again inquired of the Lord, telling Him of the sacrifices and apparently believing they would please God. Balaam continued to demonstrate that he did not know this Yahweh. God ignored the offensive sacrifices and “put a word in his mouth,” commanding him, “thus shall you speak.” Balaam was appointed to pronounce blessings on Israel regardless of his folly.
Ellen White’s version of Balaam’s vision of the future is not found in scripture. Balaam was given prophecies about Israel’s blessings, the coming of the Messiah, and the defeat of her enemies. There is nothing in the story about Balaam seeing the resurrection or the New Earth. Ellen White’s embellishments distract from the real story of these prophecies.
What is the message of hope? It is this: How can Balaam curse whom God has not cursed or denounce whom God has not denounced? Or these words:
“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died…” Romans 8:33,34.
If God keeps his promises to unfaithful Israel by not denouncing or rejecting them, He will protect believing sinners from condemnation.
Talking about the righteousness of Christ is good, but this alone does not offer “full assurance of faith.” In Romans 8, we find that “those whom he justified he also glorified.” Paul puts both in the past tense. The ones he has already justified are exactly the same ones he has already glorified. Salvation is an accomplished fact for the believer, and knowing that gives assurance to persevere.
Balaam knew he wasn’t ready to die. This is what he longed for, the full assurance of blessings known by the righteous. When we know the Justifier of the ungodly, we can die the death of the righteous—and our end will be like Jacob’s.
Summary
- Balaam demonstrates his ignorance of God by using pagan methods to impress Him.
- God puts His own words in Balaam’s mouth, showing that Balaam’s sin and folly were not obstacles for God to assert His will.
- Ellen White’s embellishments of Balaam’s oracles, describing the resurrection and New Earth, have no basis in Scripture.
- Just as no one could denounce sinful Israel because of God’s blessings in Abraham, so we sinners are under no condemnation because of our blessings in Christ.
- Knowing the Justifier of the ungodly, our future is assured. There is no more reason to fear death.
GO TO DAY 6
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