Commentary on "The 'Madness' of the Prophet"

MARTIN L. CAREY

 

Day 7: Friday, December 4, 2009

 

This final lesson asks, "What are some other spiritual lessons we can take from this story? For example, what does it teach about God’s sovereignty, human free will, and God’s providence?"

How can we know that we will, as Balaam said, “die the death of the righteous?”

In summary, the author states that this story is about Balaam’s sin of giving in to greed, and trying to curse Israel in exchange for riches. We must learn from his mistakes.

 

Observations

An essential lesson in this story is how God is in complete control of history, and that His purposes cannot be thwarted. Those who trust Him will be saved, and those who oppose Him will perish. This lesson has not been clear on God’s sovereignty, and asks us about human “free will.” When we accept God’s sovereignty over all the affairs of men, that “He works all things according the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11),” our will takes on its proper role. Knowing His place in His universe, we will know ours.

Balaam had some knowledge of the true God but never repented or gave Him full allegiance. Balaam submitted to God when he was forced to, and when released from giving oracles, he immediately went back to his destructive ways. In II Peter 2, we find the traits of false teachers and prophets like Balaam. What these traits have in common is the mentality of a slave. “Whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (II Peter 2:19).” We will also see how these traits lead into occult practices.

 

The Way of Balaam

Sensual and Indulgent: They follow their sensual desires in a slavish manner, won’t accept boundaries to their behaviors, even when natural reason tells them to restrain themselves. Balaam had much passion about his finances, his pride, and showed a cruel, violent temper with his donkey.

Bold, Willful, and Lawless: They are quick to make blasphemous statements, not just profanity, but also sophisticated statements that disparage God’s authority and honor. They hate God’s authority, though they may even love human authority, as long as it does not interfere with their pleasures. Balaam could show great respect to princes and kings, but his heart remained deeply corrupt.

Greedy and Insatiable: They are never satisfied with what they have, and always want more. This goes for material wealth, as well as other men’s wives. Balaam was all about getting more, and he pursued it to the point of “madness”. On the other side, followers of God are content with what they have, and have calmer, saner lives.

Lying and Manipulative: False prophets look good on the outside, but they are hollow and false. Deceit and manipulation are common traits among them, for they are in league with dark powers who are masters of deceit. They are skilled at sensing what others want to hear, and custom-designing their teachings to fit the desperate needs of the vulnerable. They will change their stories when they need to. They wonder why they have difficulty with trusting relationships.

Balaam acted deceitfully with others, and tried to manipulate God with his enchantments. Manipulation is the mark of false worship, while true worship is submitting to God’s authority and goodness. Since we want to be in control, we look for the deep secrets of life to give us power. This is the motivation behind the occult.

Moses warned Israel (Deut. 18:1-14) about all the “detestable practices” of the other nations, such as child sacrifice, divination, witchcraft, omen-readers, sorcerers, spiritists, or necromancers. All these methods tried to access secret, hidden knowledge and power.

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” Deut. 29:29

Chasing after secret knowledge of spiritual things leads to deception by lying spirits. These can appear very innocent to Christians. What God clearly reveals in His word to us brings light and truth, and is a blessing forever. Moses gives this promise from God:

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen (Deut. 18:15).”

This Prophet would be one of them, and God would put His words in the Prophet’s mouth. None of the true prophets after Moses altered the Law, but urged that Israel remain true to it. This Prophet was our Lord Jesus, the authoritative Law-Giver who could say, “You have heard that it was said to those of old…but I say to you.” (Mt. 5:21) Or, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” (Mt. 12:8) Or, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.” Jn. 13:34 Jesus was greater than Moses, and was the New Standard.

When Jesus was transfigured, God said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Mt. 17:5 This was a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18. Jesus has spoken in full and final revelation in the New Testament, “…in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Heb. 1:1 All the prophecies about the future that God wants us to know have been made in the Bible. Any prophecy that goes beyond Scripture, that gives new information about end times, brings deception from lying spirits. The Bible is Present Truth. The Bible is such a rich and costly gift from our Father, and with the Holy Spirit, supplies every spiritual need. Paul said that a privilege of being an Israelite was being given the “oracles of God.” All the blessings of God are realized in the Israelite Messiah. Let us treasure the living words, as we treasure Him who gave it.

 

Summary

1. The essential lesson in this story is that our Sovereign God is in control. When we understand His place in the universe, we will know our place.
2. False prophets like Balaam have certain slavish traits in common, such as sensual indulgence, lawlessness, greed, and deception.
3. We manipulate because we want to be in control, and won’t give God control. Our desire for control also leads to a lust for deep secrets that the occult offers.
4. The secret things “belong to God,” but the revealed things are found in His Word.
5. Jesus Christ gave a full and final revelation for the future. Any prophecy or secret knowledge that goes beyond His Word is from lying spirits.
6. Let us treasure that Word!

 

 

Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised December 3, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

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