Numbers 23 24

Numbers 23 & 24

Balak Blesses the Israelites Numbers 23:1-24:25 I. Context (What does the passage say?) Who are the main characters in the passage? What do we know about them? Balak: Balaam: When and where does this passage take place? When: Like the previous passaage, this week's passage occurs sometime between the Israelites' defeat of the Amorites and their crossing of the Jordan into Canaan. We know this based on the fact that Balak is concerned about what they did to the Amorites (v.22:2) and that the Israelites camped across from Jericho (v. 22:1) but did not yet enter into it. Where: Bamoth Baal: High places of Baal, the Canaanite's god. (Ryrie) Pisgah: Mt. Nebo or the mountains that contain Mt. Nebo (Ryrie) Peor: northern part of the range that contained Mt. Nebo (Ryrie) What is going on? (Summary of Events) Balaam's first oracle (23:1-12) -- Israel is blessed!!

Balaam's second oraclel (23:13-24) -- God is with Israel!!

Balaam's third oracle (24:3-9) -- Israel will prosper!!!

Balaam's fourth oracle (24:15-25) -- Israel will dominate!!!

II. Interpretation (What does the passage mean?) What principles are illustrated in this passage? What would you consider the theme of this passage?

What do we learn of God's character from this passage? Does this passage point us toward Christ? If so, how?

How are Balaam's oracles similar? How are the different?

III. Application (What does the passage mean for my life?) The Lord uses whomever he chooses to accomplish his will. Even though Balaam was not one of God's people, God used him to bless the nation of Israel and to confuse the plans of its enemes.