Numbers: Journey to the Promised Land Lesson 7
Lesson 7– Balak and Balaam: Be Not Deceived Numbers 22-25 ( Deuteronomy 2)
The Israelites have now skirted Mt. Seir and Edom, and traveled north, across the Arnon and Jabok Rivers, moving through Moabite territory. They are camped across the Jordan River from Jericho, at a place named Shittim, or Acacia Grove.The Moabites, who are descendants of Lot, are now fearful of the huge camp of 2 million Israelites in their midst! Balak, the Moabite King, must have been concerned that the Moabite gods they worshiped were not strong enough to battle this God, and his people. So in a crisis, he sent for the pagan world’s “top gun.”
Who does the world turn to for help when they need it? During hard times people reach out to the culture… they turn to science or doctors, politicians, or their own intellect. They religiously follow so-called experts, or religious gurus. In Bible times, people were no different! As you watch the video try to list character traits of the man named Balaam. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? How can you know?
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Discussion Questions:
Project: As a group brainstorm a list of character traits of Balaam. Was he a good man or a bad man? How do you know?
Many people have heard the Bible Story about the “talking donkey” but few Christians actually know the backstory. What new thing did you learn about this story from watching the video?
Why was it that Balaam could not curse Israel?
What do we learn about the ways of Yahweh from examining this narrative about Balak and Balaam?
Why do you think the children of Israel were not afraid to go up against Sihon and Og, even though they had to battle giants? What has this new generation of Israelites learned?
How does this lesson relate to what is going on in America today?
America may not be taken down militarily, but Satan has devised a plot to take us out just like he did through Balaam many years ago. Who are the people following in the way of Balaam today?
It is interesting that Balak asked Balaam to curse the Israelites after offering sacrifices to Yahweh at the high places of Baal. What do the high places of Baal represent in our culture? Are some churches today sacrificing to Yahweh on the high places of Baal?
Why is Balaam such a difficult character to figure out?
What does it mean to judge a person by their fruit and not their giftings?
Do you know anyone like Balaam in your own life, at home or in the media?
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