Chapter 5: Oracle Number Three
Numbers 23:27 – 24:13
Q1 - How do we know that Balaam understood the words he was prophesying? (See Numbers 24:3–4.)
A1 - Balaam stated in both his third and fourth oracles that he saw clearly and his eyes were opened. He heard the words of God, and he saw a vision from the Almighty. He fell prostrate, which would indicate he acknowledged God’s power and authority. In his fourth oracle, he stated in Numbers 24:15–16 that he not only heard the words of God, but he also had knowledge from the Most High. By Balaam’s own admission, he understood the words he was speaking.
Q2 - In Numbers 24:2, the scriptures state that Balaam looked out and saw Israel camped according to their tribes. Then he described the tents of Jacob in verses 5–6. How were the Israelites to arrange their camp? What should the orderly arrangement of such an enormous group of people and animals have indicated to both Balaam and Balak? What would you think if you had looked down upon their encampment?
(See the second and third chapters of Numbers for a description of the Israelite camp. This article presents a description and drawing of how their camp was to be set up: “Encampment of the Tribes of Israel in the Wilderness” - tinyurl.com/jf893s23. Be sure to scroll down for the drawing of the camp.)
A2 - God had provided a plan for organizing this massive group of people and animals. Rather than being an undefined horde, the Israelite camp was arranged according to the pattern God had presented. Each tribe camped together under their own banner in a designated area. The level of organization of their camp should have indicated to Balaam and Balak this was no ordinary group of people.
Q3 - While describing the Israelites in Numbers 24:8–9, how did God again give a warning to Balak and Balaam?
A3- In both his second and third oracles, Balaam stated that God had brought these people out of Egypt and they had the strength of a wild ox (Numbers 23:22 and Numbers 24:8). So, not only did these people themselves have great strength, but their God had the power to withstand the great Egyptian Pharaoh and his army in order to deliver them from slavery.
Balaam further stated in Numbers 24:8b that the Israelites devour hostile nations, breaking their bones in pieces and piercing them with arrows. Then in Numbers 24:9, the Israelites were are again likened to a lion, a crouching lioness. A wise person would not want to rouse a people so powerful. By His oracles, God warned Balaam and Balak, as well as other nations, not to act against His people.