Beginning of the End

Balak Tries Again

Balak decided that the impressive scene presented by the vast camp of the Hebrews had so frightened Balaam that he did not dare to practice his magic arts against them. The king determined to take the prophet to some point where he could see only a small part of the camp. Again seven altars were built, and the same offerings were placed on them as at the first. The king and his princes stayed by the sacrifices, while Balaam stepped away to meet with God. Again the prophet was given a divine message, which he was powerless to change or withhold. BOE 220.6

When he appeared, Balak asked him, “What has the Lord spoken?” The answer struck terror to the heart of the king and princes: BOE 221.1

God is not a man, that He should lie, ...
Behold, I have received a command to bless;
He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
The Lord his God is with him,
And the shout of a king
is among them. BOE 221.2

The great magician had tried his power of enchantment, but while Israel was under God’s protection, no people or nation, aided by all the power of Satan, would be able to overcome them. All the world would wonder at the marvelous work of God for His people—that a man should be so controlled by divine power as to utter, instead of curses, rich and precious promises in heavenly poetry. In future times when Satan inspired evildoers to misrepresent and destroy God’s people, this event would strengthen their courage and faith in God. BOE 221.3

The king of Moab, discouraged and distressed, exclaimed, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!” But he determined to try again. He now took Balaam to Mount Peor, where there was a temple devoted to the immoral worship of Baal. Here they offered the same number of sacrifices, but Balaam did not even pretend to work his sorcery. He looked out over the tents of Israel, and the divine message came from his lips: BOE 221.4

How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Your dwellings, O Israel!
Like valleys that stretch out,
Like gardens by the riverside. ...
His king shall be higher than Agag,
And his kingdom shall be exalted. ...
Blessed is he who blesses you,
And cursed is he who curses you. BOE 221.5

Balaam prophesied that Israel’s king would be greater than Agag. This was the name given to the kings of the Amalekites, who were at this time a very powerful nation. But Israel, if true to God, would conquer all her enemies. The King of Israel was the Son of God; His throne was one day to be established in the earth, and His power to be higher than all earthly kingdoms. BOE 221.6