Lesson 299: Numbers 22:6
Lesson 299: Numbers 22:6
Numbers 22:6
The Blueprint — The Verse
"Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed."
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel camped on his border after victories over Amorite kings. He summoned Balaam, a prophet known for effective blessings and curses, reflecting how ancient Near Eastern rulers sought spiritual power to secure military advantage.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Israel's march toward Canaan alarmed Moab. Balak sent elders with fees for divination, asking Balaam to curse Israel so Moab could defeat them. Balaam acknowledged that prophetic speech ultimately depended on the God whose blessings could not be bought.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Numbers 22:5
He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt. Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me.
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Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Numbers 22:5) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Numbers 22:7
The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
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Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Numbers 22:7) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Why do people seek spiritual power for personal advantage?
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How does Balak's fear mirror opposition to God's people today?
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What does Balaam's later story teach about the limits of human schemes against God's blessing?
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