Parasha Balak: Day 7—Shabbat

Bamidbar/Numbers 22:2-25:9

Sometimes, a parent will go to extreme measures to insure the best behavior or to change the behavior of a child. For instance, by demanding that Lego pieces be completely picked-up is not unreasonable. After all, those things kill the feet when stepped on. If a parent were to grow exasperated when the menacing pieces of plastic shrapnel were not collected, a new level of enforcement would be demanded. By collecting the pieces, the parent could state that all of them would be tossed into the trash. Of course great wailing and gnashing of children's teeth is set in motion. Once the desired effect is reached and the parent is satisfied that his feet will touch Lego's no more, a sense of repentance is achieved. The molded barbs are relinquished back to the child's care and all is, hopefully, resolved for the better.

While Scripture yields that YHVH repented in His anger toward Israel, it is inconsistent with His nature to change. Therefore, the plan from the beginning was to offer a last minute second chance. A scare tactic that should bring about obedience is the plan designed by the Master. It is not that the Father makes idle threats, but that He has unrelenting mercy and perpetual springs of lovingkindness for those He chooses. This graciousness of YHVH should not be confused with waffling or wishy-washy thinking. YHVH is resolute in matters of Covenant and judgment.

Those that are called, chosen and live a lifestyle of Covenant know that YHVH does not change. It is they who have to change and be molded into the image of His Son. That image is as unyielding as it was at the beginning and will be throughout eternity. The people that find that place of rest in Yeshua know the difference between right and wrong, the clean and unclean, the holy and profane. The two extremes cannot be mixed or scrambled, they are incompatible no matter how gray the two may seem. Others, outside the will of YHVH or not abiding by Torah or understanding the Life of Yeshua choose to exploit the gray areas and reside in the place where they believe clean and unclean meet. If they do not understand it or if it seems inordinately difficult, it must be alright to ignore or brush over that rule or command.

The actions of Balaam could be seen as muddied in light of his ability to discern absolute sacrosanct and complete defilement. YHVH is jealous and does not want to share His altars or sacrifices with false gods; nor will YHVH settle for half a heart when all is required. Balaam appears much in the same way that church pastors do—not knowing the difference between clean and unclean, and not caring to realize that there is real distinction between the holy and profane. If Balaam, or others really knew YHVH, they would understand that Yah does not change and that He cannot except second best or defiled offerings. Their confusion over the mercy of Elohim in contrast to mistaken approval is dreadful. Furthermore, it could be that many denote getting away with "white" sins as grace when, in fact, they may just be used by the Almighty to bless those that do recognize the difference in Covenant keeping and paganism. Their involvement with YHVH could be like that of Balaam. He was not part of Israel, but put on an "Israelite" mask and was used to bring forth judgment upon those that were part of the Covenant.

The children of Israel, while still in the wilderness, were seduced to mingle themselves with the women of the Midianites, a foreign nation. Those that succumb to lust and temptation either were ignorant of the distinction of holy and profane or abandoned their place of righteousness for the corruption of sin possibly assuming they would be forgiven or their action was not really sin anyway. We, as Israel, must not fall prey to such thinking or temptation. By walking in Torah and the example set by Yeshua, our lives will exemplify the difference between clean and unclean, called and rejected. YHVH does not change and His mercy is new every morning; but, we must change and our minds must be conformed along with our hearts so that we are completely yielded to the Master and His image. In doing so, we will be the sons of righteousness, the priests of the Most High. (Ezekiel 44)

Dwell upon Bamidbar 23:19, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

Parasha Balak: Day 6

Bamidbar/Numbers 24:14-25:9

Much speculation surrounds the changing of narratives between Balaam's escapades and Israel's sin with the Midianites. Some things to consider, however, are the following. First, Balaam is the son of Beor while Israel goes to bow down before Baal of Peor. This could just be coincidence or there could be a relationship that tied Balaam as a son of a false el likened to Israel being children or sons of The Elohim. Second, the high places at which Balaam builds altars and sacrifices were the high places of Peor. While there, Balaam seems to have no difficulty in making sacrifices in an already defiled high place of a false god. Third, Balaam was sent to from Moab through the elders of Midian. He obviously had some type of affiliation with the Midianites and their religious practices. In short, the two narratives are related by the influence of Balaam.

Simply by not realizing who Israel was, not willing to submit to the totality of being Israel and not discerning who he really served, Balaam could have mistaken Baal of Peor, or any other Baal for that matter, to be one and the same as YHVH Elohim. This would be completely false! Yet, it could shed light on why Balaam would so easily sacrifice on the same high places and refer Balak to Baal of Peor as a way to ensnare Israel. As seen later in Bamidbar 31, Torah relates that it is Balaam that gives counsel for Midianite to seduce Israel with their women. As he sees that he is not part of Israel but tries to function as one who is pleasing in the sight of YHVH, Balaam could easily discount commingling and pagan practices with other nation's baals as just another way to serve Elohim. Possibly, the advice given to the Midianites to seduce Israel could have been for the sake of capturing their attention and making a covenant with them in contrast to causing them to serve other elohim.

Whatever the reason or rationale, Balaam angered YHVH and caused Israel to play the harlot. Yet, this was evidently in the hearts of the sons of Israel. Otherwise, why would they so readily go to the women of Midian? YHVH used this episode in the desert to purge Israel of that many more of the generation that left Egypt and would not enter the Promised Land. 

It does seem that YHVH gives opportunity for stumbling blocks to be placed in the way of His people in order to test and purify them. For this reason, it is only a remnant that made it into the Promised Land (of those who originally left Egypt), and it will only be a remnant of those who think they live for YHVH who will make it through the tribulation or into the kingdom of heaven. With all of this, it is up to Israel, us as YHVH's people that have entered into Covenant with YHVH Elohim alone and through Yeshua, to choose to serve Him alone. 

We cannot barter for another elohim or confuse the traditions, rites or rituals of this world or its false religions with the true worship and adoration of our King. The result will be the expulsion from Israel and the separation from YHVH. Nor can we allow ourselves to give counsel to seduce other parts of Israel to wrong choices, false covenants or pagan worship. The result is the same as the curse will be returned upon our own heads. All of these are immoral acts and giving ourselves over to the false gods created by men. The hidden manna awaits, along with a white stone and a new name written on that stone, for those that overcome these trials and tests. (Revelation 2:12-17)

Dwell upon Psalm 16:3-5, "As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, nor will I take their names upon my lips. YHVH is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot."

Parasha Balak: Day 5

Bamidbar/Numbers 23:27-24:13

As bad as the situation is or as bad as the outlook may be, YHVH still is in control and still has the endgame planned. Not only this, but the Almighty knows how the end will turn out in every situation, whether it is a wilderness experience, a bad situation or the end of all ends. He knows. The resolve of Israel has to be to overcome until the end of every situation, bad or good until the end. In this resolve comes the muster, not to rely on one's own flesh or might, not to depend on the might of a nation's military or the power of friends and family members to rescue, but to rely solely on the mighty arm of YHVH Elohim.

The dependence upon YHVH is so vital to spiritual, emotional and physical survival, that the believer cannot take their eyes off the prize in Messiah and the promises established by and through Him. Those that rise up against Israel and those that rise up in the midst of Israel can look, sound and act exactly the same, as much as they may be the complete opposite. It does not matter, in the grand scheme of things, whether one is for or against Israel, YHVH will have His say and will.

Those that rise up in the midst of Israel and seemingly live according to Torah and may even profess Yeshua, can be wolves in sheep's clothing. They may walk in a deluding spirit in order to be separated from the fold. They might just be used by YHVH to sway others that are not walking according to YHVH's will and purpose. Both could become casualties to soothing words that are false due to hearts that are not sold out to YHVH.

Conversely, the nations have many people that look good, have charisma and can sway the hearts of thousands. Their words may not directly influence or be heard by Israel, but there ramifications can have devastating effects on the way others view, love and support Israel. There in lies the key. The people who would look to curse Israel or to stand against Israel or even be a conduit to sway Israel, as in the case of Balaam, do not consider themselves be part of Israel. Other wise, why would they want to curse themselves. The other extreme is that they consider themselves to be elitist Israel or replace Israel altogether. Whether motivated by fear, such was the case with Balak, or jealousy or pride, the outcome is to try and diminish Israel's footprint on earth while making them suffer as much as possible.

In Balaam's discourse, the Ruach of Elohim put the words into his mouth to pronounces for Israel in Balak's hearing. While there are manifold blessings in this, there are pitfalls and a curse, as well. YHVH was and is always to be the King of Israel, via Yeshua pre and post incarnate. Israel's longing for a king in what would be the future was granted by YHVH as a punishment. They were looking to the other nations and seeing their governments pining for that type of system. In Balaam's oracle, YHVH gives insight to what would befall Israel, both good and bad. This is a represents some of the current stubbornness that Israel clearly exhibits toward YHVH as still desiring what other nations have and not heeding YHVH their Elohim.

We know the course Israel took while in the wilderness and upon entering the land was defined by YHVH. That they would choose the Father wholeheartedly is a given. That they did not was destined as the plan for all of the world to come to the King of kings, or at least have the option to choose. We, also, know that no body can curse or bless without the sovereignty of YHVH; nor can either be implemented without His consent and will. Many have and will rise up against YHVH's elect. Some will spew venom, others will be overtaken by the Ruach to speak blessings. Their hearts will dictate where their eternity will be spent, just as ours do.

Balaam saw that it was good to bless Israel. It was not for the purpose of blessing her that he continued, but for the glory and blessing that would be received for doing so. He ends his discourse with this statement. Our hearts must be set on being YHVH's precious possession and to please Him because He delights in us, not because we get something out of it. To receive eternal life is only a great gift. The greater gifts are the love that YHVH has for us and the work accomplished in that vein through His Son. It is there that our heart's desires must be set and our attention focused.

Dwell upon Ephesians 6:5-8, "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Messiaht; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Messiah, doing the will of Elohim from the heart. With good will render service, as to YHVH, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from YHVH, whether slave or free."

Parasha Balak: Day 4

Bamidbar/Numbers 23:13-26

At any given time, no one can see Israel in its entirety. Whether in Israel or New York, or even looking at Jew or Church, Israel is whom YHVH wills, accepts and purchases for Himself. Man cannot take away from or add to Torah or YHVH's people. Only the Father has that power. He gives Israel lessons to apply in order to have this idea be reality and a lifestyle. By not marrying the other nations or making covenants with strange nations, Israel does not cross contaminate themselves with that which is out of YHVH's order. Other ways by which YHVH teaches Israel is by ordering them  not to cut the side growths of the head or harm the edges of the beard, both of which would take away from what YHVH created in His image. In other words, taking away what YHVH ordained is to play god.

Balak took Balaam to different vantage points in order to curse his supposed enemies. One would need to wonder if YHVH would have destroyed Balak and his country if he had not determined to destroy Israel first. The way it was, however, Balak hated Israel and sought to wipe them from the earth. In doing so, he looked to Balaam to be more of a sooth-sayer than a prophet. Supposedly, by Balaam seeing Israel from a varying perspectives, he would be enticed to curse them. Yet, there was not a way for Balaam to see all of Israel. Even if Balak could have shown him all the people in the wilderness, Israel had existed prior and would exist in thousands of generations to come. There was nothing that Balaam could have said that would change who Israel would be or the Covenant between them and YHVH.

The ability to add to or take away from anything or anyone that belongs to YHVH is of His design and approval. The adversary cannot hinder, malign or subtract from Israel without the permission from YHVH. Man, on the other hand, has a will of his own that is contrary to YHVH. Even this, however, is ordained to run its course until either death or repentance occurs. Upon entering the kingdom of Messiah, it is His will that presides and to which every man must yield. No man can take away or add to that kingdom or the works of Messiah.

The place of blessing is found when one is obedient to the principles and statutes that govern the kingdom of YHVH. Likewise, others that pronounce blessings in accordance to those same principles are blessed for their eternal efforts. The converse is also true. If man is found rebelling against the teachings and instructions prescribed by YHVH as the rule for His government, then curses will begin to manifest in that person's life. Additionally, when others look to thwart the people of promise, the Covenant or the rules of YHVH, the curse comes back upon them so that they live out what had been intended as evil.

Only the Father knows the proper order. It may look messy, over-grown or unkept, but it still belongs to Him and not man. This applies to man and population, possessions and actions. Our faith must be the eyes by which we see both YHVH and others in His kingdom. It is not faith in that sight, but in YHVH that His kingdom advances and others come to be His children. When we take away from or add to our bodies in form of forbidden cuts, tattoos or other gentile elements, we proclaim ourselves king and try deny YHVH His will in our lives. In the end, it will be YHVH's will that trumps every man's, nations or enemy's agenda that would rise against Yeshua, Torah or Israel. To what capacity we can empty our own lives will determine how we will be blessed or cursed within His ultimate will.

We may not see the whole picture now, but it does not change the beginning from the end, nor does our lack of vision diminish YHVH or His people. The portion of what we do see will be used to judge us and is to what we must be conformed. The truth we reject will still be a standard regardless of our own fleshly convictions. Like Balaam, we must speak only what YHVH speaks. Moreover, our hearts must not be ransomed back for it belongs to YHVH through Yeshua. He has the power to enlarge if we walk in His ways, or to decrease if we harden our hearts to His will and Word.

Dwell upon 1 Chronicles 28:9, "As for you, my son Solomon, know the Elohim of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for YHVH searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever."

Parasha Balak: Day 3

Bamidbar/Numbers 22:39-23:12

Interestingly, there are some things to be known about Balaam. First, he was a man who knew the ways of Elohim. He knew about altars and sacrifices in ways that were pleasing to the heart of Elohim. He, also, knew something of Torah, particularly, the laws concerning Israel not intermarrying or intermingling with the other nations. Alas, Balaam knew these things, but was not fully convinced to serve YHVH Elohim with all his heart, soul and mind. He was seduced by a neighboring pagan, Balak, to become a spiritual “hit man.” In other words, Balak wanted Balaam to render a curse from his mouth upon the children of Israel.

The Word states that “death and life are in the power of the tongue;" therefore, Balaam was asked and would be coerced to pronounce death upon YHVH’s people. Subsequently, Balaam's donkey was a innocent bystander who was forced to be the vessel to take him to do this dastardly deed. The donkey saw into the realm of the Spirit and was hard-pressed not to go in the direction of Balaam. “YHVH preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.” (Psalm 116:6) It is sad to think that man, specifically Balaam, was so engrossed in self worth and esteem that YHVH looked over him to prefer a donkey instead.

The complexity of Balaam's position to uphold YHVH yet be willing to endure just the right amount of temptation in order to receive benefit is plain to see. Balaam even named his price by stating the amount of silver and gold that it would take for temptation to gain resolve. Thus began the trouble for Balaam and for Israel. The saying holds true that bad company corrupts good morals. This could have been applicable to Balaam as he hung around Balak, and, ultimately for Israel as YHVH allowed them to be tempted by foreign women as later advised by Balaam to Balak.

From the onset, Balaam, who knew YHVH and spoke to Him, was accepting and eating meat that was sacrificed to who knows what god. Next, he was going up to the high places of Baal and gave orders to offer up bulls and rams on the altars made on this unholy high place. This most seemingly does not seem like a man set on YHVH's ways as he is being swayed to mingle what is Most Holy with what is profane and idolatrous. It was as though Balaam was willing to do whatever was needed to get a bad report on behalf of Israel, by chance looking for a way to cause a curse from a holy or unholy source.

Fortunately, the original blessings of Abraham prevailed as Covenantal promises made to a future nation. Those who bless you will be blessed and those who curse you will be cursed. It is strange to understand that Moab and Midian knew of this type of blessing and cursing, but it makes sense knowing that these were all related or descendants of Abraham. Here within lies the rub. Even Balaam knew that he was not of Israel as his discourse reveals that He longed to die the death of the upright and envied the ways and end of Jacob. Since he did not see himself as part of Israel and acted accordingly, the reality of the Abraham's promises set in. Any blessing pronounced by him would bring about blessing, and any curses would come back to haunt him. This could give real insight as to why Balaam decided he could go to see Balak. After all, if he blessed Israel enough, could he not in turn receive manyfold blessings, too?

For our part, if we are not for Israel, we are against YHVH's people. If we are not part of YHVH's people, then we are a part of the other nations and will be numbered accordingly. If we bless Israel, part of the blessing in return could be to be involved with Israel and be come part of the greater Nation and numbered among her. Rest assure, we cannot emulate Israel or Torah without having to count the cost eventually. The knowledge used to copy what is good and pure will be used to judge us when it comes time and we will be held accountable for that knowledge. Like Balaam who knew how to do good and what to do to please Elohim, he was accountable to YHVH and not to Balak.

The enemy will come against us, through others, material goods and greed to seduce us and coerce us to curse Israel or YHVH. We must not allow ourselves to be caught secretly wanting those temptations or lusting after what is known to be sin. Like Balaam, we might just get what we secretly lust after and thus succumb to the temptations and abide by the curses that follow those that curse Israel.

Dwell upon 1 Timothy 6:8-10, "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Parasha Balak: Day 2

Bamidbar/Numbers 22:21-38

In Genesis/B’reisheet 16:12, YHVH states that Ishmael would be a wild donkey of a man. Later, in Exodus/Shemot 34, YHVH explains the redemption of the first offspring of a donkey with the similar explanation for man immediately following. Balaam seems to exemplify this sentiment quite well, as the angel of YHVH clearly favors the donkey over Balaam’s life. After all, it was not Balaam’s perseverance that caused his life to be spared, but the donkey’s respect for the adversary and love for life that did.

Several points can be made based on Balaam’s resolve to go with Balak’s men. First, the donkey had more sense then Balaam. Like a seeing eye dog, the donkey was trying to save his and his master’s lives. Second, the donkey upon which Balaam had ridden all of his life. The life expectancy of a donkey is only 25-30 years. This reveals that Balaam was still quite a young man when heading out for this adventure. Additionally, Balaam was still going to meet Balak under the radar of his own power and heart’s desire. Man cannot hide anything from the Creator who knows and searches the hearts of man. 

When man turns to his own devices and seeks to fulfill his own lusts and desires which are contrary to YHVH and His ways, something happens that is not necessarily expected. Not only does man become YHVH's adversary, but YHVH Himself may become man's adversary. This is an interesting part of the story of Balaam, as the angel of YHVH comes as an adversary in the way. In the story of Balaam, Torah uses the Hebrew word satan meaning adversary. While this may not speak to THE adversary most recognize as a fallen angel, it s interesting to think of YHVH being an adversary to man. There are other times in Torah YHVH presents Himself contrary to the likable, peaceable Lamb. Take for instance the narrative describing YHVH desiring to put Moshe to death until Tzipporah intervenes by circumcising their son. Or, consider the angel of YHVH that smote the Egyptians in their firstborn. These were not the devil, but YHVH's angel, possibly even Yeshua pre-incarnate, doing the work of righteousness. These are hard examples for believers to understand, not to mention what unbelievers consider when seeing these historical accounts. It does, nonetheless, foster evidence that YHVH sets Himself against those whose hearts are not His.

Balaam's donkey should be looked at as a lesson for us that seek to follow after YHVH. We should not discount anyone that we have deemed lesser than us or those that we assume to be beneath us. A donkey was easier to use than Balaam was. It is great to think that our lives are valuable, and so they are. Yet, to the Father, we are likened to unclean animals until we submit to the full control and will of Yeshua. The donkey was kept in check by a bridle, bit and harshness; and, even with these, she saved her and Balaam's lives in what Balaam assumed was rebellion. How much more should the people of YHVH be able to hear, see and obey the voice of the Master in heart, soul and strength?

A donkey was used to teach Balaam that his way was erroneous. We have the Torah, Prophets and all other Scripture to help us, not to mention the same Ruach haKodesh that beckons our full attention. When these do not sink in, YHVH uses others, even fellow donkeys, to administer His Truth and to convict each of us. None of us are above falling prey to temptation and none of us are above learning from the least in the Kingdom.

Dwell upon Psalm 32:8-10, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in YHVH, lovingkindness shall surround him."

Parasha Balak: Day 1

Bamidbar/Numbers 22:2-20

From a Torah and spiritual perspective, Balak and Balaam represent a tag-team of temptation, maligning and real conspiracy; however, it did not necessarily start out that way. It would seem that the perception of Balaam starting his career believed in, spoke to and heard from YHVH, the same Elohim of Israel. Additionally, Balaam appeared not to even be tempted by riches or intimidated by distinguished leaders, judges or dignitaries.

It is easy to assume that people who disagree with us or do not share common grounds in Torah serve a false elohim. It is quite certainly true when it comes to Muslims, Hindus, and other world religions do not know YHVH our Elohim and serve sun gods, moon gods or just themselves. It is also factual that many people, Christian believers included, have perverted the true faith of Scripture while still praying to and seeking YHVH Elohim, a.k.a. God.

The service of YHVH by foreigners other than who is known to be Israel is a common theme in Scripture. Yitro was the priest of Midian and blessed YHVH for delivering Israel from Egypt and Pharaoh. This should not be a surprise considering Yitro and the Midianites were descendants of Abraham after Sarah's death. Another well known Biblical character to whom YHVH spoke and had favor was Nebuchadnezzar. It is most apparent that YHVH established this Babylonian king for the sake of punishing Israel and to bring about greater fulfillment of prophecy from Torah and to Abraham. YHVH's incursion into Nebuchadnezzar's life and kingdom did not stop at this, but went into how he governed and demanded his respect as illustrated in the seven years of beastly living.

In reality, it is quite easy to know of Elohim. It is even reasonably simple to ask Him for help, especially when times are tough or life is threatened. The other reality opposes this notion. Sort of out of sight out of mind type of thinking. If one does not need YHVH, then why would he ask for His presence or help? Nominal thinking by today's leaders, churches and many believers and non-believers alike sequester YHVH in a man-made box that is looked at on Sundays or during abnormal challenges. To discuss Him in public is embarrassing and old-fashioned and to take Torah at His Word is antiquated at best. Yet, the same people who think like this, even remotely similar, have no real understanding of just Who YHVH is.

This brings us back to Balaam. To be sure, Balak did not know or care Who YHVH was; but, it seems reasonable that Balaam did. His future would be tied to his own heart's desires, unfortunately, and not the heart and thoughts of YHVH. This should make us pose the question: did Balaam really know YHVH Elohim or just of Him? Even if He knew Him more intently than many of the nations surrounding him, did he long to belong to Him and be known by the Creator?

This, of course, is the question all of us, as Israel or not (yet) must ask of ourselves and of the Father. Does He know us? Does He want, even long, to know us? Conversely, do we know and long to know Him? If so, then the reasonable solution is to obey Him, His Word and to have in our hearts, not merely in the forefront of our minds. Moreover, when hard times hit, and prayer is a must, does the answer cause despair or does temptation trump the Sovereign's solution?

Balaam lived in the same area that Abram was born. He was a descendant of Abraham. He possibly even knew Yitro and was a fellow priest or at least an elder and prophet of Midian. The point is Balaam new of YHVH and had some type of relationship based on that knowledge. After all, YHVH did speak to Him and sent an angel to stand in his way. It was not that which was physically seen that was wrong, though. It was the inner workings that YHVH saw and with which He had problems. Our lives need to be tempered so that the inner longings do not trump YHVH's will and desire for us, for that is the same sin as the original in the Garden. In other words, we cannot be double-minded and expect YHVH to be with us in our decisions and in our reckoning.

Dwell upon Psalm 131, "O YHVH, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in YHVH from this time forth and forever."