Balaam

This morning I began reading about Balaam. His story has always vaguely interested. But not until I read it slowly, absorbing details, did I really notice the drama, the conflict, the fascinating characters, and the brilliance of God. Here is an abridged version of my notes (the numbers are verses within Numbers chapter 22):

6) Balaam's blessings and curses work. It seems that Balaam is blessing and cursing in God's name, based on what he repeatedly tells Balak's men and the way he always consults God. Balak (aka "bad guy") wants a supernatural mercenary but Balaam operates more like a prophet. Balaam seems to be a Godly man who wasn't Jewish. How did he meet God? I would love to know his story.
8) Balaam takes no credit for his "abilities," nor does he feel the freedom to act without consulting God. He understands the authority structure and he takes his responsibility seriously. He knows he is merely a representative.
9) When God asks this in the old testament, it generally means the people in question are about one step from the grave. Is this an honor thing? Is God testing Balaam? Or helping him process the request?
12) God tells Balaam not to go. End of story. Well, it probably should be...
13) Balaam obeys God. He refuses to go.
15) Balak really doesn't understand the situation. He either A. thinks Balaam operates on his own power, B. thinks that God changes His mind willy-nilly and will be impressed by a few human leaders, or C. Thinks that he is greater than God and can strongarm or trick Him into cooperation. If C., I don't know why he would want to waste his time securing the allegiance of such a weak diety. So I suspect either A. or B.
16) Balak, if I understand correctly, is knowingly trying to get Balaam to rebel against God's command and follow his command instead. This would have to be some version of A. Obviously if Balaam forsakes the source of his power, he will be powerless. Where, then, does he think Balaam gets his power? The "force"? Some idol (baal)? What makes Balak think that this mystical power will side with him? He is as blind as modern occult members, thinking that supernatural power will bow to the will of anyone who will harness it. Sorry, folks. No free lunches. Supernatural power comes with a pricetag of servitude.
17) In the whole world there are few appeals more convincing
18) ... and Balaam holds his ground. It probably frustrated him, but he knows, even if Balak doesn't, that he can't rebel against God. However...
19) Balaam seems to be weakening. It sounds like he really wants to go with these guys. He doesn't want to rebel against God. His chilly reception of the ambassadors proves that. But he really wishes that he could also somehow please Balak and these dignitaries.
20) I don't think God would say this if Balaam is truly neutral on the subject. On the other hand, maybe He does it because He has a higher purpose.
22) Something is wrong with Balaam's heart. He may be edging closer to outright rebellion. God is going to either stop him or set him straight, though, before he gets a chance.
23) The angel choses to be visible to the donkey. In other words, God doesn't intend to kill Balaam
24)...but He does want to stop him cold until he learns a couple of lessons.
26) God forces Balaam to provide the buildup. Who wouldn't respond to a talking animal? You can't just blow it off.
27) Balaam's honor. That is why he is so riled right now. He is self-conscious about looking inept before all the nobles as he leads his grand parade. He really has gotten too big for his britches. His donkey talks to him, obviously by the work of God, and he threatens to kill it. No wonder God puts the breaks on him. He is fearing man too much and God too little.
30) I love how God, after working him into a lather, draws him back to reality one step at a time. First, the donkey. WHY would it behave abnormally, Balaam? Use your brain, not your emotions. You are being a fool on many levels...
31) Lesson time. Balaam crumbles and learns:
#1 God doesn't change his mind because of money, fame, or impressiveness of humans
#2 Balaam has no power of his own, and if he persists in rebellion, it's curtains.
#3 Balaam doesn't have unlimited vision. His donkey saw something that he didn't. God will show Balaam only what he needs to see, and no more. Lest Balaam think too much of himself, God may just as easily reveal things to someone --or something-- else. In short, Balaam learns, "IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!"
32) Now Balaam will be held responsible in a very uncomfortable interrogation.
33) Balaam felt humiliated moments before- the result of self-centered big-headed puffery. now he feels genuine humility- the result of being abruptly confronted with a wider perspective on the situation.
34) Balaam learned his lesson. He is ready to defy the nobles and head home
35) But now that God has Balaam back in the right place, he can serve on a greater mission. What Balaam is about to do requires a lot of faith and determination- defy the king to his face. Balaam is about to risk his life, but now for the right reasons.
37) Balak expresses displeasure over the first rejection, levels an accusation of dishonor, and falsly accuses Balaam of greed and pride. This is a significant amount of pressure. Furthermore, it is obvious that Balak totally doesn't get it.
38) My paraphrase of Balaam's response: "Well, I am here now, so get over it. And what I said before hasn't changed. I'm not your circus monkey."
40) Who or what is Balak trying to please? Or do? This probalby shows that Balak believes in some sort of diety, but that doesn't really jive with his treatment of Balak. Maybe he feels that he, as king, can use Balaam as a magical mouthpiece to the god of his choice.
Or perhaps he is just prepping Balaam. The phrase "sent some to Balaam and the leaders" is odd. It really sounds like the king was doing his own pow-wow and then provided for the others to do whatever rituals they needed to do in order to make the "magic" work. I this Pantheism? Something like Hinduism? Selfism? Mush? I favor the later.
41) An idol sacrifice place. He probably chose it because of demonic power that dwelled there. But God can move anywhere, even in demonic strongholds.

The drama continues tomorrow...