Chapter Summary

Balaam foretells prosperity for Israel.

Discussion Questions for Numbers, Chapter 24

1. Numbers 24:1-2, “When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him.” (ESV) What did Balaam set aside and replace by setting his face to the wilderness? Why is it significant that this happened specifically to Balaam?
2. Numbers 24:10, “And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.” (ESV) What was Balaam known for doing? Why did Balaam not curse Balak’s enemies? How does this affirm whose voice will always prevail?
3. What did Balaam say and do to ease Balak’s anger against him? What does this detail reveal about Balak’s character?
4. Numbers 24:13, “‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the LORD speaks, that will I speak’?” (ESV) How does this speak to the value of The Lord’s voice? If Balaam, a curser and entertainer of the demonic could not prevail against God’s Will, how can we come to have a deeper reverence in God’s Sovereignty?
5. How can this chapter serve as a lesson to us to only declare that which honors God’s Word and commands?
6. What can be the hardest part about speaking only what honors the Lord in light of voices around us saying to do the opposite? Are you carrying any fears with you when it comes to identifying yourself with Christ? What would encourage you to be bold in your faith? How might you encourage those around you as well?
7. What was Balaam prophecy about? How might it bring comfort in light of pressures you might be facing today?
8. Why is it important to understand Balaam’s oracle from God? How is the prophecy of provision over God’s people relevant for His people today?
9. Numbers 24:17, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” (ESV) How does this prophecy from God through Balaam reflect something greater to come? How does it parallel with other prophetic verses we see throughout the Bible?
10. Based off of what we see in Numbers, did Balaam have a change in heart and turn to the Lord or did the Lord turn his curse around for good to bless His people? How can we discern this based off of what we see in the Scriptures?

Key Words/Phrase

Latter days, v. 14.

Characters

God, Balaam, Balak.

Strong Verse(s)

13, 17.