Numbers 22

This is a very interesting chapter. I think it illustrates very skillfully a lesson in double-mindedness. Balaam seems to have been a man whose heart was torn between two masters. He certainly knew the right words to say, but it is clear that his heart lusted for the things the king of Balak was offering him. For example, after Balak sent the second wave of princes to entice Balaam to help, and after the word of the Lord had been received in a very definite and final way, namely:

12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

To the second set of princes, Balaam truly did say the right thing:

18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.

But it seems that he didn't really mean what he said and that in his heart he was yearning so bad to go and get the riches and honor promised him. This is evidenced by the fact that he let the king's emissaries stay the night again and hoped to see if the Lord might amend His word:

19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more.

Shouldn't there simply not have been another night attending the princes? Shouldn't Balaam have dismissed them quoting the previous word of the Lord? Shouldn't he have not questioned the Lord further in this matter as he already had an answer in the negative?

I think it is important to note that even though the Lord eventually gave His consent for Balaam to go, it angered Him. I think it is the anger that you know something is not good for your child, and you know that good will come of it, and yet you consent because the child persistently nags.

As mankind is particularly susceptible to double-mindedness, and as I am myself very susceptible, I should take this lesson and learn to be more wise than Balaam. Don't be foolish! Don't suppose that you can serve God and Mammon. You have to be either cold or hot, because if you are luke warm God will spew you out of His indignant mouth.