Theophany: God Comes to Balaam (Part I)

Ken Kalis
3 days ago
2 min read

Scripture: “And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?” — Numbers 22 : 9

Satan took the form of a serpent to deceive Eve into sinning, disobeying God, and putting her own lust first.

That sin brought death into the world, a sharp and fatal bite.
The serpents sent to punish Israel had deadly bites too, but God had mercy.
He gave them a sign of a serpent on a cross that brought healing by just a look.

1500 years later, Jesus animated the sign on the cross of Calvary, freeing us from sin with His blood.

Before Balaam heard the Voice

Before Israel crossed the Jordan, the people again complained in the wilderness. The Lord sent fiery serpents, and many died. Yet mercy followed judgment: Moses lifted a brazen serpent on a pole, and whoever looked upon it lived.Jesus would later say,

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” — John 3 : 14-15

Victory followed. Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan—giants of men whose defeat terrified every neighboring nation.

Balak’s Fear

Balak king of Moab saw what Israel’s God had done and trembled. He longed for that same power but not for obedience. So he sent silver-laden princes eastward to hire a prophet named Balaam, a man who knew the LORD’s name but mixed that knowledge with divination.

That night Balaam said, “Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me.”And Scripture records,

“And God came unto Balaam…”

No mere dream, but a true visitation — the beginning of a conversation that would span three chapters.

The Question That Reveals the Heart

God’s first words cut to the core:

“What men are these with thee?”

The question was not for information but for conviction. The Lord knew exactly who stood at Balaam’s door; He wanted Balaam to see whose company he was keeping. God forbade him to go with the princes or to curse Israel, “for they are blessed.”

Here grace interrupts greed; revelation restrains rebellion. Yet Balaam’s heart wavered. Next week we’ll see where that divided loyalty led—an angel, a sword, and a talking donkey!

Application

God still comes to people torn between two loyalties.
Spiritual knowledge without surrender can destroy a man.
The Lord’s first warning voice is always mercy calling us home.

When He asks, “Who are these with thee?” it may be time to part ways with influences that oppose His purpose.

Prayer

Lord, keep me from the divided heart of Balaam.Let Your first warning voice be enough for me.Teach me to love truth more than rewardand to walk in obedience rather than compromise.May I live under Your blessingand look always to Jesus, lifted up for my healing.Amen.