The Bible Story Vol 2_w.pdf - Herbert W. Armstrong

God's wrath on Isra el. He correctly believed that Balaam's statement
perhaps meant that the price would be higher than anyt hing Balak had
already offered. Whatever the price, the king was willing to pay and was
pleased to take Balaam with him farther into Moab , to the town of
Kirjath-huzoth , which means "a city of streets."
Because the king and princes of Moab and Mid ian were present,
there was a great celebration that night. Pleasure- seekin g sheepherders
and cattledrivers whooped and yelled as they moved in and out of the
various establishments of the town.
The festive feelin g was further promoted when the king ordered his
musicians, entertainers and dancing girls to per form their best and loudest
in the streets and market place . Alth ough Balaam realized that this
festivity was at least partly in his honor, he was uncomfortable. He
reas oned he was better than those boisterous Moabites. He was even.less
at ease when he noticed a huge fire being built at a street intersection,
and was told th at th e Moabites were about to sacrifice oxen and sheep to
their gods, and that generous portions were being brought to him and the
Midianite princes with him. (Verse 40.)
"We seek protection from our enemies by pleasing our gods with
sacrifices," Balak explained to Balaam. "If you wish to offer sacrifices to
yours at the same time on this altar, I shall see that you are supplied with
any kinds of carcasses you need. Of course I hope that you will at the
same time implore God to curse Israel. "
"I am sorry to disappoint you," Balaam answered, "but God has
forbidden me to do what I would like to. So I can't join you in this
ceremony."
So Balak was again disappointed .
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