03.03.2020 Views

Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

against those who abuse God's creatures.

Balaam Prevented From Cursing Israel

When he saw the messenger of God, Balaam exclaimed in

terror, "I have sinned, for I did not know that You stood in the way

against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back."

The Lord allowed him to continue on his journey, but divine power

would control his words. God would give Moab evidence that the

Hebrews were under the guardianship of Heaven, and He did this

when He showed them how powerless Balaam was to utter a curse

against them.

The king of Moab, informed of Balaam's approach, went out to

meet him. When he expressed astonishment at Balaam's delay in

view of the rich rewards awaiting him, the prophet answered, "Have

I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my

mouth, that I must speak." Balaam greatly regretted this restriction

because he was afraid that his plans could not be carried out.

The king, with the chief dignitaries of the kingdom, escorted

Balaam to "the high places of Baal," where he could see the Hebrew

camp. How little the Israelites knew of what was taking place so

near them! How little they knew of the care of God, extended over

them day and night!

Balaam had some knowledge of the sacrificial offerings of the

Hebrews, and he hoped that by making more impressive sacrifices

388

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!