Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

he could ensure the success of his sinful projects. Seven altars were
erected, and he offered a sacrifice on each. He then withdrew to a
"desolate height" to meet with God.
With the nobles and princes of Moab, the king stood beside the
sacrifice, watching for the return of the prophet. He came at last, and
the people waited for the words that would paralyze forever that
strange power exerted in behalf of the hated Israelites. Balaam said:
Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, From the
mountains of the east, "Come, curse Jacob for me, And come,
denounce Israel!" How shall I God has not cursed? ... Who can
count the dust of Jacob, Or number one-fourth of Israel? Let me die
the death of the righteous, And let my end be like his! Numbers
23:7-10
As Balaam looked on Israel's encampment he was astonished at
the evidence of their prosperity. He had been told they were a rude,
disorganized multitude, infesting the country in roving bands, a pest
and terror to surrounding nations. But what he saw was just the
opposite of all this. He saw the vast extent and perfect arrangement
of their camp, everything bearing the marks of discipline and order.
He was shown the favor with which God regarded Israel and their
distinctive character as His chosen people. They were not to stand
on a level with other nations, but to be exalted above them all. They
were to be "a people dwelling alone, not reckoning itself among the
nations." How strikingly was this prophecy fulfilled in the
subsequent history of Israel! Through all the years, they have
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