1. A people who are different--1st oracle (1-12)

Balak realized that Israel was protected by the power of God, so he hired a false prophet, Balaam, to put a curse on Israel. When Balaam tried to curse Israel, he found that he couldn't. When he came near God, God put a blessing in his mouth. He saw that God's people were different from the people of the world (9). They kept their identity. When Balaam briefly saw the world from a spiritual point of view, he longed to be like God's people. He longed to die the death of the righteous. This was not to be! (31:8)

2. See what God has done!--2nd oracle (13-26)

Balaam was a materialist. He still hoped to make some money. So, at Balak's urging, he tried again to curse Israel. Again the Lord put words of blessing in his mouth. He could not but proclaim the faithfulness of God and his sure blessing on Israel. No demonic power is effective against the people whom God protects.

Application: Lord, protect your people from Satan's attack. Help us to keep our identity as your people. Help us to see what you have done.
One Word: See what God has done!