After hearing the news about Israel's triumphs over the Amorite kings, the Moabites were terrified. Therefore, Balak king of Moab wanted to hire a sorcerer Balaam to put a curse on Israel. Balak sent his envoys to Balaam with a fee for divination. Balaam wanted to go with them and to curse Israel to get the fee. But God told Balaam not to go with Balak's men, and not to put a curse on Israel. So, Balaam sent them home. Balaam was not a man with a genuine heart after God, although he had some spiritual gifts. He was willing to use his spiritual gift for his selfish gain.

The king of Moab sent more delegates back to Balaam and with the promise of more money and honor. The temptation to Balaam was now stronger than the first time. Although he knew God's will clearly, Balaam allowed them to stay the night and prayed again to God perhaps to change God's will that he could go and curse Israel. God didn't change his will but gave Balaam permission conditionally to go. God does not force us. He gives us choice and related responsibility. If we waver between God's will and our ungodly will, we are struggling with temptation. We need to deny our will and submit to God's as Jesus struggled in Gethsemane: "…not my will, but yours be done."


Application: Lord, I see my will and desire against your will. Help me to deny my fleshly desire and obey your will willingly.
One Word: Thy will be done!