Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 29, 2019

Year-End Lessons from a Talking Donkey

Numbers 22:22-35

1. Balak Summons Balaam (1-21)

• his dread of Israel
• his desire to curse
• God’s double-prohibition
• Balaam’s response
• a second summons

2. An Armed Angel and a Talking Donkey (22-41)

• God’s kindled anger
• the donkey’s perception
• dialogue with a donkey
• God’s opposition and Balaam’s response
• Balaam and Balak meet

3. Blessings from the Mouth of Balaam

• 23:1-12 and 23:13-30
• 24:1-14 and 24:15-25

4. Idolatry and Immorality in Israel

• 25:1-3
• Balaam’s death 31:8
• Balaam’s deception 31:16

5. Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture

• Deut. 23:4-5 and Josh. 24:9-10
• Jude 11, 1 Peter 2:15-16 and Rev. 2:14

6. So What?

• Knowing that your heart is diseased with self-deception, resolve to live in the protective realm of God’s revelation.
• Magnify the mercy of God 23:21
• “Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world, They resound with God’s own heart, O let the ancient words impart…” (DeShazo)