Temptations

Numbers 23:27-26:11

The events we read about here are ‘a warning sign’ (26:10). As we have seen, when Paul writes about temptations (1 Corinthians 10) he refers back to this section in the book of Numbers and says that what is written here stands as a ‘warning’.

‘These are all warning markers – DANGER! – in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes... we are just as capable of messing it up as they were... You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence’ (1 Corinthians 10:11–12, MSG).

What are we being warned about? What are these temptations?

1. Witchcraft

‘Sorcery’ (sometimes translated divination) means turning to supernatural, magical powers, which do not come from God, to find out something, or to make something happen. Today, we see the use of horoscopes, tarot cards, fortune tellers, Ouija boards, palm reading, and so on. People want to know what is going to happen. Especially in times of trouble, they sometimes turn to these wrong methods.

Balaam’s life was a curious mixture. At times he was capable of acting under the inspiration of the ‘Spirit of God’ (Numbers 24:2). He uttered one of the great messianic prophecies: ‘A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel… A ruler will come out of Jacob’ (vv.17–19; see also Matthew 2:1–10). Jesus describes himself as ‘the bright Morning Star’ (Revelation 22:16).

Yet, Balaam is condemned in the New Testament. We see the reason here. He was a sorcerer. He would normally have received a ‘fee for divination’ (Numbers 22:7) and been rewarded handsomely for his sorcery (24:11). The moments when he operated under the Spirit of God were exceptions. There were occasions when, ‘he did not resort to sorcery as at other times’ (v.1).

2. Immorality

The people fell into sexual immorality: ‘the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women (25:1). They were all deceived (v.18). God’s judgment came on them and especially on one of their leaders, Zimri, ‘the leader of a Simeonite family’ (v.14). Sexual immorality is not a temptation from which the leaders of the church are exempt. If leaders fail it is even more serious and damaging, partly because of their influence.

3. God-substitutes

The people were unfaithful to God. They worshipped and bowed down to other gods. They ‘joined in worshipping the Baal of Peor’ (vv.3,5). Idols are far broader than statues to other gods. Idols are God-substitutes. They are created things that we are serving as number one in our lives rather than serving the creator (see Romans 1:25).

The apostle Paul warns us of the dangers of falling into the same temptations but ends with these encouraging words:

‘No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. … God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13, MSG).