1. There are 9 questions in Numbers 22 –see vss. 9, 28, 30, 32, 37, and 38. Balaam asks only 1 of those questions –all the others are asked OF Balaam. What are the questions from God (vs. 9), the donkey (vss. 28, 30), and the Angel of the Lord (vs. 32) really trying to ask him? How do they differ from the 3 questions that Balak asks (vs. 37)?2. Balaam is kind of like a politician –he is willing to...  Read More

Numbers 24:15-25 (HCSB)Balaam’s Fourth Oracle15 Then he proclaimed his poem: The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened; 16 the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God and has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: 17 I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will c...  Read More

Numbers 24:1-14 (HCSB)24 Since Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness. 2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him, 3 and he proclaimed his poem: The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened, 4 the oracle of one who ...  Read More

Numbers 23:1-30 (HCSB)Balaam’s Oracles23 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” 2 So Balak did as Balaam directed, and they offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3 Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone. Maybe the Lord will meet with me. I will tell you whatever He reveals to me.” So he went to a bar...  Read More

Numbers 22:22-41 (HCSB)Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel 22 But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in His hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her t...  Read More

Numbers 22:1-21  (HCSB)Balak Hires Balaam 22 The Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan across from Jericho. 2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4 So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around ...  Read More

THE COST OF REBELLIONValue the things that God values. Don’t use the world’s standards to determine your level of satisfaction.KEY TRUTH: Rebellion is often rooted in discontent (Numbers 16:1–15)KEY TRUTH: Rebellion often spreads, as do its consequences (Numbers 16:16–35)KEY TRUTH: Rebellion is always unwise (Numbers 16:36–50)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!How did Korah an...  Read More

1.  What was the purpose of God’s commands for the Israelites? What command do you find the most difficult to keep in your own life?2. What is your first tendency when your authority is questioned or challenged? If you are not in a position of authority, do you ever find yourself prone to question and complain about those who are? How does the Bible instruct us to respond in these kinds of situati...  Read More

Jude 3-11  (HCSB)Jude’s Purpose in Writing3 Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write and exhort you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. 4 For some men, who were designated for this judgment long ago, have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into promiscuity and deny...  Read More

Numbers 16:29-50  (HCSB)29 If these men die naturally as all people would, and suffer the fate of all, then the Lord has not sent me. 30 But if the Lord brings about something unprecedented, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them along with all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have despised the Lord.” 31 Just as he finished spe...  Read More

Numbers 16:1-28  (HCSB)Korah Incites Rebellion 16 Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took 2 250 prominent Israelite men who were leaders of the community and representatives in the assembly, and they rebelled against Moses. 3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have gone too far...  Read More

Numbers 15:32-41 (HCSB)Sabbath Violation 32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the entire community. 34 They placed him in custody because it had not been decided what should be done to him. 35 Then the Lord told Moses, “The man is to be put to death. The entire comm...  Read More