In the Book of Numbers chapters 22 and 23 we find the familiar story of Balaam son of Beor, a priest known as one whose words carried power, a fact voiced by one of his admirers: “I know that he whom you bless is blessed and he whom you curse is cursed” (22:6). That Balaam, the heathen “holy man,” had spiritual power was well-known throughout the region. Not far from where he was staying in Pethor the 12 Tribes of Israel were passing through the land of Moab. Everyone in the area had heard that they had defeated the powerful Amorite army, creating great fear among the people. Upon seeing the masses of Israelites–numbering some three million souls–camped on the planes of Moab near the Jordan River, Balak the Moabite king, became afraid. Realizing that his nation could not defeat such a mighty force, he sent a group of elders to persuade Balaam to come to where he was camped in order to curse Israel. To their request Balaam said something astonishing: “… I will bring you word (his decision) AS THE LORD SPEAKS TO ME” (22:8). Of note is the fact that he told the elders to spend the night with him while he sought the will of God, even though he already knew God’s will. The Israelites were God’s chosen people whom He would not allow Balaam to curse. Note also that Balaam knew that he had access to God, Who spoke to him, telling him not to curse Israel “… for they are blessed” (12). We all know the rest of the story. The point I want to bring out is the fact that the Lord used this heathen priest to fulfill His will–to bless Israel and to announce that out of her would come the Savior of the world (24:17,19). Notice the information the Lord gives us relative to Balaam: The Spirit of the Lord came on him, causing him to bless Israel (24:2); Balaam saw God (24:16); Balaam called God “… the Lord my God” (22:18); though Balaam had offered sacrifices to Baal on alters built to honor the heathen god, the Lord nevertheless used him–He “… put a word in Balaam’s mouth” (23:1-5,12,16,20).

In summary, Balaam saw God, talked with Him, received instructions from Him, had His Holy Spirit come upon him and was used by Him to both bless Israel and prophesy the coming of Jesus Christ. Yet he was so evil that the Israelites later killed him (31:8).

In 2 Chronicles 36/Ezra chapters 1-11/Isaiah chapters 44,45 and Daniel chapters 1,6,10 we find the story of Cyrus, King of Persia, a heathen man whom God used to complete one of the most important tasks in the life of the Israelite nation. With the break-up of Israel into two nations–Israel (the 10 northern tribes) and Judah (the tribes of Judah and Benjamin-“Jews”), the stage was set for God to greatly punish both parts of His kingdom for their rebellion against Him. First, Israel was defeated, captured and enslaved by the nation of Assyria. The Jews managed to hold on to their kingdom for another century or so before God sent the Babylonians to defeat, capture and enslave them.

Eventually, the Medo-Persians defeated the Babylonians and assumed rulership over their kingdom, which included the captive Jews. Later, the Persians eliminated the Medes, making Cyrus sole ruler of the kingdom. Soon afterward the Lord “stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, … saying, ‘Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.'” In Isaiah 44:28 we find God saying of Cyrus, “He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, (Cyrus) saying to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be built,’ and to the Temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.'”

This Persian king was so important relative to God’s plans that He spoke of him, calling him by name 150 years before his birth and prophesying what he would do some 200 years before he did it. God worked mightily through this heathen king who recognized that God had given him everything he had. Though knowing what he knew and being mightily used by God, Cyrus never accepted Him as his God.

These postings should eliminate the idea that because God moves in one’s life–blessing, prospering, healing, etc.–that this is proof that one has a positive relationship with Him. GOD USES THE WORST OF MEN TO PERFORM THE BEST OF WORKS AND BLESSES THE BAD AS WELL AS THE GOOD. Our standing with God cannot be determined by what God has DONE FOR US, but rather by what He SAYS TO US in His Holy Bible. L.J.