When Balaam was unable to curse Israel directly, he advised a more cunning and demonic ploy (as we learn here in Numbers 31:16): send in cult prostitutes to lure the men into idolatry and then, it was thought, God would curse them himself (Numbers 25). Since the Midianites are charged with instigating the ploy to curse Israel they are to fall victim to the covenant promise, “Whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). It’s a disturbing story, and it’s meant to strike us in that way. The men who carry this out are rendered ritually unclean as a result, because this is dirty work (Numbers 31:19). What are we to learn from this carnage? ‘“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” declares the Sovereign Lord‘ (Ezekiel 18:23). The implicit answer is a resounding ‘no’. So why did God command this carnage? Because these events were to demonstrate something to perpetuity. Jesus summed it up: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come” (Luke 17:1). People who deliberately lure others away from God are guilty of the most terrible of crimes and bring on themselves a great curse. They join Satan, the tempter, in his characteristic activity. But the opposite is also the case. When we, by our words and example, draw others to God, there is rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:7). We all influence others for better or for worse. Let’s ensure it’s for better.
Ask God to give you opportunities to lead others to him.
Read Numbers 31
