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THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (VI)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
Jude 11
Numbers 22:1-35
 
“… they … ran greedily after the
error of Balaam for reward …”
 
THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (VI)
 
The second character mentioned by Jude is Balaam. The account of Balaam is recorded in Numbers 22-24; with an epilogue of sorts, mentioning Balaam’s death, in Numbers 31. Balaam was a false prophet who was hired by Balak, king of the Moabites, to curse the people of Israel, so that they could be defeated in battle.
 
The “error of Balaam” (Jude 11) is unrestrained greed and covetousness. When Balaam was approached by Balak’s men, God spoke to Balaam and told him in no uncertain terms, “thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed” (Num 22:12). Yet “Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable,” and promised Balaam, “I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me” (Num 22:15, 17). Now Balaam’s response revealed his wicked and covetous heart. He said, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God… [but] tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more” (Num 22:18-19).
 
Note that Balaam did not simply say, “God has forbidden me from going with you.” He spoke of Balak’s “house full of silver and gold,” because that was the treasure on which his heart was set. And he asked Balak’s men to stay the night, hoping that God might speak “more” to him, in other words, hoping that God would change His mind and allow Balaam to curse His people, so that Balaam could get rich!
 
This, Jude reminds us, is the same covetous heart of the false teachers plaguing the church. They will do anything for money ‒ even curse God’s people. They are like the hireling leading the shepherd’s flock to the abattoir, eagerly anticipating the payment he will receive for their slaughter. But, dear reader, let us take heed to God’s warning against such covetousness: “… they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:9-10).
 
THOUGHT: “Thou shalt not covet…” (Exod 20:17).
PRAYER: O Lord, help me to guard my heart against covetousness.

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