Study Desk

The Israelites had complained against the Lord , and he had shown them his holy power by giving them water to drink. So they named the place Meribah, which means "Complaining."

Moses, go with Aaron and his son Eleazar to the top of the mountain.

the people knew that Aaron had died, and they mourned his death for thirty days.

But Sihon refused to let Israel travel through his land. Instead, he called together his entire army and marched into the desert to attack Israel near the town of Jahaz.

His armies marched out like fiery flames, burning down the town of Ar and destroying the hills along the Arnon River.

The Israelites headed toward the region of Bashan, where King Og ruled, and he led his entire army to Edrei to meet Israel in battle.

The Lord said to Moses, "Don't be afraid of Og. I will help you defeat him and his army, just as you did King Sihon who ruled in Heshbon. Og's territory will be yours."

So the Israelites wiped out Og, his family, and his entire army—there were no survivors. Then Israel took over the land of Bashan.

When King Balak of Moab and his people heard how many Israelites there were and what they had done to the Amorites, he and the Moabites were terrified and panicked.

sent a message to Balaam son of Beor who lived among his relatives in the town of Pethor near the Euphrates River. It said: I need your help. A huge group of people has come here from Egypt and settled near my territory.

The leaders of Moab and Midian left and took along money to pay Balaam for his work. When they got to his house, they gave him Balak's message.

"Spend the night here," Balaam replied, "and tomorrow I will tell you the Lord 's answer." So the officials stayed at his house.

So Balaam got up the next morning and saddled his donkey, then left with the Moabite officials.

Balaam was riding his donkey to Moab, and two of his servants were with him. But God was angry that Balaam had gone, so one of the Lord 's angels stood in the road to stop him.

So it just lay down. Balaam lost his temper, then picked up a stick and smacked the donkey.

When Balaam returned, he found Balak and his officials standing beside the offerings.

Balaam went back and saw him and his officials standing beside the offerings. Balak asked, "What did the Lord say?"

God is no mere human! He doesn't tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.

No magic charms can work against them— just look what God has done for his people.

When Balak heard this, he was so furious that he pounded his fist against his hand and said, "I called you here to place a curse on my enemies, and you've blessed them three times.