The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 70: The Offense of Balaam (2025)
Mar 11, 2025
Fr. Mike delves into the intriguing tale of Balaam, a prophet torn between worldly desires and divine duty. The narrative features a talking donkey, amplifying themes of obedience amid temptation. Discussions on sanitation laws reveal insights into community ethics, while reflections on Psalm 105 underline the importance of faithfulness and commitment to God. The moral challenges Balaam faces resonate with today's dilemmas, making his story a timeless exploration of spiritual integrity.
18:50
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Quick takeaways
- Balaam's conflict between loyalty to God and the temptation of wealth illustrates the struggle between spiritual integrity and worldly desires.
- The miraculous encounter with the speaking donkey highlights God's intervention in human affairs and the importance of recognizing divine communication.
Deep dives
The Summoning of Balaam
Balak, the king of Moab, fears the Israelites due to their growing strength and summons Balaam to curse them in hopes of defeating them. Despite Balak’s initial offers of great honor and riches, Balaam remains steadfast in his loyalty to God, stating he can only speak what God commands. God allows Balaam to go with the Moabite leaders but warns him to only say what He desires. This highlights the theme of divine authority over human intentions, as Balaam navigates the multiple pressures from Balak while being mindful of God's command.
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