I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord
The story of Balaam in the book of Numbers is an interesting example of one who initially sought to be loyal to the Lord but did not continue. When Balak, the king of Moab, came to him to curse Israel, he sought guidance from the Lord. God said to Balaam, “Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.” Balaam then said to the men of Balak, “Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you.” It seems like it should have ended there, but Balak was persistent: “And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.” Balaam initially responded, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word o...