Balaam was really a remarkable person; few more so occur in history.  Few others had more knowledge of the true God, or juster ideas of the service which he requires of mankind.  But his character will be developed in the sequel.

This renowned soothsayer refused at first to listen to the invitation of the king of Moab, assigning a sufficient reason for his refusal —­“The Lord refuseth to give me leave”—­but when a second embassy arrived, more numerous and move honorable, and with the proffer of great honors and rewards, his ambition and covetousness were inflamed, and he resolved from that moment to secure them.  The first seems to have been only a common embassy, and to have carried only the usual rewards of divination.  We know what followed.  Balaam sinned in asking a second time for liberty to go and curse Israel, when God had once refused him, and told him that they were blessed.  He asked, however, and was in judgment permitted to go, but only to act agreeably to divine direction which would be given on the spot; but he went, determined to secure the wages of unrighteousness.  Seeing his design, God met him in the way, and by a strange and miraculous communication and warning, made him afraid to curse his people, and even compelled him to bless them altogether.  But to come to our subject,

I. We are to consider Balak’s inquiries.—­Wherewith shall I come before the Lord?

Balak had so deep a sense of the danger which threatened him, that he was ready to bring the most costly sacrifices, if they would avail to render propitious the God who had wrought such wonders in Egypt and in the wilderness for the salvation of his people.  He would offer all the cattle, and all the oil of his kingdom, thousands of ram, and ten thousands of rivers of oil!  Yea, he would even offer his first born, the heir of his crown!  Would not refute the dearest of his offspring to atone for his sin, and bring over the God of Israel to be his God, in the time of his distress!

Such were his proposals.  We may observe in them several mistakes respecting the service of God, or the homage which is acceptable to him; mistakes not uncommon among men.  As,

First a supposition that sins may be atoned and mankind allowed to continue in them, if they will come up to the price.  The country of Moab abounded with flocks, particularly with sheep; * it abounded also with oil; and Balak supposed that the divine favor might be obtained by sacrifices of this kind—­by a profusion of them—­thousands of ram, and ten thousands of rivers of oil.  He knew himself a sinner—­he knew that he had taken part against the God of Israel; had served other gods, who were his rivals.  But now he saw his need of the divine favor and he wished to purchase it—­at any price, to purchase it.  He was ready to pay for his sins; only waited to know the price, and he would make the payment!

* 2 Kings iii. 4.