Numbers 23
Three times Balak requested that Balaam curse the sons of Israel and three times Balaam told Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams as a burnt sacrifice to the Lord. Each time, Balaam told Balak to stand by his sacrifice while he stepped away to speak with the Lord. On all three occasions, Balaam did not curse but blessed the sons of Israel.
Jesus said to love our enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk 6:27-28) Jesus said, do not resist an evil person. If they slap you, then let them. If they want to sue you, then let them. If they force you to work, then let them. If they ask of you, then give. (Mt. 5:39-42)
Balaam came to Balak because he repeatedly requested it of him but he did what the Lord commanded and not what Balak wanted. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the sons of Israel but Balaam blessed them because he did what the Lord commanded him to do.
When he dwelt among men, our Lord commanded that we bless and do not curse. Are we to take advisement from men or observe what Jesus commanded? Jesus is the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through him. (Jn 14:6) I choose to follow Jesus Christ and do all that he commanded.
