"They killed the kings of Midian along with the rest of their slain: Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword... Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord." -Numbers 31.8, 16
Here we see the death of Balaam. Israel goes to war with the Midianites, at the command of God, and defeats them. Balaam is among those put to death. Later we see that through the counsel of Balaam the sons of Israel sinned against God at Peor and brought a plague upon themselves. Balaam caused the people to sin, and now he has been put to death.
If you think back to Balaam's story, you'll remember that he wasn't ever supposed to be in the situation to be involved with Israel. When the men first came to him God told him to stay put. They came back and this time God allowed him to go, but on the way we see God's anger as Balaam is saved from death by his donkey. But here, death finds Balaam and it is because he caused Israel to sin.
Men, when we cause others to sin, either directly by leading them into it, or indirectly by doing nothing to stop it, we are guilty. We will be held accountable for our actions, or lack there of by God. It may not mean a violent death, but there will be no escaping punishment.
Let us lead others away from sin and into righteousness. May we never be the cause of sin.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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