by Gary L. Evans
(revised 8/2/2023)
Epistle of Jude– Part 6
Num 22:8-13 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
The Lord told Balaam not to go with the messengers from Balak and not to curse Israel.
Num 22:14-17 And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us. 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.
The king of Moab sent more messengers and offered even more money and this time he offered prestige and whatever else he wanted. Balak is willing to pay a lot to get rid of Israel.
Num 22:18-20 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
So The Lord gave Balaam a sign, that if the men came to call him, then he should go with them, but even then he must only do and speak what The Lord would tell him.
Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
Note that the men had not called unto Balaam. He just got up the next morning and headed out with them. When The Lord gives us explicit instructions, He expects us to follow them to the letter.
Num 22:22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
The Lord sent an angel to stop Balaam.
Num 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
Balaam’s donkey could see the angel and turned away to avoid the angel’s sword. But Balaam started hitting the donkey to try to force it to keep going.
Num 22:24-25 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
The situation goes from bad to worse. Now Balaam has an injured foot but he still keeps hitting the donkey.
Num 22:26-27 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
The angel has managed to get into position in a place where the donkey cannot turn, so the donkey just lays down on the ground. But Balaam starts beating the poor animal with his staff.
Num 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
So The Lord empowers the donkey to speak to Balaam to complain about him beating her three times for no reason.
There is a lesson to learn from this miracle, my friends.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of Jude — Part 7
Num 31:6-7 And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand. And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
The children of Midian had become apostate, just as the Moabites, and went to war against Israel. But Israel prevailed.
Num 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
So we see Balaam’s end. He was eventually killed by Israel.
Num 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Balaam had managed to sound very religious and spoke well of Israel on the surface, but secretly counciled Balak that in order to defeat Israel, he would need to cause the people to turn away from The Lord their God. And then they would easily be defeated.
Nothing has changed. Satanists have used this mode of operation against God’s People ever since, by getting command and control of their religious leaders in order to cause them to fall away from the true faith in The Most High. The most obvious evidence that a preacher or teacher is a false Christian is whether or not he or she demands payment for his or her services.
Antichrists follow in the way of Balaam, seeking money for their religious speaking.
Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Paul summed it up clearly about the hidden motivation of those many antichrists that have come into this world.
2Th 3:6-8 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
The Apostles did not charge for teaching The Word of God, but worked regular jobs in order to support themselves.
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
They had the right to expect support, but they avoided it to set an example for everyone else to follow.
2Th 3:10-11 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
If a Bible teacher expects to be paid for teaching, what makes you think he could be a true teacher of God’s Word? The odds are, that he is only in it for the money. Paul said that if a man is unwilling to work to support himself, then he should not be fed. Aren’t we to seek Heavenly rewards for saving the souls of sinners rather than focusing our hearts on earthly things which will all pass away? Therefore, consider listening to a Bible teacher who supports himself and his family and who teaches freely.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of Jude– Part 8
Num 16:1-3 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
Korah gathered two hundred and fifty family leaders together to complain against Moses and Aaron. He accused them of exalting themselves above the people, that they were no better than anyone else and were arrogant to take command.
Num 16:4-5 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
Moses humbled himself and answered to Korah that The Lord would show who were His Elect and Chosen to be the leaders of Israel and who were not.
Num 16:6-7 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.
Both Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi, and The Lord had chosen Moses to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt and bring them to The Promised Land. And The Lord had chosen Aaron to be The High Priest.
Num 16:8-9 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
Korah and some of the leaders that he had gathered against Moses were also of the tribe of Levi. But Korah was trying to take over control rather than being willing to perform the prescribed duties given to him in the Tabernacle.
Num 16:10-11 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
The Lord had chosen Moses and Aaron, so Korah and those men were really coming against The Lord and His judgment to choose and appoint His servants according to His own will.
Num 16:12-13 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
Korah had started an insurrection among the people.
Num 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Moses had not taken anything from the people for his service.
Num 16:16-18 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
Korah and his men had their censers with incense, and Aaron had his censer and stood next to Moses.
Epistle of Jude — Part 9
Num 16:19-21 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
The Lord was ready to destroy all of the men that had assembled with Korah and even the entire congregation of Israel because of their insurrection against Moses and Aaron.
Num 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
Moses and Aaron prayed for mercy for the innocent people who were not part of causing all of this trouble.
Num 16:23-26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
The Lord commanded everyone not involved to get away from the men who had caused the rebellion. There is a lesson to be learned from The Lord’s Judgment. Continuing to fellowship with a trouble maker will bring the guilt of sin upon ourselves as well.
Num 16:27-28 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
Moses explained that The Lord had commanded him to do all of the things he had done, and that nothing he had done was from his own ideas or opinions.
Num 16:29-35 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Jude presents this historic event as an example of how antichrists cause trouble for God’s Elect and for the assembly. And The Lord’s Judgment against them is clear.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Epistle of Jude– Part 10
Jud 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
The word “spots” is from the Greek “spee-las’” which means “a ledge or reef of rock in the sea.” Such hidden rocks under the sea can cause shipwrecks. The analogy shows that antichrists can cause the loss of everyone in the assembly.
The analogy of “dry clouds” shows that they are not capable of sharing The Water of The Word with anybody.
And the analogy of “winds” shows that they are influenced by different spirits.
The analogy of “fruitless trees” shows that though they claim to be Christians, they cannot bring anyone to The Knowledge of God.
The phrase “twice dead” shows that their destiny is The Second Death in The Lake of Fire at The Great White Throne Judgment.
Jud 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
The phrase “foaming out” is from “ep-af-rid’-zo” which means “to foam upon, that is, (figuratively) to exhibit (a vile passion).”
“Darkness” symbolizes Satan’s deception, so the antichrists are doomed to be imprisoned by it.
Jud 1:14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
The antichrists will suffer the greatest condemnation when The Lord returns to establish His Millennial Kingdom.
Jud 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
The phrase “great swelling” is from “hoop-er’-ong-kos” which means “bulging over, that is, (figuratively) insolent.” Antichrists take advantage of the members of the assembly by making an outward but disingenuous show of respect for others.
Jud 1:17-18 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
These are The Last Days in which these antichrists would come.
Jud 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
They do not have The Holy Spirit.
Jud 1:20-25 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.