Bibledoorajar: Acts of Devotion

Balaam, at no expense of his own, had Balak build seven altars for bull and goat sacrifices for him. He then boasted of it as if he had done a great religious thing. 
He seemed to be totally out of touch with the fact that the God approved altar at this point in history rested within the Israelite camp. He then had the audacity to insist that God curse Israel because of the fact that he had carried out such an act of devotion to Him. In fact, he told God that he had built the altars and therefore was assured of God's answer in the way in which Balaam wished. 

God was not impressed with the veracity of Balaam's and Balak's actions but He did use Balaam to deliver the message to Balak that He wished delivered. God was not his debtor and was not beholden to him for sacrifices made without sincerity and devotion to Him.

This reminds us of the story in Luke 18 where the Pharisee went up to the temple and boasted of his religious superiority. His comments reflected an insincere appreciation for what he had in God. He and Balaam were far from what God says he requires, a humble and contrite heart.

"Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord

And He shall lift you up (higher and higher)

And He shall lift you up"

Lyrics by Bob Hudson