And saddled his ass— That is, according to the usual mode of expression in Scripture, caused his ass to be saddled; for he had servants to wait upon him. Persons of the highest rank, in those times, were accustomed to travel upon asses.
REFLECTIONS.—Balak was earnest to carry his point, and therefore spares no pains to accomplish it. If he had been at but half the trouble to secure God's blessing, and Israel's friendship, he had succeeded better. 1. He increases his embassy, and adds distinguished honour to his presents. Importunate to gain Balaam, he stops at nothing; let him prescribe his own terms, and Balak will ratify them. Note; (1.) A man's heart must be strongly fortified by realizing views of the eternal world, who can stand out against the united temptations of gain and honour. (2.) They who would keep from yielding to sin must resolutely resist and avoid the temptations to it. 2. Balaam receives and entertains the messengers, and whilst professedly adhering to the command of God, evidently betrays his willingness to go with them. He makes most honourable mention of God, and claims high relation to him, seeming to prefer his favour to the riches of the universe; but his heart was deceitful. Note; (1.) Many claim an interest in God whom he will disown for his people. (2.) Sound words do not always speak a sound heart: it is easier to learn the language of God's people, than to shew their fidelity. (3.) The sin is almost already committed when we are seeking an excuse for running into temptation. 3. God in anger gave him permission to go. He should have been satisfied with one denial: could he imagine that there was in God any shadow of changing? Yet even now he is restricted, and cannot speak farther than he is permitted. God holds the devil's chain, and neither he nor his instruments can go a step beyond their appointed bounds. 4. Balaam is in haste to be gone: he does not wait to be called by the princes of Midian, but runs greedily after the bait of Balak's offers. Note; When the heart is gone from God, it will not be long ere the conduct betrays it.