Numbers 23
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? – Numbers 23:19
Click to read passage
The story of Balaam continues – in today’s passage we see the LORD speak through Balaam to Balak, the king of Moab, Israel’s enemy. Balak is seeking Balaam’s help to curse Israel. However, note that this is recorded in the Scriptures, and is eventually read by the Israelites. As you read the passage slowly, consider Israel hearing God speak these words.
God meets with Balaam and puts a word in his mouth, declaring that Israel belongs exclusively to God, a mere diviner as Balaam has absolutely no power to curse those whom God has not cursed, nor denounce those whom God has not denounced (v.8). Balak is exasperated to hear Balaam’s words that not only did not curse Israel, but blessed them (v.11)!
It is especially surprising here to hear God proclaim His blessings on His people, considering they have been nothing but rebellious, grumbling and unfaithful to the LORD who brought them out of slavery in Egypt! Even Israel’s leaders Moses and Aaron failed to obey the LORD in chapter 20, and received judgement for it. God must have given up on this hopeless bunch by now, yet these words spoken through Balaam give full assurance that God remains faithful and fully committed to His chosen people, despite their repeated disobedience and unfaithfulness.
Here we also see God reminding Israel that He is a promise-keeping God. His words here echo the covenant God has made to Abraham, to make of him a great nation as many as the stars in the heavens; now his enemies stand and see a people of Israel so numerous that no one can count (v.10). God also reminds them of how He powerfully brought them out of Egypt (v.22), and is faithfully keeping His covenant to bring Israel to the promised land. Israel is not a powerful army because they are strong, it is the LORD’s presence among them that gives them strength to defeat their enemies (vv.21-24).
What man intended for evil, God used to bless His people. Despite their rebellion, God declares His unwavering love for Israel. Nothing can thwart His plan to keep His covenant, preserve His chosen people and bring them to the promised land.
The covenant-keeping God of Israel is the same God today and forever. Now we have a new covenant in Jesus, who promises to return one day to judge the world. On that day, God will bring His people into the new creation, where we will dwell perfectly with Him and with Christ our Saviour in eternity. God’s faithfulness and love gives us everlasting hope in this future to come, because we can trust that He is faithful to keep His promises.
Reflection:
Even when Israel is faithless, God’s blessings remain on them, because He is faithful. Imagine being an Israelite then, hearing that God had proclaimed these blessings on you. How would you feel? In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is faithful, and that His word will stand firm?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you, for you are a God who keeps your promises. Thank you for giving us assurance and hope in the future inheritance promised to us as your children, because of what Christ has done for us on the cross. Help us to live faithfully in response to your unwavering love for us, trusting that nothing will derail your plan to fulfill your promises in Christ when he returns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click to read passage
The story of Balaam continues – in today’s passage we see the LORD speak through Balaam to Balak, the king of Moab, Israel’s enemy. Balak is seeking Balaam’s help to curse Israel. However, note that this is recorded in the Scriptures, and is eventually read by the Israelites. As you read the passage slowly, consider Israel hearing God speak these words.
God meets with Balaam and puts a word in his mouth, declaring that Israel belongs exclusively to God, a mere diviner as Balaam has absolutely no power to curse those whom God has not cursed, nor denounce those whom God has not denounced (v.8). Balak is exasperated to hear Balaam’s words that not only did not curse Israel, but blessed them (v.11)!
It is especially surprising here to hear God proclaim His blessings on His people, considering they have been nothing but rebellious, grumbling and unfaithful to the LORD who brought them out of slavery in Egypt! Even Israel’s leaders Moses and Aaron failed to obey the LORD in chapter 20, and received judgement for it. God must have given up on this hopeless bunch by now, yet these words spoken through Balaam give full assurance that God remains faithful and fully committed to His chosen people, despite their repeated disobedience and unfaithfulness.
Here we also see God reminding Israel that He is a promise-keeping God. His words here echo the covenant God has made to Abraham, to make of him a great nation as many as the stars in the heavens; now his enemies stand and see a people of Israel so numerous that no one can count (v.10). God also reminds them of how He powerfully brought them out of Egypt (v.22), and is faithfully keeping His covenant to bring Israel to the promised land. Israel is not a powerful army because they are strong, it is the LORD’s presence among them that gives them strength to defeat their enemies (vv.21-24).
What man intended for evil, God used to bless His people. Despite their rebellion, God declares His unwavering love for Israel. Nothing can thwart His plan to keep His covenant, preserve His chosen people and bring them to the promised land.
The covenant-keeping God of Israel is the same God today and forever. Now we have a new covenant in Jesus, who promises to return one day to judge the world. On that day, God will bring His people into the new creation, where we will dwell perfectly with Him and with Christ our Saviour in eternity. God’s faithfulness and love gives us everlasting hope in this future to come, because we can trust that He is faithful to keep His promises.
Reflection:
Even when Israel is faithless, God’s blessings remain on them, because He is faithful. Imagine being an Israelite then, hearing that God had proclaimed these blessings on you. How would you feel? In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is faithful, and that His word will stand firm?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you, for you are a God who keeps your promises. Thank you for giving us assurance and hope in the future inheritance promised to us as your children, because of what Christ has done for us on the cross. Help us to live faithfully in response to your unwavering love for us, trusting that nothing will derail your plan to fulfill your promises in Christ when he returns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.