Read Numbers 23:13-24:9
Balak thought that taking Balaam to a new place would change the outcome and he’d get his curse on Israel. We learn in these next two oracles that God doesn’t change his mind. There may be instances in the Bible when God does change his intention, but that is generally at the pleading of one of his faithful ones. What we can say for certain is God is always faithful.
Were you surprised that God spoke directly to Balak in this second oracle? Balak was pressuring Balaam for a curse. Balaam stood his ground and said he could not go against God’s word to him. I can only imagine the pressure Balaam must have felt being on a strange mountaintop, with a king, having just hauled fourteen animals up the mountain to be sacrificed. It was quite the production, and for what Balak must have thought.
It sounds like Balak listened, but still wanted Balaam to do something he couldn’t do. Balak had to be reminded, “Didn’t I tell you that I can do only what the LORD tells me?” The LORD promises an ongoing blessing for the Israelites. Little do these people camped below realize all of this is going on “behind the scenes.” They, as we, have God fighting our battles and blessing us round the clock.
Balaam is the recipient of the third oracle. He sets aside his divination rituals this time because he truly believed God’s blessing was the final word. Indeed. Balaam is visited by the Holy Spirit allowing him to see things clearly. God’s description of his people sounds so serene and welcoming.
Did you catch the prophetic tone? “Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.” King Jesus will be greater than all kings who ever lived. The throne of heaven will be the exalted kingdom to come. What a beautiful image to proclaim, yet we can see Jesus, an aspect Balaam would not have had the privilege to see in this oracle.
God used this unlikely foreigner and diviner, Balaam. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 says, “For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead.” At least in Balaam’s case, he was more of a seer, given the authority by God to see things other people could not see. What can we take from these messages?
I’d like to focus on this truth. God faithfully blesses his people. Look around where God has planted you. Don’t overlook all the blessings surrounding you. Ephesians 1:3 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” Let your heart overflow with gratitude for all your blessings.
Let’s pray. Lord, you amaze me every day in all the little and big ways you provide for me. Forgive me for not always being as grateful as I feel in this moment. Thank you for this place you have led me and for the season of life we are living in together. Draw me closer to you each day so that I will be equipped for service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
