God's Blessing

What does Numbers 22-25 really mean?

Numbers 22-25 is about the journey of the Israelites as they encounter Balak, the king of Moab, who seeks to curse them through the prophet Balaam, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, the futility of opposing God’s plans, and the importance of obeying God’s commands.

1 Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan opposite Jericho.
2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3 So Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.
4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time,
5 And he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me.
6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”
7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak’s message.
8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.
9 And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?”
10 And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
11 Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Now come, curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and drive them out.
12 God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”
13 And Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go to your own land, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”
14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.”
15 And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
17 for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.’”
18 But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God to do less or more.
19 Now please stay here tonight also, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.”
20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.”
21 So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
22 But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary.
23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road.
24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side.
25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again.
26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.
27 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
29 Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.”
30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”
31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.
32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.
33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.”
34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”
35 And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.
36 When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, on the border formed by the Arnon, at the extremity of the border.
37 And Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”
38 And Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.”
39 Then Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
40 And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent for Balaam and for the princes who were with him.
41 And in the morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-Baal, and from there he saw a fraction of the people.
1 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”
2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 And Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever he shows me I will tell you.” And he went to a bare height.
4 And God met Balaam.
5 And the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”
6 And he returned to him, and behold, he and all his officials were standing beside his burnt offering.
7 And Balaam took up his discourse and said, “From Aram Balak has brought me, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains: ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’
8 How can I curse whom God has not cursed?
How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?
9 For from the top of the crags I see him, from the hills I behold him; behold, a people dwelling alone, and not counting itself among the nations!
10 Who can count the dust of Jacob
or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the upright,
and let my end be like his!”
11 And Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them.”
12 And he answered and said, “Must I not take care to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?”
13 And Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, from which you may see them. You shall see only a fraction of them and shall not see them all. Then curse them for me from there.”
14 And he took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
15 And he said to Balak, “Stand here beside your burnt offering, while I meet the Lord over there.”
16 And the Lord met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”
17 And he took up his discourse and said: “Rise, Balak, and hear; give ear to me, son of Zippor:
18 And he took up his discourse and said, “Rise, Balak, and hear; give ear to me, son of Zippor:
19 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?
20 Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.
21 He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.
22 God brings them out of Egypt and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.
23 For there is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel; now it shall be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What has God wrought?’
24 Behold, a people! As a lioness it rises up and as a lion it lifts itself; it does not lie down until it has devoured the prey and drunk the blood of the slain.”
25 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all.”
26 But Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, ‘All that the Lord says, that I must do’?”
27 And Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.”
28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert.
29 And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”
30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
24 When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness.
2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 and he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
4 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered,
5 How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
your encampments, O Israel!
6 Like palm groves that stretch afar,
like gardens beside a river,
like aloes that the Lord has planted,
like cedar trees beside the waters.
7 Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8 God brings him out of Egypt
and is for him like the horns of the wild ox;
he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries,
and shall break their bones in pieces
and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up?
10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.
11 Therefore now flee to your own place. I said I would certainly honor you, but the Lord has held you back from honor.”
12 Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me,
13 If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak.’
14 And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”
24 And he took up his discourse and said:
16 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered:
17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18 Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly.
19 “A ruler shall come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
20 Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, “Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.”
21 And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, “Enduring is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock.
22 God brings them out of Egypt
and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.
23 And he took up his discourse and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?
24 But ships shall come from Kittim and shall afflict Asshur and Eber; and he too shall come to utter destruction.”
25 Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.
1 While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.
2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.
3 So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.
4 And the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people and hang them in the sun before the Lord, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.”
5 And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor.”
6 And behold, one of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, while they were weeping in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
7 When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose and left the congregation and took a spear in his hand
8 and went after the man of Israel into the chamber and pierced both of them, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. So the plague on the people of Israel was stopped.
9 And those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.
10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy.
11 “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy.
12 Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace,
13 He shall have it, and his offspring after him.
14 The name of the slain man of Israel, who was killed with the Midianite woman, was Zimri the son of Salu, chief of a father’s house belonging to the Simeonites.
15 The name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi the daughter of Zur, who was the tribal head of a Midianite family.
16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
17 “Harass the Midianites and strike them down,
18 for they have harassed you with their wiles, with which they beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the chief of Midian, their sister, who was killed on the day of the plague on account of Peor.”

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Setting the Scene for Numbers 22-25

In the arid landscape of Moab, a land characterized by rugged mountains and vast plains, a significant scene unfolds that will alter the course of Israel’s journey. The Israelites, having wandered through the wilderness for decades, are now poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Their presence has stirred fear and anxiety among the Moabite people, particularly King Balak, who perceives the encroaching Israelites as a formidable threat. Balak, desperate to protect his kingdom, seeks the help of Balaam, a renowned diviner known for his ability to bless or curse nations. The air is thick with tension as Balak sends messengers to summon Balaam, hoping that the seer’s words will turn the tide in his favor.

Balaam, a man of considerable reputation, resides in a distant land, and his arrival is awaited with bated breath. As the messengers approach, they carry with them the weight of Balak’s request, laden with promises of wealth and honor. Balaam, intrigued yet cautious, consults with God about the request. The scene is set against a backdrop of stark contrasts: the lush encampment of the Israelites, filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of cooking, juxtaposed with the stark, dry hills of Moab, where fear and uncertainty loom. The tension escalates as Balaam wrestles with the divine message he receives, which forbids him from cursing the Israelites, a people blessed by God.

As Balaam embarks on his journey to meet Balak, the landscape shifts from the familiar comforts of his home to the intimidating heights of Moab. The path is fraught with peril, and the air crackles with anticipation. Along the way, Balaam encounters a remarkable event—a talking donkey, which serves as a divine messenger, urging him to reconsider his course. This surreal moment encapsulates the struggle between divine will and human ambition, setting the stage for a series of encounters that will reveal the profound truth of God’s sovereignty over nations. The unfolding drama, rich with themes of obedience, prophecy, and the power of blessing, will resonate throughout the subsequent chapters, as the Israelites continue their journey toward destiny amidst the challenges posed by Balak and the Moabites.

What is Numbers 22-25 about?

As we delve into the chapters recounting Balaam’s journey, we find a compelling narrative that intertwines the themes of obedience, divine intervention, and the power of blessing. Balaam, a prophet called by Balak, king of Moab, embarks on a quest that is laden with tension. What motivates Balaam to accept Balak’s invitation? Is it merely the promise of riches, or is there a deeper, more profound calling at play? This tension serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between human ambition and divine purpose.

Throughout the journey, Balaam encounters God in ways that challenge his initial intentions and highlight the sovereignty of the Lord. Despite Balak’s desires for curses against Israel, Balaam finds himself compelled to pronounce blessings instead. What does this say about God’s character and His plans for His people? Balaam becomes a vessel for God’s truth by choosing to bless rather than curse, ultimately teaching us that divine purpose may thwart human intentions. Reflecting on these verses prompts us to consider the significance of obedience in our own lives. Are we attentive to the paths laid before us, even when they diverge from what we might expect or desire? We can recognize the moments when God redirects our journey towards a greater good in a world filled with competing voices.

Balaam’s journey invites us to examine the weight of our own words and actions. Each blessing Balaam pronounces serves not only as a testament to God’s faithfulness to Israel but also as a reflection of the choices we make daily. Are we speaking blessings or curses into the lives of others? We should contemplate the broader implications of Balaam’s story as we engage with this text, not just for Israel, but for ourselves as co-creators in the ongoing narrative of faith, blessing, and God’s unwavering love for humanity. How might we emulate Balaam’s eventual submission to God’s will in our own lives?

Understanding what Numbers 22-25 really means

In Numbers 22-25, we encounter the intriguing story of Balaam, a prophet caught in a web of divine purpose and human ambition. King Balak of Moab seeks Balaam’s help to curse the Israelites, believing that a prophetic curse could weaken them. However, this narrative unfolds to reveal profound themes of obedience, divine sovereignty, and the transformative power of blessings. As we delve into this passage, we are invited to reflect on how these themes resonate in our own lives.

One of the most striking elements of this story is the sovereignty of God. Despite Balaam’s initial willingness to comply with Balak’s request, God intervenes, making it clear that Balaam cannot curse what He has blessed. This raises an important question: How often do we find ourselves caught between external pressures and divine guidance? Balaam’s journey illustrates that no matter our intentions, God’s will prevails. This theme is echoed in Deuteronomy 23:5, which reminds us that God turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing for Israel, showcasing His protective nature over His people.

The power of blessing is another key theme in this narrative. Balaam, despite his initial intentions, ends up pronouncing blessings over Israel instead of curses. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s favor cannot be undone by human schemes. Romans 8:31 reinforces this idea, declaring, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In a world where negativity often seems overwhelming, this assurance is vital. It encourages us to trust in God’s plans, even when circumstances appear dire.

Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman facing constant criticism at her workplace. Despite her hard work, she felt surrounded by negativity, much like the Israelites faced opposition from Balak. Yet, Sarah chose to respond with grace and perseverance. Over time, her dedication led to unexpected blessings, mirroring how God transformed Balaam’s intended curses into blessings for Israel. This anecdote invites us to reflect on our own responses to adversity. Are we willing to trust in God’s goodness, even when the odds seem stacked against us?

The phrases within this passage carry significant weight. When God tells Balaam, “You shall not go with them,” it underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions. Balaam’s initial willingness to comply with Balak’s request serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which we can be swayed by external influences. Furthermore, when Balaam declares, “I have received a command to bless,” it emphasizes the authority of God’s word. Once God has declared a blessing, it stands firm, providing us with hope in uncertain times.

Finally, the moment when “the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam” signifies a crucial spiritual awakening. It reminds us of the importance of discernment and being attuned to God’s voice. In our fast-paced lives, how often do we pause to seek clarity and understanding from God? This passage encourages us to remain open to His guidance, trusting that He will illuminate our paths, even when we face challenges.

In conclusion, the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-25 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the transformative nature of His blessings. As we navigate our own lives, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always working for our good, even when we cannot see it. Let us strive to remain obedient and receptive to His guidance, trusting that He will turn our challenges into blessings. How might we apply these lessons in our daily lives? The journey of faith often requires us to reflect, trust, and embrace the unexpected ways God works in our midst.

What does true obedience to God look like for me?

True obedience to God for me involves a sincere commitment to following His guidance, even when it may seem contrary to my own desires or understanding. It means recognizing that my actions should align with His will, rather than trying to manipulate circumstances to fit my agenda. The narrative teaches that obedience is not just about following orders when convenient, but rather embodying a holistic approach where my motivations and intentions reflect a desire to honor God. True obedience in seeking God’s direction also requires a willingness to listen and discern His voice above all other influences. This includes being open to correction and guidance, understanding that sometimes God’s purposes may unfold in unexpected ways. It reflects a mindset that prioritizes spiritual insight over personal gain or societal pressures, allowing me to act with integrity and faithfulness, even in challenging situations. True obedience ultimately expresses trust in God, recognizing His authority and goodness in my life. It means embracing a lifestyle that embodies faithfulness, humility, and a readiness to serve. This commitment fosters a deeper connection with God, transforming my heart and actions to reflect His love and purpose in the world.

Application

In life, just like at work or home, distractions can pull us off course. Think of those moments when you prioritize a project over your family or let negative influences creep in—are you doing the same with your faith? It’s time to take a hard look at your heart and cut out what’s steering you away from truth. What false influences are quietly changing your path? Make a plan today to align your actions with your purpose—because every step matters. Are you ready to take charge of your journey?