Numbers 24 records the final prophecy of Balaam. King Balak had hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God would not allow it. Instead of curses, Balaam spoke blessings and revealed some remarkable prophecies about the future. Balaam saw the nation of Israel camped in the wilderness, and the Spirit of God came upon him. He described Israel as a people specially chosen and blessed by God. When Balaam is filled with the Holy Spirit he says, “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” This echoed God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. Through Abraham’s descendants, God would eventually bring the Messiah into the world. Balak was furious because Balaam had not cursed Israel. He had promised Balaam wealth and honor, but Balaam remained firm and insisted that he could speak only the words God gave him. Balaam saw God rightfully for who he was. He understood that no matter what he did God’s will would prevail. It would prevail with him or without him. The most important part of this chapter is the prophecy directed toward the promised Messiah. Verse 17 says, “I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel.” The star symbolizes a ruler, and the scepter represents kingship and authority. Many Christians believe this prophecy ultimately points to Jesus. Hundreds of years later, wise men from the East followed a star to find the newborn King (Matthew 2:1–2). Jesus was born from the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David and became the eternal King. Balaam then prophesied the defeat of several nations, including Amalek, the Kenites, and others. These prophecies demonstrated that God rules over all nations and directs the course of history. Jesus is the star from Jacob and He is the king who holds the scepter. Kings carry scepters as symbols of their authority. Jesus is the King of kings whose kingdom will never end. Balak tried to oppose God’s people, but he failed because God was protecting them. In the same way, no one can stop God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. God promised Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through his descendants. Jesus fulfilled that promise by offering salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. This chapter ultimately teaches us that God always accomplishes his purposes. Balaam intended to speak what God commanded, Balak failed in his attempt to oppose God’s will, and God’s promise of the Messiah moved one step closer. Even when we cannot see what God is doing, he is still working according to his perfect plan. The Star that Balaam saw from a distance has come, and his name is Jesus Christ. Love y’all. Have a great day!
Numbers 24:1-25
Read scripture…
“Since Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness. When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him, and he proclaimed his poem: The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened, the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel. They stretch out like river valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the Lord has planted, like cedars beside the water. Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will be by abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. God brought him out of Egypt; he is like the horns of a wild ox for them. He will feed on enemy nations and gnaw their bones; he will strike them with his arrows. He crouches, he lies down like a lion or a lioness — who dares to rouse him? Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you will be cursed. Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, “I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed them these three times. Now go to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but look, the Lord has denied you a reward.” Balaam answered Balak, “Didn’t I previously tell the messengers you sent me: If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the Lord’s command, to do anything good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says. Now I am going back to my people, but first, let me warn you what these people will do to your people in the future.” Then he proclaimed his poem: The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened; the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God and has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab and strike down all the Shethites. Edom will become a possession; Seir will become a possession of its enemies, but Israel will be triumphant. One who comes from Jacob will rule; he will destroy the city’s survivors. Then Balaam saw Amalek and proclaimed his poem: Amalek was first among the nations, but his future is destruction. Next he saw the Kenites and proclaimed his poem: Your dwelling place is enduring; your nest is set in the cliffs. Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive. Once more he proclaimed his poem: Ah, who can live when God does this? Ships will come from the coast of Kittim; they will carry out raids against Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to destruction. Balaam then arose and went back to his homeland, and Balak also went his way.”
Leave a Reply