Overview:

In Numbers 23, we continue the story of Balaam as he attempts to pronounce curses on Israel at the behest of Balak, king of Moab. Despite Balaam’s attempts, God only allows him to speak blessings over Israel, frustrating Balak’s plans. Balaam’s two oracles in this chapter reveal profound truths about God’s character and His unwavering commitment to bless His people. Through Balaam’s words, we see God’s faithfulness, His unchangeable nature, and His protection over His covenant people.

Key themes in this chapter include the sovereignty of God’s word, the faithfulness of God’s blessings, and the invincibility of His protection over His people.

Historical and Literary Context:

Numbers 23 takes place during Israel’s encampment in the plains of Moab, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Balak, fearing Israel’s strength, hires Balaam to curse Israel. However, as Balaam prepares each curse, God intervenes, transforming his words into blessings. This series of oracles emphasizes God’s sovereignty over Israel’s destiny and His refusal to allow any power, including spiritual forces, to harm His chosen people.

The structure of the chapter alternates between Balak’s repeated efforts to curse Israel and Balaam’s obedience in delivering only the words that God places in his mouth. Each failed curse serves to reinforce the strength and protection of God’s covenant with Israel.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Sovereignty and Authority of God’s Word:

Despite Balak’s persistent attempts to curse Israel through Balaam, God’s word prevails. Balaam finds that he cannot speak anything other than what God commands, highlighting the authority and power of God’s word. No human intention or spiritual force can override what God has declared.

For Christians, this chapter emphasizes the authority of Scripture and the sovereignty of God’s word. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s word does not return void but accomplishes His purposes. Believers are called to trust in the power of God’s word, knowing that His promises are sure and cannot be thwarted by any opposition (Psalm 119:89, Hebrews 4:12).

God’s Unchanging Nature and Faithfulness:

In Balaam’s first oracle, he declares that “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind” (Numbers 23:19). This statement reveals the unchanging character of God, emphasizing that His promises are reliable and unalterable. God’s blessing upon Israel cannot be revoked, and His purpose for His people stands firm.

For Christians, this passage is a reminder of God’s immutability and faithfulness. The New Testament echoes this truth, affirming that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Believers can rest in the assurance that God’s promises are secure, and His character remains steadfast, even when circumstances change (James 1:17).

The Inviolable Blessing and Protection of God:

Balaam’s oracles reveal that Israel is divinely blessed and protected, so no curse can prevail against them. In Balaam’s second oracle, he declares, “There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel” (Numbers 23:23). This emphasizes that God’s protection over His people is absolute, and no force can undo His blessing.

For Christians, this passage underscores the security that believers have in Christ. Romans 8:31 states, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Just as God protected Israel from Balaam’s curses, He protects believers from spiritual harm and secures their salvation. God’s blessing and protection are irrevocable, and His people can trust in His power to guard them (1 Peter 1:5, John 10:28-29).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Numbers 23:1-3:

“Balaam said, ‘Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.’ Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar. Then Balaam said to Balak, ‘Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.’ Then he went off to a barren height.”

Balaam instructs Balak to prepare sacrifices on seven altars, following the custom of attempting to gain favor with deities through offerings. However, God’s response to Balaam is not based on these rituals but solely on His sovereign will. God’s message cannot be manipulated or controlled by offerings or rituals.

For Christians, this passage highlights the futility of trying to manipulate God’s will. True worship is not about attempting to influence God through outward rituals but about humbly seeking His will and aligning ourselves with it. Jesus teaches that worship must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), and believers are called to approach God with sincerity and humility, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Numbers 23:7-10:

“Then Balaam spoke his message: ‘Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains. “Come,” he said, “curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.” How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced? From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my final end be like theirs!’”

In his first oracle, Balaam makes it clear that he cannot curse whom God has blessed. Despite Balak’s request, Balaam can only declare what God has revealed to him. Balaam acknowledges the uniqueness of Israel as a nation set apart by God and marvels at their numbers and strength.

For Christians, this oracle reinforces the idea that God’s blessings are irrevocable. When God’s people are blessed, no force can undo that blessing. Believers today are assured of God’s promises in Christ, knowing that God’s favor rests upon them through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). This passage encourages Christians to trust in God’s unbreakable promises and to rest in their identity as His chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).

Numbers 23:11-12:

“Balak said to Balaam, ‘What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!’ He answered, ‘Must I not speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?’”

Balak is frustrated that Balaam has blessed rather than cursed Israel. Balaam’s response underscores that he can only declare the words that God has given him. This moment reveals the futility of human plans that are contrary to God’s will.

For Christians, this passage serves as a reminder that God’s will is unchangeable. No human plan or intention can alter what God has decreed. Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Believers are called to align their lives with God’s purposes, knowing that His will is supreme and unchangeable.

Numbers 23:18-20:

“Then he spoke his message: ‘Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.’”

In Balaam’s second oracle, he declares God’s unchanging nature. God’s promises are sure, and His blessings cannot be reversed. Balaam acknowledges that he has no power to alter God’s will, emphasizing the reliability of God’s word.

For Christians, this passage is a profound affirmation of God’s faithfulness. God’s promises are unfailing, and His word is trustworthy. Numbers 23:19 is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are assured of God’s faithfulness and reliability (Hebrews 6:18). This truth encourages believers to hold fast to God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Numbers 23:21-23:

“‘No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, “See what God has done!”’”

Balaam’s second oracle highlights the protection and strength that God has granted Israel. God’s presence is with His people, symbolized by “the shout of the King,” and no curse or divination can harm them. God’s power in delivering Israel from Egypt is a testament to His protection.

For Christians, this passage underscores the power of God’s protection and presence. Just as God’s presence with Israel rendered any curse ineffective, so God’s presence in believers’ lives ensures their safety and security. Romans 8:31 declares, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s protection and to live in the confidence of His presence (Psalm 91:1-2).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Numbers 23 reveals the unassailable nature of God’s blessing upon His people and His unchanging character. Balaam’s oracles emphasize that no one can curse what God has blessed, illustrating the security that believers have in their relationship with God. This chapter also foreshadows the ultimate blessing and protection found in Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was protected from Balaam’s curse, believers are protected from the curse of sin and death through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Galatians 3:13).

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s unchanging promises, offering eternal security to those who place their trust in Him. Through Christ, believers experience God’s unwavering faithfulness and are assured of His blessing and protection. Jesus Himself embodies the faithfulness of God, as He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Unchanging Promises and Unbreakable Protection: Lessons from Balaam’s Oracles”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of God’s unchanging nature, the authority of His word, and the security of His blessing over His people.
   • Explain how Balaam’s oracles, intended as curses, become profound declarations of God’s faithfulness to His people.
2. The Authority of God’s Word (Numbers 23:7-12)
   • Discuss Balaam’s inability to curse Israel because of God’s word, emphasizing the authority and power of Scripture.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to submit to God’s word, trusting in its power and authority (Hebrews 4:12).
3. God’s Unchanging Nature and Faithfulness (Numbers 23:18-20)
   • Highlight the declaration that “God is not human, that he should lie,” focusing on the unchangeable character of God.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers can rely on God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful and His word is true (James 1:17).
4. The Invincibility of God’s Protection (Numbers 23:21-23)
   • Examine the assurance of God’s protection over Israel, noting that no curse or divination can harm them.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to trust in God’s protection and to live confidently in His presence (Romans 8:31).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the call to trust in God’s unchanging promises and to live in the security of His blessing and protection.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone who experienced God’s faithfulness despite difficult circumstances, reflecting the lesson of God’s unchanging promises.
• Global Example: Many cultures have superstitions or beliefs in curses. Relate this to the biblical truth that God’s blessing and protection render such things powerless.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Numbers 23 calls today’s believers to:

• Trust in God’s Unchanging Promises: Just as Balaam’s oracles affirm that God’s word is unalterable, believers are called to trust in the reliability of God’s promises. God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our hope, and His word is a secure anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19).
• Live Confidently in God’s Protection: Balaam’s inability to curse Israel demonstrates God’s invincible protection over His people. Christians are assured of God’s protection in Christ, as He guards them from spiritual harm and preserves them in His grace (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
• Rejoice in the Blessing of God’s Presence: The “shout of the King” among Israel reflects God’s presence with His people. Believers today have the assurance of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live with confidence and joy in His blessing (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Connection to the Father in Numbers 23:

God the Father’s faithfulness and protection are evident in Numbers 23. He upholds His promise to bless Israel, refusing to allow any curse or opposition to prevail. This reflects the Father’s covenantal love and commitment to His people. Just as God protected Israel from Balaam’s curse, He faithfully protects His children today, providing for them, guiding them, and ensuring their ultimate security in His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Connection to Jesus Christ in Numbers 23:

Numbers 23 foreshadows the ultimate protection and blessing found in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus delivers believers from the curse of sin and death, offering eternal security and blessing. Jesus fulfills God’s promises, and in Him, believers experience the unchangeable nature of God’s love and faithfulness. Just as Balaam could not curse what God had blessed, the curse of sin is powerless over those who are in Christ (Galatians 3:13, Romans 8:1).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Numbers 23:

The Holy Spirit assures believers of God’s presence and protection, much like the “shout of the King” in Israel. The Spirit dwells within believers, confirming God’s promises and guiding them in His truth. The Spirit also empowers believers to live confidently in God’s protection, knowing that they are guarded by His presence and filled with His power (Romans 8:16, Ephesians 1:13-14).

Connection to God’s Love in Numbers 23:

God’s love is demonstrated in His commitment to bless and protect Israel, refusing to allow any curse to touch His chosen people. This reflects His steadfast love, which is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God’s love is poured out upon believers, assuring them of His unwavering commitment to bless and keep them. God’s love calls believers to trust in His promises and to rest in the security of His blessing (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10).

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Balaam’s inability to curse Israel challenge you to trust in God’s unchanging promises and protection over your life?
2. In what ways can you live with greater confidence in God’s presence and protection, knowing that He is with you?
3. How does the declaration that “God is not human, that he should lie” encourage you to rely on God’s faithfulness and integrity?
4. What steps can you take to align your life more closely with God’s word, trusting in its authority and power?
5. How does the knowledge that you are blessed and protected in Christ give you assurance and peace in your daily walk with God?