Balaam’s Oracles: The Ineffectiveness of Curses Against God’s Blessing

Numbers 23 presents the first two of Balaam’s four oracles concerning Israel. Despite King Balak’s insistence on cursing the Israelites, Balaam can only bless them because of God’s overriding command. This chapter explores the themes of divine providence, the irrevocability of God’s blessings, and the power of God’s word.

Balaam’s Attempts to Curse Israel

• Initial Preparations and Sacrifices: At Balak’s request, Balaam instructs the king to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice at each altar. Balaam hopes to meet with the Lord through these offerings and deliver a curse against Israel as Balak desires (Numbers 23:1-6).
• First Oracle: Instead of a curse, Balaam speaks a blessing over Israel, emphasizing their set-apart status and divine protection. He declares, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?” (Numbers 23:7-12).

Balak’s Displeasure and Second Attempt

• Balak’s Reaction: Frustrated by Balaam’s blessing of Israel, Balak suggests trying again from a different location, where only a part of the Israelite camp can be seen, perhaps hoping for a different outcome (Numbers 23:13-17).
• Second Oracle: From the new vantage point, Balaam again blesses Israel, affirming that God sees no wickedness in Jacob or perversity in Israel, and speaking of the Lord being with them. He concludes by highlighting God’s bringing them out of Egypt and the strength of their king (Numbers 23:18-24).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• The Blessing of Abraham: Balaam’s blessings resonate with the Abrahamic covenant, wherein God promises to bless those who bless Abraham’s descendants and curse those who curse them. This covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, through whom all nations are blessed (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:8).
• Jesus as the Promised King: The mention of the strength of Israel’s king in Balaam’s second oracle points forward to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, whose reign brings ultimate victory and blessing to God’s people (Revelation 19:16).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Irrevocable Blessings: God’s commitment to bless Israel despite their shortcomings highlights His steadfast love and faithfulness. This commitment is an expression of His unconditional love, which is also evident in the provision of Jesus as the Savior.
• Protection of His People: The inability of Balaam to curse Israel demonstrates God’s protective love over His chosen people, a theme that extends to all believers through the protective grace of Christ.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Numbers 23 Still Matters Today

• The Power of God’s Word: The chapter underscores the authority and power of God’s word, which cannot be altered by human intention. This teaches believers about the reliability and supremacy of God’s declarations.
• God’s Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Balaam’s oracles show that God’s purposes will prevail despite human attempts to alter divine plans. This reassures believers of God’s control and perfect timing in their lives.
• Integrity in Spiritual Leadership: Balaam, despite his mixed motives, ultimately speaks what God commands. This stands as a lesson for today’s spiritual leaders to adhere strictly to God’s truth, despite external pressures or personal gain.

Numbers 23 offers profound lessons on the futility of opposing God’s will and the assurance that God’s purposes for His people will always prevail, serving as a powerful reminder of the divine favor that encompasses and protects believers today.