Impregnable Security of Israel
Numbers 23:21-24
He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither has he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him…


I. THE TRUTH AFFIRMED: "Surely there is no enchantment," &c. The certainty of this may be inferred —

1. Because the counsels of God are more than sufficient to baffle the designs and plots of hell.

2. Because the power of Jehovah is ever effectual in thwarting the attacks of the enemies of his people.

3. Because Divine goodness is more than enough to counteract the malevolence of our foes.

4. The resources of God are more than adequate to render all the means of the Church's enemies abortive.

II. THE EXCLAMATION UTTERED: "According to this time," &c.

1. What is to be said? "What hath God wrought!" Agents are to be observed, but only God praised. This is to keep up our dependence on God. This is to inspire with adoration and praise. This is to keep human nature in its right place.

2. Who are to say it?

(1)  Ministers of the gospel

(2)  The pious.

3. When should it be said?

(1)  In times of depression, as the means of consolation.

(2)  In times of great exertion, as an incitement to perseverance.

(3)  In times of great success, to give tone to our exultations.

(4)  It will be reiterated in the world of the beatified for ever. There they will see, in one beautiful series, the doings of God — behold the golden chain entire.

Application:

1. Our text may apply to many as to their Christian experience before God. "Remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee," &c. (Deuteronomy 8:2).

2. The text is appropriate to Christian missions. What enemies, difficulties, and discouragements have been overcome and surmounted! Well may we exclaim, "What hath God wrought!"

3. Let God ever be exalted for the blessings we enjoy, and for all the good done in us and by us.

(J. Burns, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

WEB: He has not seen iniquity in Jacob. Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel. Yahweh his God is with him. The shout of a king is among them.




A Little Trust is Better than Much Foresight
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