And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, "Return to Balak and speak what I tell you." And the LORD met with BalaamThe phrase "the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. In Hebrew, "met" is derived from the root word "קָרָא" (qara), which means to encounter or call. This divine encounter underscores God's direct involvement in the affairs of men, even those like Balaam, who were not Israelites. Historically, Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet, and this meeting signifies God's authority over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. and put a message in his mouth saying, 'Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.' Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and message to Balaam. 2. Balaam A non-Israelite prophet or diviner hired by Balak to curse Israel, but who ultimately speaks the words given by God. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to have them cursed by Balaam. 4. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, representing opposition to Israel. 5. The Encounter A divine meeting where God directly communicates with Balaam, emphasizing His control over the situation. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all situations, even when others intend harm. He can use anyone, even those outside His covenant people, to accomplish His purposes. The Power of God's Word The message God gives is powerful and unchangeable. We should trust in the truth and authority of God's Word in our lives. Obedience to God's Command Balaam's encounter with God reminds us of the importance of speaking and acting according to God's instructions, regardless of external pressures. God's Protection Over His People Just as God protected Israel from Balaam's curse, He watches over His people today, turning intended harm into blessings. Discernment in Leadership Leaders must seek God's guidance and be wary of those who may lead them astray, as Balak sought Balaam's help against God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's encounter with God in Numbers 23:16 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human intentions?2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in the account of Balaam and Balak? 3. How can we apply the principle of speaking only what God commands in our daily conversations and decisions? 4. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's character about the dangers of pursuing personal gain over obedience to God? 5. How does the account of Balaam encourage us to trust in God's protection and provision in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him, highlighting the futility of Balak's request. Deuteronomy 23:5 A reminder that God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, showcasing His protective nature. 2 Peter 2:15-16 Balaam is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, yet God used him to fulfill His purposes. Revelation 2:14 Balaam's later actions are referenced as a warning against leading others into sin, showing the complexity of his character.
People Aram, Balaam, Balak, Jacob, Moses, ZipporPlaces Aram, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Moab, Peor, PisgahTopics Balaam, Balak, Message, Met, Mouth, Return, Setteth, Speak, Thus, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 23:12Library An Unfulfilled Desire'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John. Balaam's Wish Num 23:10 The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret The Nature of Spiritual Hunger Memoir of John Bunyan How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan Christ a Complete Saviour: Of the Decrees of God. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven: The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Unchangeableness of God Numbers Links Numbers 23:16 NIVNumbers 23:16 NLT Numbers 23:16 ESV Numbers 23:16 NASB Numbers 23:16 KJV Numbers 23:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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