And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam sawThe phrase "And Balaam saw" indicates a moment of realization or perception. In Hebrew, the word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which can mean to see with the eyes, to perceive, or to understand. This suggests that Balaam's understanding was not merely visual but also spiritual. He recognized a divine truth, which is significant because it marks a turning point in his actions. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is beginning to understand the will of the God of Israel, which is a profound moment of revelation and insight. that it pleased the LORD
The phrase "that it pleased the LORD" highlights the divine approval of blessing Israel. The Hebrew word for "pleased" is "towb," which means good, pleasant, or agreeable. This indicates that the blessing of Israel aligns with God's good and perfect will. In the conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the sovereignty of God and His unchanging purpose to bless His chosen people, Israel. It also reflects the broader biblical theme that God's plans are ultimately for the good of His people. to bless Israel
"To bless Israel" is a significant phrase that reflects God's covenantal relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "barak," which means to kneel, to bless, or to praise. This blessing is not just a verbal pronouncement but an invocation of divine favor and protection. Historically, Israel's identity as God's chosen people is central to the narrative of the Old Testament, and this blessing is a reaffirmation of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. he did not resort to divination
The phrase "he did not resort to divination" indicates a departure from Balaam's previous practices. The Hebrew word for "divination" is "nachash," which refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Balaam's decision to abandon divination signifies a shift from relying on pagan practices to acknowledging the true God. This change is crucial as it demonstrates a recognition of God's authority and a rejection of false spiritual practices. as at other times
The phrase "as at other times" suggests that Balaam had previously engaged in divination regularly. This highlights the contrast between his past actions and his current obedience to God's will. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering the true God, which can lead to a change in behavior and beliefs. but he set his face
"But he set his face" is a phrase that denotes determination and resolve. In Hebrew, "set his face" is "shith panim," which implies a deliberate and focused action. This expression is often used in the Bible to describe a resolute decision to follow a particular path. Balaam's decision to set his face toward the wilderness indicates his commitment to follow God's direction, despite any personal or external pressures. toward the wilderness
The phrase "toward the wilderness" is significant in the biblical context. The wilderness, or "midbar" in Hebrew, is often a place of testing, revelation, and encounter with God. It is where the Israelites wandered for forty years and where they experienced God's provision and guidance. Balaam's turning toward the wilderness symbolizes a movement toward God's presence and a willingness to align with His purposes. In a broader sense, it reflects the journey of faith, where believers are called to trust and follow God, even into the unknown. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite his intentions, God used him to bless Israel instead. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who feared the Israelites and sought Balaam's help to curse them, hoping to weaken them. 3. IsraelThe chosen people of God, whom Balaam was supposed to curse but ended up blessing. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who intervened in Balaam's plans and directed him to bless Israel. 5. The WildernessThe setting where Balaam turned his face, symbolizing a shift from human manipulation to divine revelation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human IntentionsDespite human plans, God's purposes prevail. Balaam's account reminds us that God can use anyone, even those with wrong intentions, to fulfill His will. The Futility of Sorcery Against God's WillBalaam's shift from sorcery to seeking God's will demonstrates the futility of relying on human or demonic powers against God's purposes. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power and guidance. The Importance of Aligning with God's WillBalaam's eventual obedience to God's directive to bless Israel shows the importance of aligning our actions with God's will, even when it contradicts our personal desires or external pressures. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe blessing of Israel through Balaam underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises to them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's experience in Numbers 24:1 illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12:3 regarding God's protection over His people? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions align with God's will, especially when faced with external pressures or personal desires? 3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed God's sovereignty in a situation where human intentions seemed to prevail. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 4. How does the account of Balaam challenge us to reconsider the sources of guidance and power we rely on in our daily lives? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary to His word? 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. Balaam's experience is a direct fulfillment of this promise. Deuteronomy 23:5This verse recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, emphasizing God's protective hand over His people. 2 Peter 2:15Balaam is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the danger of pursuing personal gain over God's will. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Arts, Balaam, Bless, Blessing, Desert, Didn't, Enchantments, Face, Lord's, Meet, Omens, Pleased, Pleasure, Resort, Secret, Seek, Setteth, Sight, Sorcery, Towards, Turning, Waste, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 23:26 7774 prophets, false Numbers 23:18-26 1421 oracles Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:1 NIVNumbers 24:1 NLTNumbers 24:1 ESVNumbers 24:1 NASBNumbers 24:1 KJV
Numbers 24:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
