“And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular passage, the Israelites had reached the plains of Moab and Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of their presence. Balak sought the help of Balaam, a well-known diviner, to curse the Israelites in an attempt to weaken them.
Balaam’s Encounter: Balak’s messengers came to Balaam, urging him to join them and curse the people of Israel. Balaam sought the Lord’s guidance regarding this matter, and God responded to him directly.
God’s Command: In response to Balaam’s inquiry, God clearly instructed him not to go with Balak’s messengers and not to curse the Israelites. God emphasized that the people of Israel were blessed, indicating His favor and protection over them.
God’s Protection and Blessing: God’s command to Balaam reveals His protection and blessing upon the people of Israel. Despite Balak’s fear and his attempt to seek a curse, God ensured that no harm would come to His chosen people. This passage underscores the sovereignty of God and His commitment to preserving and blessing His chosen nation.
Balaam’s Dilemma: Although God made His will clear to Balaam, we see that Balaam was enticed by the offer of wealth and honor from Balak. He initially expressed a desire to go with Balak’s messengers, but God’s subsequent warnings and intervention prevented him from doing so.
Lessons from Numbers 22:12:
- God’s Blessing Cannot Be Cursed: God’s blessings are powerful and cannot be reversed or nullified by human schemes or curses. When God blesses His people, no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
- Obedience to God’s Commands: Balaam’s initial inclination to comply with Balak’s request highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Even when faced with tempting offers, we should prioritize following God’s will rather than pursuing personal gain or worldly rewards.
- Trust in God’s Protection: The passage emphasizes God’s faithfulness to protect His people. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our protector, and His blessings and favor rest upon us.
- God’s Sovereignty: The encounter between Balaam and God demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all things. He has ultimate control over human events and can redirect even the plans of those who seek to harm His people.
In summary, Numbers 22:12 reveals God’s protection, blessing, and sovereignty. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the inability to curse what God has blessed, and the assurance of His faithful protection over His chosen people.
