“But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?”
This verse is part of the account of the prophet Balaam and his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. Balak had called upon Balaam to curse the Israelites because he feared their growing strength and numbers. However, God had instructed Balaam not to curse the Israelites but to bless them instead.
In Numbers 23:26, Balaam is responding to Balak’s frustration:Earlier in the chapter, Balaam had spoken blessings over the Israelites three times, despite Balak’s attempts to influence him otherwise. Balak hoped that Balaam would speak curses over Israel, but each time Balaam opened his mouth, only blessings came forth, as directed by the Lord.
Balaam’s response to Balak in this verse:reflects his commitment to obeying God’s instructions. Balaam reminds Balak that he had already made it clear to him that he could only speak what the Lord had spoken to him. Balaam recognizes the authority of God’s word and acknowledges his responsibility to follow it faithfully.
This verse highlights an important aspect of our relationship with God:Like Balaam, we are called to obey God’s commands and follow His word. Balaam’s obedience to God’s instructions serves as a reminder for us to prioritize God’s will above the expectations and desires of others, even when there may be pressure or temptation to do otherwise.
Furthermore, Balaam’s words:convey a sense of certainty and conviction in God’s word. He demonstrates his unwavering commitment to delivering the message God had given him, regardless of the circumstances or the expectations of others. This serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and trust in God’s guidance.
In our own lives, we can learn from Balaam’s response:by seeking to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. We should approach His word with reverence and follow it wholeheartedly, even when faced with challenges or opposition.
Overall, Numbers 23:26 reminds us:of the importance of obedience to God’s word and the need to rely on His guidance rather than human expectations or desires. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitment to following God’s will, just as Balaam did in his interactions with Balak.
