“And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament, which recounts the story of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 23, we find the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who sought to curse the Israelites. Balak hired Balaam, a diviner, to curse the Israelites, but each time Balaam tried to pronounce a curse, God turned it into a blessing.
The Field of Zophim and the Top of Pisgah:In Numbers 23:14, we read that Balaam brought Balak to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah. This location is significant because it provided a vantage point overlooking the Israelite camp. Pisgah was a mountain in the land of Moab, and from its summit, Balaam could see the Israelites spread out in their camp. It is worth noting that Pisgah would later become the place where Moses would be shown the Promised Land before his death.
Building Seven Altars:Upon reaching the field of Zophim, Balaam built seven altars and offered a sacrifice of a bull and a ram on each altar. In biblical times, altars were places of worship and sacrifice. Building altars and offering sacrifices was a common practice to seek favour from God and to communicate with Him. By building seven altars, Balaam was demonstrating his earnest desire to gain divine favour and power to carry out his intentions.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- The Number Seven:The number seven is significant in the Bible and often represents completion or perfection. Balaam’s act of building seven altars may symbolise his attempt to make a perfect or complete sacrifice before God. However, the true significance lies in God’s response to the sacrifices.
- God’s Protection:Despite Balak’s attempts to curse the Israelites, God repeatedly turned those curses into blessings through Balaam’s mouth. This event highlights God’s protection and faithfulness towards His chosen people. It reminds us that no matter how others may try to harm or curse us, God is our defender and will turn their evil intentions into blessings for His people.
- God’s Sovereignty:Balaam’s inability to curse the Israelites reveals God’s sovereignty and control over human affairs. It demonstrates that no one can thwart God’s plans or harm His people without His permission. God was determined to bless and fulfil His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and no curse or opposition could change that.
Application:
- Trusting in God’s Protection:Like the Israelites, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our protector. Even when others may plot against us or speak ill of us, God can turn their intentions around for our good. We should trust in His faithfulness and seek His guidance and protection in all circumstances.
- God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives:The story of Balaam reminds us that God is in control of our lives. Even when faced with challenges, opposition, or the plans of our enemies, we can find assurance in God’s sovereignty. He has a purpose and a plan for each one of us, and nothing can stand in His way.
- Seeking God’s Will:Balaam’s act of building altars and offering sacrifices demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s will through prayer and worship. It is essential for us to seek God’s guidance in our decisions and actions, ensuring that we align ourselves with His purposes and honour Him in all we do.
In conclusion, Numbers 23:14 provides us with valuable lessons about God’s protection, sovereignty, and the importance of seeking His will. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God and encourages us to trust in Him, knowing that He can turn any curse into a blessing.
