“And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.”
Context:The book of Numbers records the events of the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites were camped in the plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, was concerned about the increasing numbers and military might of the Israelites. He sought the help of Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse the Israelites. However, instead of cursing them, Balaam pronounced blessings upon them as directed by God.
Balak’s Request:Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites, hoping it would weaken them and give Moab an advantage. In verse 15, Balaam instructs Balak to stand by his burnt offering while he goes to meet the Lord. This was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern divination rituals, where the diviner sought divine guidance or revelation.
Balaam’s Obedience:Despite the potentially lucrative rewards Balak offered, Balaam remained committed to obeying the Lord. Although he was a diviner, he recognised the authority of the God of Israel. Balaam knew that before making any pronouncements, he needed to seek the Lord’s guidance. Thus, he asked Balak to wait while he went to meet the Lord.
The Importance of Seeking God’s Guidance:Balaam’s action highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance before making decisions or pronouncements. Balaam understood that his words held power, and he wanted to ensure they aligned with God’s will. As believers, we can learn from this example and seek God’s guidance through prayer, reading the Scriptures, and listening for His voice.
God’s Control over Blessings and Curses:Throughout this story, we see God’s sovereignty in overriding Balaam’s attempts to curse the Israelites. Instead, God turned the curses into blessings. This demonstrates that God has the final say over blessings and curses. No human effort or manipulation can alter God’s plans or purposes. It reminds us of the truth stated in Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
God’s Faithfulness to His People:Despite the opposition they faced, the Israelites experienced God’s faithfulness and protection. God preserved and blessed them because of His covenant promises to their forefathers. Through this passage, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people. He remains faithful to us today, fulfilling His promises and providing for our needs.
In summary, Numbers 23:15 emphasises the importance of seeking God’s guidance and highlights God’s sovereignty over blessings and curses. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God and encourages us to trust in Him as we navigate through life’s challenges.
