“And the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.”
Context: The book of Numbers recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. In this particular section, Balak, the king of Moab, was afraid of the Israelites’ growing presence and sought to curse them. He hired the prophet Balaam to pronounce curses upon Israel. However, God intervened and instructed Balaam to speak only what He commanded.
Divine Intervention: In this verse, we see that the Lord put a specific word in Balaam’s mouth to speak to Balak. This highlights God’s sovereignty and control over human affairs. Balaam was not permitted to speak or act according to his own desires or the desires of Balak but was instructed by God.
God’s Protection of Israel: Balak desired to curse the Israelites, but God thwarted his plans. God had promised to bless and protect the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He remained faithful to His covenant. Even though Balak sought to harm Israel, God ensured that only blessings would come from Balaam’s mouth.
God’s Authority over Prophets: Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, was sought after by Balak because of his reputation for having the ability to bless and curse. However, God demonstrated His authority over Balaam by controlling his words. This emphasizes that God’s power transcends any human instrument, even a prophet, and that His purposes will prevail.
Application: The verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His control over every situation. It teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and speaking His words rather than relying on our own understanding or following the desires of others. We should be obedient to God’s instructions and trust in His ultimate authority.
Overall, Numbers 23:5 highlights God’s intervention in human affairs, His protection of His people, and His authority over prophets. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the importance of aligning ourselves with His will.
