“He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.”
Context: Numbers 24:9 is a part of the blessing pronounced by the prophet Balaam upon the Israelites. Balak, the king of Moab, had hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, but each time Balaam opened his mouth to speak, blessings came forth instead of curses. In this verse, Balaam uses the metaphor of a lion to describe the strength and invincibility of the people of Israel.
The Lion Metaphor: Balaam compares the Israelites to a lion, emphasizing their power, courage, and dominance. Lions are known as kings of the jungle, symbolizing strength and authority. By using this imagery, Balaam conveys that the nation of Israel, under God’s protection, possesses great strength and cannot easily be stirred up or overcome by their enemies.
Divine Blessings: Balaam declares that those who bless the Israelites will be blessed themselves. This statement reflects God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” The principle is that when people honor and support God’s chosen people, they invite God’s blessings upon themselves. Conversely, those who curse or oppose the Israelites will face God’s judgment and curses.
Application for Believers: Although this verse was originally spoken to the Israelites, there are a few key principles that believers can apply today:
- Recognize God’s Protection: Like the Israelites, as believers, we are under God’s protection. He fights for us and defends us from our enemies. We can take comfort in knowing that God is our strength and refuge.
- Blessing through Blessing: As followers of Christ, we are called to bless others. When we bless and support God’s people, we open ourselves to receiving God’s blessings in return. This extends beyond the physical descendants of Abraham to include all believers who are part of the spiritual family of God.
- Be Cautious of Cursing: We should be mindful of how we treat God’s people and the nation of Israel. Cursing or opposing them may invite God’s judgment upon us. Instead, we should seek unity, love, and support for fellow believers, understanding that God takes their cause seriously.
- Understanding God’s Sovereignty: The lion imagery used in the verse reminds us of God’s power and authority. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Trusting in God’s sovereignty can give us confidence and assurance in the face of challenges and adversaries.
Remember, when studying the Bible, it is essential to consider the historical and cultural context, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and compare related passages to gain a deeper understanding of the message.
