Numbers Chapter 23 – A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Numbers 23 is a key chapter in the book of Numbers, set within the larger narrative of Israel's journey toward the Promised Land. It primarily focuses on Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and Balak, the king of Moab. Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel because he fears their growing power. However, despite Balak’s persistence, Balaam is only able to bless Israel, as he speaks under the direction of God.

This chapter consists of two major prophetic oracles by Balaam. These oracles emphasize God's faithfulness, the irrevocable nature of His blessings, and Israel's divine protection.

Context: Balaam and Balak’s Encounter (Numbers 22-24)

Before diving into the details of chapter 23, it's important to understand its background:

Numbers 22: Balak, the king of Moab, sees Israel as a threat and seeks Balaam to curse them. Despite his initial resistance, Balaam eventually goes with Balak, under God’s command.
Numbers 23: Balaam attempts to curse Israel but ends up blessing them twice.
Numbers 24: Balaam delivers further oracles, blessing Israel even more and prophesying their future dominance.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation of Numbers 23

1. Balaam’s First Prophecy (Numbers 23:1-12)

Verses 1-3: Balaam Prepares to Speak

"Then Balaam said to Balak, 'Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.' And Balak did as Balaam had said. And Balak and Balaam offered on each altar a bull and a ram."

Balaam orders seven altars and seven bulls and rams to be sacrificed. The number seven symbolizes completeness and is often used in biblical sacrifices (Genesis 2:2-3, Leviticus 4:6).
This ritual was meant to seek divine favor. It mirrors pagan customs, but Balaam is trying to communicate with the true God.

Verse 3:
"Balaam said to Balak, 'Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.' And he went to a bare height."

Balaam still speaks cautiously, acknowledging that he has no control over the message he will receive.

Verses 4-6: God Gives Balaam a Message

Verse 4: "God met Balaam, and Balaam said to Him, 'I have arranged the seven altars and have offered on each altar a bull and a ram.'"
This confirms that God is in control of the situation. Balaam does not dictate the prophecy; rather, he receives divine revelation.

Verses 7-10: Balaam’s First Oracle – Israel’s Unshakable Blessing

Verse 7: “From Aram Balak has brought me, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains: ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’”
- Balaam acknowledges that Balak has summoned him to curse Israel.
Verse 8: “How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?”
- This verse is a theological key: No human can reverse God’s blessing.
Verse 9: “For from the top of the crags I see him, from the hills I behold him; behold, a people dwelling alone, and not counting itself among the nations!”
- This highlights Israel’s distinctiveness. They are set apart as God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6).
Verse 10: “Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!”
- Balaam acknowledges Israel’s vast population, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 13:16).
- He expresses a desire to share in their blessings, showing that even a pagan prophet recognizes Israel’s favored position.

Verses 11-12: Balak’s Frustration

Balak is furious that Balaam blessed Israel instead of cursing them.
Balaam responds in verse 12: “Must I not take care to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?”
- Balaam emphasizes that he cannot override God’s will.

2. Balaam’s Second Prophecy (Numbers 23:13-26)

Verses 13-17: Second Attempt to Curse Israel

Verse 13: Balak takes Balaam to another location, hoping for a different outcome.
Verse 14: They repeat the sacrifices on seven altars.
Verse 16: God meets Balaam again, confirming His unchangeable will.

Verses 18-24: Balaam’s Second Oracle – God’s Unchangeable Blessing

This prophecy reinforces God’s faithfulness and protection over Israel.

Verse 19: “God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?”
- This verse affirms God’s immutability. Unlike humans, God does not lie or change His mind.
Verse 20: “Behold, I received a command to bless: He has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.”
- This confirms that God’s blessings on Israel cannot be reversed.
Verse 21: “He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob, nor has He seen trouble in Israel. The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.”
- The “shout of a king” foreshadows God’s kingship over Israel, possibly pointing to the coming of the Messiah.
Verse 22: “God brings them out of Egypt and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.”
- This symbolizes God’s power in delivering Israel.
Verse 23: “For there is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel.”
- Israel is protected from sorcery and curses because of God’s covenant.
Verse 24: “Behold, a people! As a lioness it rises up and as a lion it lifts itself; it does not lie down until it has devoured the prey.”
- This portrays Israel’s strength, echoing Jacob’s blessing of Judah in Genesis 49:9.

Verses 25-26: Balak’s Second Frustration

Balak, still angry, tells Balaam to stop prophesying.
Balaam reaffirms that he must speak only what God commands.

Key Themes in Numbers 23

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
- No human power can override God’s plan.
The Irrevocability of God’s Blessings
- When God blesses, no one can reverse it.
God’s Faithfulness to Israel
- Despite Israel’s flaws, God remains committed to them.
The Futility of Opposing God’s People
- Balak’s efforts to curse Israel are futile.
Prophecy and Divine Revelation
- Balaam speaks only what God allows.

Conclusion

Numbers 23 highlights God’s unwavering faithfulness and the futility of human attempts to alter His will. Balaam, a pagan prophet, is used by God to declare blessings upon Israel, reinforcing that divine authority supersedes human intentions.

BIBLE LIBRARY777

Thursday, March 27, 2025