How does Balaam's response in Numbers 23:25 demonstrate obedience to God's will? The setting in Moab Balak, king of Moab, has hired Balaam to curse Israel. Twice the prophet has sought a word from God, and twice God has turned the intended curse into a blessing (Numbers 22:12; 23:8–10, 20-24). Balak is frustrated. Balak’s demand and Balaam’s answer “Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!’ But Balaam replied, ‘Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?’” (Numbers 23:25-26) How Balaam’s reply demonstrates obedience • Single-minded submission – “Whatever the LORD says, I must do” shows total acceptance of divine authority, echoing 22:38 and anticipating 24:13. • Refusal to compromise – Balak offers an easier, middle path—say nothing. Balaam refuses to mute God’s word (cf. Acts 4:19-20). • Fear of God over fear of man – The king’s anger and promised reward (Numbers 22:17) carry no weight beside God’s command (Proverbs 29:25). • Verbal faithfulness – God’s message is delivered exactly as received (Jeremiah 1:7; 1 Peter 4:11). • Continuity with prior revelation – Balaam remembers God’s first statement: “You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). True obedience holds to what God has already spoken. Consistency with earlier instructions • Numbers 22:18 — “I could not go beyond the word of the LORD.” • Numbers 22:20 — “Only the word I speak to you—you shall do.” • Numbers 22:35 — “Only speak the word that I tell you.” • Numbers 24:13 — “I cannot do anything of myself, whether good or evil, contrary to the command of the LORD.” Balaam’s response in 23:25-26 lines up perfectly with every prior directive. Key marks of obedient speech 1. Anchor in God’s revealed word, not personal opinion. 2. Willingness to repeat that word unchanged. 3. Courage to uphold it before hostile listeners. 4. Commitment sustained over time, not just in a moment. Takeaways for believers today • God’s word is final; we may not dilute or silence it for convenience. • Obedience requires both hearing and faithfully repeating what He says (James 1:22). • Even when pressured by authority, popularity, or reward, allegiance to God must remain supreme (Matthew 10:28). • Consistent obedience builds a testimony that honors the Lord and blesses His people, just as Israel was blessed through Balaam’s fidelity. |
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