How does Numbers 22:35 illustrate God's control over Balaam's actions and decisions? Text in Focus “ But the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, ‘Go with the men, but you are to speak only the word that I tell you.’ So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.” (Numbers 22:35) God’s Sovereign Directive • The command is direct—“speak only the word that I tell you”—leaving Balaam no room for personal opinion or negotiation. • God authoritatively defines both Balaam’s movement (“Go with the men”) and his message (“only the word that I tell you”), showing dominion over Balaam’s itinerary and tongue. • The Angel of the LORD functions as God’s representative yet speaks in the first person, underscoring that the directive carries divine, not merely angelic, authority. A Prophet Under Authority • Balaam’s profession as a diviner is overridden by the Creator’s voice; his skills, reputation, and previous allegiances bow to God’s command. • Subsequent chapters reveal Balaam’s inability to curse Israel despite Balak’s payment (Numbers 23–24), proving the effectiveness of the control established in 22:35. • Even Balaam’s attempt to work around God’s blessing (Numbers 24:15–19) results in further pronouncements of Israel’s victory, illustrating that human intent cannot sidestep divine sovereignty. Divine Control Affirmed Elsewhere • Proverbs 16:9—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Isaiah 46:10—God declares, “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” • Psalm 33:10–11—The LORD “thwarts the plans of the peoples” but “the plans of the LORD stand firm forever.” • Acts 4:28—Even hostile rulers do “what Your hand and Your purpose had predetermined to occur.” These passages echo Numbers 22:35 by portraying God as the decisive actor who guides, permits, or restrains human speech and conduct. Takeaways for Today • God’s sovereignty extends to individuals who may not fully align with Him; He can redirect any person’s words or actions to fulfill His purposes. • Obedience is safest under God’s directive; Balaam’s life is spared when he submits, and danger looms when he resists (Numbers 22:32–33). • When God has declared blessing over His people, no external agenda—political, financial, or spiritual—can successfully overturn it. • The passage invites confidence that God can still overrule, restrain, or reorient human decision-makers today, ensuring His redemptive plan prevails. |
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