What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Balaam's response in Numbers 23:17? Grasping the Setting “Balaam returned to Balak, who was standing beside his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. And Balak asked him, ‘What did the LORD say?’ ” (Numbers 23:17) • Balak has invested in elaborate sacrifices, hoping to sway Balaam into cursing Israel. • Balaam, bound by God’s earlier command (22:35; 23:12), comes back only with “what the LORD said.” • The atmosphere is charged: a pagan king waiting, officials watching, and one prophet compelled by a higher voice. Sovereignty Revealed Through Balaam’s Silence (Before He Speaks) • The moment before Balaam opens his mouth is itself a testimony: he must wait for divine words. • Human power and wealth (Balak’s offerings, princes, and promises of honor) are powerless to force God’s hand (cf. Proverbs 21:30). • God’s authority governs even the tongue of a professional diviner; no spell or payment can override God’s directive (Psalm 115:3). Four Marks of God’s Sovereignty in Balaam’s Response 1. Supreme Control of Speech – Balaam can only relay what God allows (Numbers 22:38). – Parallel: The LORD opened Balaam’s donkey’s mouth (22:28); He just as easily controls the prophet’s. 2. Unbreakable Blessing on His People – God had already blessed Israel (22:12). No earthly ruler can reverse that decree (Romans 11:29). – Later in the oracle: “He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it” (23:20). 3. Independence from Ritual Manipulation – Seven altars and sacrifices (23:1–3, 14) impress humans, not God (1 Samuel 15:22). – God speaks on His own terms, showing He is not a deity to be bargained with. 4. Dominion over Nations and History – A Moabite king fears Israel’s advance, yet God’s plan is unstoppable (Isaiah 46:9-10). – Balak’s political anxiety collides with God’s covenant faithfulness (Genesis 12:3). Supporting Scriptures that Echo the Scene • Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” • Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” • Isaiah 14:27 – “For the LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him?” • Acts 4:27-28 – Even hostile rulers ultimately carry out “what Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.” Take-Home Truths • God’s word rules over every human agenda; wait for His voice before acting. • Attempts to coerce or bribe God expose human folly; worship springs from submission, not manipulation. • God protects and blesses His people according to His covenant, not our performance or others’ opinions. • Because the Almighty directs even reluctant prophets, we can rest in His unassailable sovereignty today. |
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