How does Joshua 24:10 demonstrate God's protection over Israel against Balaam's curse? Setting the Scene Israel is camped on the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho. Balak, king of Moab, hires Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24). Joshua later recounts this episode to remind the people of the Lord’s unfailing care. Key Verse: Joshua 24:10 “‘But I would not listen to Balaam; so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.’” What Happened with Balaam? • Balak’s fear: seeing Israel’s numbers, he seeks supernatural help against them (Numbers 22:2–6). • Balaam’s intent: willing to pronounce whatever earns him reward (2 Peter 2:15). • Divine override: each time Balaam opens his mouth, God replaces cursing with blessing (Numbers 23:7–12; 23:18–24; 24:3–10). God’s Protective Intervention • Sovereign control over speech – “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” (Numbers 23:8). • Repeated blessing – Three distinct oracles turn Balak’s plan upside down, “again and again,” as Joshua notes. • Deliverance from unseen danger – Israel is unaware of the spiritual assault, yet God shields them (Psalm 121:4). • Covenant faithfulness – God keeps His promise to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Echoes in Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 23:5 — “The LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.” • Numbers 24:9 — “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” • Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” • Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Lessons for Today • God’s people rest under divine protection; no scheme can thwart His purpose. • Opposing voices may speak, but the Lord has the final word—and it is blessing. • Spiritual battles often occur beyond our sight; trust the One who never slumbers. |
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