What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Balaam's actions in Numbers 22:39? The Setting: A Prophet on the Road Numbers 22:39: “So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.” • The verse looks simple—Balaam travels. • Yet every step was under the tight reins of the LORD, Who had already said, “Only the word I speak to you, this you shall speak” (22:35). • What appears to be Balaam’s decision is, in reality, movement granted—and governed—by God. Layers of Sovereignty Revealed • Permission with limits – God allowed the journey (22:20), but set an immovable boundary on Balaam’s speech. – Even hostile kings can only act inside God’s fence line (cf. Job 42:2). • Control over pagan instruments – Balaam was a professional diviner, yet God pressed him into service for Israel’s blessing (23:11-12). – Proverbs 21:1: “A king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse whichever way He pleases.” • Unstoppable purpose – Balak’s intent was a curse; God’s intent was a blessing. – Isaiah 14:27: “For the LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can annul it?” – Balaam arrives in Moab only to proclaim, “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” (23:8). What We Learn about God’s Sovereignty • God’s plan marches on even when people cooperate for the wrong reasons. • Human travel, timing, and conversations are subordinate to divine decree. • Attempts to manipulate God’s people backfire; He converts curses into blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5). • Sovereignty is not passive oversight but active orchestration—God engineers circumstances to glorify His name. Living It Out • Rest—hostile agendas cannot derail God’s promises (Romans 8:31). • Obey—if God rules over Balaam’s donkey and tongue, He surely guides our steps; submit quickly. • Speak truth—like Balaam under compulsion, believers carry God’s word; refuse to bend it under pressure (Acts 5:29). Supporting Passages • Numbers 23:19-20 – God cannot lie; He performs what He declares. • Deuteronomy 32:39 – “There is no god besides Me… I wound and I heal.” • Acts 4:27-28 – Even the cross occurred “to do whatever Your hand and plan had predestined.” |
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