Connect Numbers 23:23 with Romans 8:31 on God's defense of His people. Setting the Scene • Numbers 22–24 records Balaam hired by Moab’s king to curse Israel. • Three attempts end in blessing, not cursing, because God’s word cannot be overturned (Isaiah 14:27). A Curse Turned into a Blessing—Numbers 23:23 “Surely there is no spell against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel; at this time it will be said to Jacob and Israel, ‘See what God has done!’” Key observations • “No spell… no divination” – supernatural protection renders every occult scheme powerless (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • “At this time it will be said” – God’s defense is public and timely; His works become testimony (Psalm 105:1-2). • “See what God has done” – focus shifts from enemy threats to God’s mighty acts (Exodus 15:11). If God Is for Us—Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Key observations • “For us” – covenant favor; secured through Christ’s atoning work (Romans 8:32-34). • “Who can be against us?” – opposition exists, yet cannot prevail (John 16:33). Linking the Two Passages 1. Same Defender – Old Covenant: God shields Israel from curses. – New Covenant: God in Christ shields believers from every condemning charge (Romans 8:33-34). 2. Powerless Opposition – Balaam’s sorcery neutralized (Numbers 23:23). – Every adversary ultimately ineffective (Isaiah 54:17; 1 John 4:4). 3. Public Vindication – Nations witness “See what God has done!” – Church becomes display of God’s wisdom to heavenly rulers (Ephesians 3:10). 4. Unchanging Covenant Faithfulness – Promise to patriarchs honored despite Moab’s plots. – Promise in Christ guarantees inseparable love (Romans 8:35-39). Living in God’s Defense Today • Rest in God’s settled verdict—justified, not condemned (Romans 5:1). • Replace fear of spiritual attack with confidence in Christ’s victory (Colossians 2:15). • Speak God’s works: testify, “See what God has done!” in redemption and daily provision (Psalm 107:2). • Stand firm in obedient faith; Balaam could not curse a people walking in covenant obedience (Numbers 24:1; James 4:7). • Anticipate final deliverance: ultimate triumph when Christ returns (Revelation 19:11-16). |
    |