Connect Numbers 23:16 with other instances of God speaking through prophets. Text in Focus: Numbers 23:16 “And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, ‘Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.’” God’s Pattern: Meeting the Prophet and Giving the Message • The Lord initiates the encounter • He “puts” the precise words in the prophet’s mouth • The prophet is sent back to deliver exactly what was received Echoes of the Same Pattern Elsewhere 1. Moses – Deuteronomy 18:18 “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.” • Direct parallel: God places words in the prophet’s mouth • Emphasizes complete dependence on divine revelation 2. Isaiah – Isaiah 51:16 “I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand…” • God supplies the message • Protection accompanies commission 3. Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:9 “Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: ‘Now I have put My words in your mouth.’” • Physical touch highlights divine initiative • Prophet’s youth no obstacle when God supplies the words 4. Ezekiel – Ezekiel 2:7; 3:4 “‘But you must speak My words to them…’” • Repetition stresses fidelity to the divine script • Audience response never alters the message 5. Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:10–11 “The LORD came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel, Samuel!’ … ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel…’” • Personal encounter precedes proclamation • Message originates in God’s presence 6. Amos – Amos 3:7–8 “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets… The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?” • Revelation obligates declaration • Prophetic speech is a compelled response to God’s voice 7. New Testament summary – Hebrews 1:1 “In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” • God’s consistent method: speaking through chosen human vessels • Reinforces continuity from Balaam to the canonical prophets Key Themes in God’s Prophetic Communication • Divine Initiative – Every prophetic word begins with God meeting the messenger • Verbal Inspiration – God places His actual words in human mouths (Numbers 23:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) • Faithful Transmission – Prophets are charged to repeat only what they receive (Jeremiah 26:2) • Moral Authority – Because the source is perfect, the message carries binding truth (Isaiah 55:10-11) • Unbroken Chain – From Balaam to John the Revelator, God consistently uses prophets to convey His will Implications for Reading Prophecy Today • Trust the text—its words originate with God, not human invention • Expect unity—prophetic books harmonize because the same Speaker stands behind them • Look for Christ—He fulfills and embodies the ultimate message God placed in prophetic mouths (Luke 24:27) |
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