What does Numbers 23:16 reveal about God's sovereignty and Balaam's role? The scene in context • Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab. • King Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:5–6). • God has already told Balaam, “You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). • The second oracle begins with Numbers 23:16: “And the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, ‘Return to Balak and give him this word.’ ” God’s sovereign initiative • “The LORD met Balaam” – God initiates; Balaam does not summon Him. • Sovereignty over the prophetic process: – Proverbs 16:1, “The answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” – Jeremiah 1:9, “Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me, ‘I have put My words in your mouth.’ ” • God’s purpose overrides Balak’s political agenda. Even a hired diviner must submit. • This continues the pattern: “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19). Words placed in Balaam’s mouth • “Put a word in his mouth” signals total control of content. • Balaam cannot add, subtract, or soften the message (Numbers 22:38; 24:13). • Echoes Exodus 4:12 where God told Moses, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Balaam: a reluctant instrument • A pagan seer, tempted by riches (2 Peter 2:15). • God uses him without endorsing his motives. • Balaam’s role: – Mouthpiece, not author. – Witness to God’s invincible blessing on Israel. – Example that God can employ even adversaries to proclaim truth (cf. John 11:49-52 with Caiaphas). What Numbers 23:16 reveals about God’s sovereignty • God alone determines blessing or curse. • He intervenes directly in human affairs to protect His covenant people. • His word is irresistible; it overrides human schemes (Acts 4:27-28). Takeaways for today • Trust the God who still “puts words” in faithful messengers through His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16). • Remember that no opposition can thwart His purposes for His people (Romans 8:31). • Recognize that obedience means speaking only what He has spoken, nothing more and nothing less. |
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