How does Numbers 23:19 affirm God's unchanging nature and truthfulness? Context of Balaam’s Oracle - Israel’s enemies hired Balaam to curse God’s people (Numbers 22–24). - Instead, the Lord puts His own words in Balaam’s mouth, turning intended curses into blessings. - Against this backdrop, Numbers 23:19 stands out as a clear declaration of who God is and how He acts. Verse Spotlight: Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” God’s Unchanging Nature - “God is not a man…” • Unlike humans, He is not subject to growth, decay, or shifting moods. - “…nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.” • “Change His mind” pictures repentance or reversal. • God’s character and purposes remain fixed; He never revises His nature or retracts His plan. God’s Absolute Truthfulness - “Does He speak and not act?” • God’s words carry the certainty of His deeds. • Divine speech equals guaranteed performance. - “Does He promise and not fulfill?” • Every promise—whether blessing or warning—is realized exactly as spoken. • There is no gap between what God says and what God does. Supporting Scripture - 1 Samuel 15:29: “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” - Malachi 3:6: “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” - Hebrews 6:18: “…it is impossible for God to lie, and we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” - Titus 1:2: “…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” - James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” - Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Implications for Believers Today - Confidence in every biblical promise—salvation, provision, guidance—because God’s character guarantees fulfillment. - Stability amid cultural change; faith rests on the immovable foundation of God’s nature. - Motivation for obedience and worship, knowing God’s words are eternally reliable. - Assurance in prayer: petitions are anchored to the One who never lies, never shifts, never fails. |
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