Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 22:38 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
What Does Numbers 22:38 Mean?
The Context of Numbers 22:38 KJV
To understand the meaning of Numbers 22:38, it is essential to consider the larger context of the chapter and the events that lead to this verse. Numbers 22 is a fascinating chapter in the Old Testament that tells the story of Balaam, a prophet, and King Balak of Moab. After the Israelites had successfully defeated other nations on their journey through the wilderness, King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites’ power and numbers, sought to hinder their progress by hiring Balaam to curse them.
The story begins with Balak sending messengers to Balaam, asking him to come and curse Israel, offering him a generous reward. Although Balaam initially refuses, God tells him not to go with the men or curse Israel. However, as Balak’s messengers return with a greater offer, Balaam is swayed by the potential reward and asks God again if he can go with them. God permits Balaam to go, but with the clear command not to curse Israel.
As Balaam sets out on his journey, God intervenes through an angel and blocks his path, leading to the famous incident where Balaam’s donkey sees the angel of the Lord and refuses to move. Eventually, God opens Balaam’s eyes, allowing him to see the angel, and the angel warns him to speak only the words God gives him. This brings us to Numbers 22:38, where Balaam responds to King Balak, emphasizing that he can only speak what God has told him.
Numbers 22:38 (KJV)
Numbers 22:38 (KJV) says:
“And Balaam said unto Balak, ‘Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.’”
In this verse, Balaam is addressing King Balak after meeting with him. He acknowledges that he has arrived, but he also makes it clear that his power to speak is not his own. Rather, he emphasizes that he can only speak the words that God gives him. Balaam’s statement here reflects his understanding that he is not in control of his words; they are entirely under God’s authority.
Numbers 22:38 Meaning
Balaam’s Acknowledgment of God’s Authority
The primary meaning of Numbers 22:38 is that Balaam recognizes the authority of God over his actions and speech. At this point in the story, Balaam has been confronted by the angel of the Lord, and he is fully aware that he cannot speak contrary to what God commands. Despite the pressure from Balak and the generous rewards offered to him, Balaam realizes that his true power lies in obedience to God’s will, not in his own ability or desires.
Balaam’s statement, “have I now any power at all to say anything?” shows his acknowledgment that his ability to speak is not based on his own strength, will, or desires but is fully subject to God’s direction. This is a crucial moment in the narrative where Balaam submits to God’s will and accepts that he is not in control, even in his role as a prophet. He is reminded that God’s authority overrides all other influences.
A Warning Against Trying to Manipulate God’s Will
Balaam’s acknowledgment also serves as a warning against trying to manipulate or control God’s will. Balak had sought Balaam’s help to curse the Israelites, but Balaam knows that his attempts to curse God’s people are futile because God’s will cannot be altered by human desires or actions. This statement highlights the futility of attempting to sway God’s purposes with money, power, or influence. Balaam is making it clear that he will not speak against God’s will, no matter what Balak offers him.
In a broader sense, this verse reflects the truth that no matter how powerful a person may be or how much they may desire to change the course of events, God’s will is sovereign. This is a powerful reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or desires.
Balaam’s Reluctant Submission
Although Balaam seems to acknowledge God’s authority in this verse, it’s important to note that his submission to God’s will is not entirely sincere. Balaam is reluctant to fully comply with God’s instructions, as evidenced by his repeated requests to God for permission to go with Balak’s men (Numbers 22:19). In this verse, Balaam submits to God’s will because he realizes he has no other choice. This reluctance to obey completely and wholeheartedly becomes a theme throughout Balaam’s story, as he struggles with the conflict between his own desires and God’s instructions.
Balaam’s statement reflects a moment of forced obedience, as he makes it clear that he can only speak the words God puts in his mouth. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Balaam’s heart is still conflicted, and he ultimately finds a way to advise Balak on how to lead Israel into sin, showing that his submission was not without ulterior motives.
Numbers 22:38 Application in Life
The Importance of Obedience to God
One of the key lessons from Numbers 22:38 is the importance of obedience to God. Balaam’s words remind us that our power and ability to act in the world are not of our own making. As believers, we must acknowledge that God is sovereign over our lives and that we must submit to His authority. Just as Balaam was only able to speak the words God gave him, we too should speak and act in alignment with God’s will, not our own desires.
Obedience to God requires humility. It involves recognizing that we are not in control and that our plans should always align with God’s plans. Sometimes, like Balaam, we may face pressure to go against God’s will for the sake of personal gain or approval. However, we must remember that God’s commands are always for our good and His glory. Just as Balaam was reminded that he had no power to speak outside of God’s will, we too must remember that our words and actions should reflect our submission to God.
Avoiding the Temptation of Personal Gain
Balaam’s story also serves as a cautionary tale about the temptation of personal gain. Balak offered Balaam a generous reward for cursing Israel, but Balaam was reminded that he could not be swayed by material wealth or fame. As Christians, we are often faced with temptations that promise worldly rewards in exchange for compromise. Numbers 22:38 reminds us that no amount of money, power, or fame is worth compromising our obedience to God’s will. We must learn to seek God’s approval, not the approval of the world.
In our daily lives, we may be tempted to act in ways that go against God’s teachings in order to achieve success or gain wealth. However, the story of Balaam reminds us that true success is found in following God’s will, not in compromising our integrity or values for the sake of material gain.
Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
This verse also teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as Balaam had to recognize that he could not speak outside of God’s will, we too must trust that God’s plan for our lives is better than any plan we could come up with on our own. When we trust in God’s timing and His purpose for our lives, we can find peace even when things don’t go as we expected.
In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control. Whether we are facing difficulties, temptations, or challenges, we can rest assured that God’s will for us is good, and He will always guide us in the right direction.
Living with Integrity
Finally, Numbers 22:38 calls us to live with integrity. Balaam’s story is a reminder that it’s not enough to simply say the right things; we must also live in accordance with God’s truth. Balaam’s submission in this verse is important, but his later actions show that true obedience goes beyond words. As Christians, we are called to live out our faith with integrity, allowing our actions to reflect our submission to God’s will in all areas of life.
Conclusion
Numbers 22:38 serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God’s authority in our lives and submitting to His will. Just as Balaam recognized that he could only speak the words God gave him, we too must recognize that our lives are not our own but belong to God. Our words, actions, and decisions should reflect our obedience to Him, even when we face pressure or temptation to act otherwise.
The story of Balaam challenges us to resist the temptation of personal gain, trust in God’s sovereignty, and live with integrity. It reminds us that true success and fulfillment come not from seeking the approval of the world, but from faithfully following God’s will for our lives. May we take these lessons to heart and strive to live in submission to God’s authority in every aspect of our lives.
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