Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 23:18 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 23:18 is a significant verse in the Bible. It is part of the larger narrative in the Book of Numbers, which recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. This particular verse falls within the story of Balaam, a prophet who is hired by the king of Moab, Balak, to curse the Israelites. However, despite Balak’s repeated attempts to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, God intervenes, and Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead. Numbers 23:18 plays an important role in conveying God’s message and His sovereignty. In this article, we will examine the context of Numbers 23:18, the verse itself, its meaning, and how we can apply the lessons from it in our lives.
The Context of Numbers 23:18 KJV
The Background of Balaam’s Story
The story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22-24. Balaam was a well-known prophet, and his reputation was such that he was sought out by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. The Israelites had been traveling through the wilderness and were camped near the Moabite territory. King Balak, fearing the growing strength of the Israelites, wanted to use Balaam’s power to curse them and stop their advance.
Balak offered Balaam a significant reward to do this, but Balaam first sought God’s guidance. God told Balaam not to go with the Moabite princes who had been sent by Balak, as He had blessed Israel and would not allow them to be cursed. Balaam initially refused to go. However, Balak sent more princes with even greater promises, tempting Balaam to reconsider. In response, God allowed Balaam to go but instructed him to speak only the words God gave him.
The first of Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel happens in Numbers 23, after Balak takes him to a high place where he can see the Israelites encamped below. But rather than cursing Israel, Balaam ends up blessing them, because God had told him what to say. This happens in a series of steps, with Balak becoming increasingly frustrated as Balaam blesses Israel instead of cursing them.
The Setting for Numbers 23:18
Numbers 23:18 is part of Balaam’s second oracle. After Balak took Balaam to a second high place and once again asked him to curse Israel, Balaam delivers a message that emphasizes the goodness and blessing of Israel. The verse is a declaration of what Balaam speaks after God puts the words into his mouth. It is a part of Balaam’s prophetic words, which further demonstrate God’s power and the futility of human attempts to oppose His will.
This verse is important because it continues the theme of God’s sovereignty and His unchangeable will. No matter how much pressure Balak puts on Balaam, or how much the Moabites desire to see Israel cursed, God’s plans are always accomplished. Numbers 23:18, in particular, shows that God is in control of even the words spoken by His prophets.
Numbers 23:18 (KJV)
“And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:” (Numbers 23:18 KJV)
This verse comes after Balaam has been instructed by God to speak, and he begins his prophecy or “parable” to King Balak. The verse is one of Balaam’s declarations and begins with a call for attention. Balaam is about to speak the words that God has given him, and he directs these words specifically to Balak.
Breaking Down the Verse
“And he took up his parable”: The phrase “took up his parable” indicates that Balaam is about to speak a prophetic message. A parable is often a symbolic or figurative way of communicating a truth, especially in the context of prophecy. Balaam is about to deliver God’s message through a kind of poetic or metaphorical speech.
“And said, Rise up, Balak, and hear”: Balaam’s command for Balak to “rise up” is a way of saying, “Listen carefully, pay attention.” Balaam is about to speak words of significance, and he wants Balak to be fully alert to what he is about to say.
“Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor”: Balaam addresses Balak directly, calling him the “son of Zippor.” This is a reminder of Balak’s lineage and his identity as a king of Moab. The use of this term emphasizes that Balaam’s message is directed specifically to him.
The verse shows that Balaam is about to speak a serious message from God. It highlights the formality of the prophecy and the importance of what Balaam is about to declare.
Numbers 23:18 Meaning
The Sovereignty of God
The primary theme in Numbers 23:18 is the sovereignty of God. Balaam is speaking because God has put words in his mouth, and no matter what Balak or anyone else wishes, God’s will will be done. This emphasizes that human plans and desires are powerless against God’s ultimate purpose. No matter how much King Balak might want Balaam to curse Israel, he cannot do so unless it aligns with God’s will.
This theme is crucial throughout the book of Numbers, as Israel is in the process of receiving the laws that will govern them, and they must understand that their success and safety lie entirely in God’s hands. The king of Moab, as powerful as he might have been, is no match for the will of God.
God’s Power Over Human Efforts
The repeated failure of Balak’s attempts to get Balaam to curse Israel demonstrates that God’s power is greater than any human effort. Balak attempts to manipulate Balaam by offering him rewards, yet no amount of gold or silver can change the fact that God will only allow blessings to be spoken over Israel. This reinforces the message that no matter how strong or influential people might seem, they cannot overcome God’s will.
Obedience to God’s Word
The passage also underscores the importance of obedience to God’s word. Balaam is instructed by God to speak only what God tells him. His obedience is evident in how he faithfully delivers the message, despite the pressure to curse Israel. Balaam’s submission to God’s will stands in contrast to the pride and ambition of Balak, who seeks to control the situation for his own benefit. For us, this teaches the importance of aligning our actions and words with God’s commands, no matter the pressure we face from others.
The Authority of Prophecy
Finally, this verse speaks to the authority of prophecy. In the Old Testament, prophets were the mouthpieces of God, and their words carried the authority of God Himself. Balaam’s declaration is not his own; it is God’s message to Balak. This gives weight to the idea that God’s word is to be taken seriously and followed. When God speaks through His prophets, it is not for mere entertainment or casual reflection; it is a call to listen and obey.
Numbers 23:18 Application in Life
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Just as Balak could not thwart God’s will through his own efforts, we should trust that God is in control of our lives and our circumstances. There are many times when we may feel like life is out of our hands, or that the forces around us are beyond our control, but Numbers 23:18 reminds us that God’s plans will always prevail. We are encouraged to place our trust in His sovereignty, knowing that nothing can stand in the way of His will.
2. Obey God’s Commands
Balaam’s obedience is a lesson for us. Despite the personal rewards Balak offered him, Balaam stayed true to God’s word. In our own lives, we face temptations to compromise our values and obedience to God in exchange for personal gain. Numbers 23:18 calls us to resist such temptations and follow God’s instructions faithfully, regardless of external pressures.
3. Listen to God’s Voice
When Balaam speaks, he is careful to relay God’s message, not his own. In our daily lives, we are often bombarded with many voices—opinions, desires, and external influences. Numbers 23:18 teaches us the importance of listening to God’s voice above all others. By studying Scripture and spending time in prayer, we can tune our hearts to hear what God is speaking to us and respond in obedience.
4. The Power of God’s Word
The passage underscores the power of God’s word. We may sometimes feel insignificant or powerless in the face of challenges, but God’s word is powerful and effective. As we trust in and speak God’s word, it has the power to transform situations and bring about God’s purposes. This encourages us to rely on God’s promises and the authority of His word in our own lives.
Conclusion
Numbers 23:18 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, the importance of obedience, and the authority of His word. Balaam’s message to Balak is a declaration that no human power can oppose God’s will. For us, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s plan, to listen to His voice, and to obey His commands, knowing that His purposes will always be fulfilled. In our own lives, we are called to align our actions and words with God’s will, just as Balaam did, and to rely on the power of God’s word in all situations.
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