Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 23:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 23:20 is a significant verse in the Bible, part of the broader narrative found in the Book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. This verse occurs during the interaction between Balaam, a prophet hired by King Balak of Moab, and God. Despite Balak’s attempt to have Balaam curse the Israelites, God intervenes and ensures that Balaam only speaks blessings over Israel. Numbers 23:20 is a critical moment in this story, highlighting God’s sovereignty and His unchangeable will. In this article, we will explore the context of Numbers 23:20, analyze the verse itself, unpack its meaning, and discuss how it applies to our lives today.
The Context of Numbers 23:20 KJV
The Background of Balaam’s Story
The story of Balaam takes place in Numbers 22-24. Balaam is a prophet who is approached by King Balak of Moab, who fears the Israelites and wants Balaam to curse them. Balak has heard of Balaam’s ability to bless or curse people through his prophetic words and believes that by hiring him, he can stop the Israelites from advancing through his land.
At first, God tells Balaam not to go with Balak’s representatives and not to curse the Israelites. Despite this, Balak sends more dignitaries and offers greater rewards to convince Balaam to come. This time, God allows Balaam to go but instructs him to only speak the words that God tells him.
When Balaam arrives in Moab, he is taken by Balak to a high place from where he can see the Israelites camped below. This sets the stage for the first of several prophecies. Rather than cursing the Israelites, as Balak had hoped, Balaam speaks a blessing over them. This continues with a second prophecy, which is the focus of Numbers 23:20.
The Setting for Numbers 23:20
In Numbers 23:20, Balaam is speaking a message from God to King Balak. This occurs after Balak’s frustration grows as Balaam continues to bless Israel instead of cursing them. The king had hoped that by taking Balaam to different high places, he could find a spot where the prophet would see the Israelites in a different light. However, each time Balaam opens his mouth, he speaks only words that glorify Israel.
Numbers 23:20 falls within Balaam’s second prophecy, where he is now proclaiming that he cannot change the words of God. This verse is pivotal because it expresses Balaam’s obedience to God’s will and the futility of human efforts to alter what God has decreed.
Numbers 23:20 (KJV)
“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” (Numbers 23:20 KJV)
Breaking Down the Verse
“Behold, I have received commandment to bless”: Balaam begins his statement by emphasizing that his words are not his own. He has received a direct command from God to bless Israel. This is a reminder that Balaam is speaking on behalf of God, and his role is to deliver God’s message, not his own desires or wishes.
“And he hath blessed”: Balaam affirms that God has already blessed Israel, and this blessing is not subject to change. No matter what Balak may want or how much pressure he puts on Balaam, the blessing has already been declared, and it cannot be undone.
“And I cannot reverse it”: Finally, Balaam acknowledges his inability to alter God’s will. No matter how powerful he may be as a prophet, he has no authority to change what God has already decreed. This reinforces the idea that God’s plan cannot be thwarted by human will or manipulation.
Numbers 23:20 Meaning
God’s Sovereignty Over Human Plans
The primary theme of Numbers 23:20 is the sovereignty of God. Balaam’s words declare that God’s will is absolute and cannot be changed. In this case, God has chosen to bless Israel, and no matter what Balak or Balaam himself might desire, this blessing cannot be reversed. This emphasizes that human plans are powerless against God’s overarching purpose.
Throughout the Bible, we see this theme repeated: God is in control, and His will is unchangeable. His plans are far greater than anything humans can comprehend or try to alter. In Numbers 23:20, Balaam serves as an example of someone who, despite external pressure and temptation, cannot change what God has already established.
Obedience to God’s Will
Balaam’s statement, “I have received commandment to bless,” shows his obedience to God’s will. Despite the tempting rewards offered by Balak, Balaam recognizes that his duty is to speak only the words that God gives him. This reinforces the importance of obeying God, even when it may not align with our desires or the expectations of others. Balaam is a prophet, and his authority lies in his ability to speak God’s message, not in his ability to please men or manipulate circumstances.
The Immutability of God’s Blessing
Balaam’s declaration that “I cannot reverse it” is also a powerful statement about the immutability of God’s blessing. Once God has decided to bless, no one can undo it. This serves as a reassurance for believers, as it confirms that God’s promises to His people are secure. Once God has blessed us, nothing can take that blessing away. This truth can bring comfort and hope, especially during times of uncertainty or hardship.
In the broader context of the Israelites’ journey, this blessing reflects God’s covenant with His people. Despite their many mistakes and struggles in the wilderness, God’s covenant with Israel remained intact. His blessings were not dependent on their perfection but on His faithfulness.
The Futility of Human Efforts to Oppose God’s Will
Numbers 23:20 also highlights the futility of trying to oppose God’s will. Balak had hoped that by sending Balaam to different places and offering greater rewards, he could change the outcome. However, as Balaam repeatedly points out, God’s blessing cannot be reversed. This serves as a warning to anyone who might try to manipulate or challenge God’s plans. Ultimately, God’s will will be done, regardless of human efforts to change it.
Numbers 23:20 Application in Life
1. Trust in God’s Plan
Just as God’s blessing upon Israel could not be changed by human actions, we can trust that God’s plan for our lives is secure. There may be times when we face obstacles, challenges, or doubts, but Numbers 23:20 reminds us that God’s plans for us are unshakable. We can rely on His promises and trust that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing.
When we encounter difficulties or frustrations in our lives, it can be comforting to remember that God’s will cannot be overturned by circumstances. We must place our trust in His sovereignty and believe that He is working for our good, even when things do not go as we expect.
2. Obey God’s Word
Like Balaam, we are called to obey God’s word, even when it may not align with our desires or when others pressure us to do something else. Obedience to God is not always easy, but it is essential for fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Numbers 23:20 teaches us that true success is found in following God’s will, not in seeking to please others or to manipulate situations for our own benefit.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with decisions that require us to choose between obeying God or following our own desires. The example of Balaam shows us that when we follow God’s commands, we align ourselves with His greater purposes and bring about His blessings in our lives.
3. The Assurance of God’s Blessing
For believers, Numbers 23:20 is a reminder that God’s blessings are secure. Once God has blessed us, no one can take that blessing away. This truth provides comfort, especially when facing challenges or opposition. We can take confidence in the fact that God’s favor is upon us and that His blessings are permanent.
Whether we are facing difficulties or enjoying moments of success, we can rest assured that God’s blessing remains with us, just as it remained with Israel throughout their journey.
4. The Power of God’s Will
Numbers 23:20 also teaches us the power of God’s will. When we align ourselves with God’s will, we position ourselves for success and fulfillment. However, when we try to oppose God’s will or go our own way, we are only fighting against an unstoppable force. It is better for us to submit to God’s will and trust in His plans for our lives. This requires humility and faith, but it is the path to true peace and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Numbers 23:20 is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty, the immutability of His blessing, and the importance of obedience. Balaam’s words highlight that God’s will cannot be changed by human efforts, and once God has decided to bless, His blessing is secure. This truth encourages believers to trust in God’s plan for their lives, obey His commands, and rest in the assurance of His ongoing blessings. The verse also serves as a reminder that God’s will is powerful, and no one can oppose it. By aligning ourselves with His will, we can experience His blessings and live according to His purpose for us.
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