Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 23:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 23:28 KJV
The Book of Numbers is part of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), which focuses on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Israelites faced many challenges during their time in the wilderness, and the Book of Numbers provides a detailed account of their wanderings, struggles, and triumphs. Among these challenges were the repeated attempts by enemy nations to oppose Israel.
In Numbers 22, we are introduced to Balak, the king of Moab, who is afraid of the Israelites. As they approach the land of Moab, Balak becomes worried about the Israelites’ military power and their ability to overtake his kingdom. In his desperation, he sends messengers to Balaam, a prophet, asking him to curse Israel.
At first, Balaam refuses to go with the messengers because God forbids him to curse Israel (Numbers 22:12). However, Balak increases his offers, promising greater wealth and honor, which leads Balaam to reconsider. Eventually, God allows Balaam to go with Balak’s messengers, but He still warns Balaam to only speak what He tells him (Numbers 22:20).
In Numbers 23, Balaam, despite the initial invitation, continues to deliver blessings over Israel instead of curses. Each time Balak takes Balaam to a new location to view Israel, Balaam pronounces blessings rather than curses. Numbers 23:28 is part of the continued attempt by Balak to get Balaam to curse Israel.
Numbers 23:28 (KJV)
Here is the verse from the King James Version (KJV):
“And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.”
Numbers 23:28 Meaning
To understand the meaning of Numbers 23:28, it is crucial to consider the context of the verse. In this passage, Balak is still trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites. After Balaam blesses the Israelites in previous instances (Numbers 23:7-24), Balak decides to take Balaam to another location—“the top of Peor”—with the hope that this new location will provide a better view and perhaps change the outcome of Balaam’s pronouncement.
1. The Significance of Peor
The top of Peor was a mountain or high place in Moab, and it had a view that overlooked the region of Jeshimon. Jeshimon, which means “desolation” or “wilderness,” was a barren area that lay to the east of the Jordan River. This place was significant because it was a place where idolatry and pagan worship were practiced. In ancient times, high places were often used for offerings to false gods, and Balak might have hoped that being in such a location would somehow influence Balaam to curse Israel.
Peor, as a high place, symbolized spiritual influence, and Balak may have thought that by bringing Balaam to this specific location, he could somehow change the divine message Balaam was receiving. The hope was that the sight of the Israelites from this vantage point might prompt Balaam to pronounce a curse over them.
2. Balak’s Frustration and Persistence
Balak’s decision to take Balaam to the top of Peor reflects his growing frustration with Balaam’s refusal to curse Israel. Despite Balak’s repeated attempts to secure a curse from Balaam, each time Balaam blesses Israel instead. Numbers 23:28 highlights Balak’s persistence, as he does not give up but rather keeps trying to manipulate the situation. He believes that the right location might influence the outcome.
This scene demonstrates the lengths to which people will go when they are determined to achieve their goals. Balak, blinded by his fear and desire for power, was willing to go to extreme measures, believing that with enough pressure, he could compel Balaam to do what he wanted.
3. Balaam’s Continued Obedience to God
Even though Balak took Balaam to another location, Balaam’s role was to speak only what God told him to speak. This shows the unwavering obedience that Balaam exhibited in fulfilling God’s command, even though Balak tried to manipulate the circumstances. In this verse, we see Balaam continuing his task of speaking only the words that God had given him. His ability to resist the pressure from Balak and stay true to God’s instructions serves as an example of obedience to God’s will.
This highlights a key principle that we must adhere to as believers: it is crucial to be obedient to God’s voice, regardless of external pressures or expectations. Balaam’s obedience was rooted in the recognition that God’s will must prevail over all human desires or manipulations.
Numbers 23:28 Application in Life
1. Obedience to God’s Command
Just as Balaam obeyed God in this situation, we too are called to be obedient to God’s commands. While Balaam faced pressure from Balak, he did not yield to human desires or external circumstances. In our own lives, we may face situations where others try to persuade us to compromise our values, but we must always remember that obedience to God is more important than pleasing others or yielding to external influences.
In life, we are often faced with difficult decisions that require us to choose between following God’s will or giving in to the pressure of the world. Balaam’s example teaches us that no matter what circumstances we face, we must remain faithful to God’s Word and His commands.
2. Resisting the Pressure of Worldly Expectations
Balak’s persistence in trying to get Balaam to curse Israel is an illustration of the pressure the world places on individuals to conform to worldly expectations. Whether in our workplaces, schools, or social circles, we often face external pressure to act in ways that go against our Christian values. Just as Balaam was repeatedly urged by Balak, we too must resist the temptation to compromise our faith and principles, even when we are met with opposition or ridicule.
Balaam’s continued refusal to act outside of God’s will demonstrates the importance of standing firm in our faith. Even when we feel the weight of worldly expectations, we are reminded to look to God’s Word for guidance and to rely on His strength to remain steadfast.
3. God’s Plan Cannot Be Stopped
Numbers 23:28 also teaches us that no matter how hard people may try to change God’s plan, His will cannot be thwarted. Balak’s attempts to manipulate Balaam by changing locations were unsuccessful because God’s blessing on Israel was irreversible. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s plan for our lives is not dependent on human efforts or opinions. When we align ourselves with God’s plan, we can trust that His will will be done, regardless of the challenges or opposition we may face.
We may face obstacles in life, but we can be confident that God’s plan for us is unshakable. Like the Israelites, we are blessed by God, and nothing can change that. Trusting in God’s sovereignty helps us to navigate the challenges of life with faith and confidence.
4. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Balaam’s ability to speak only what God instructed him to speak is a powerful example of spiritual discernment. He was able to recognize God’s voice and follow His leading, even in the face of overwhelming pressure. In our own lives, we are called to develop spiritual discernment to recognize and follow God’s guidance. This requires a deep relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and listening to His Spirit.
Spiritual discernment helps us to make decisions that align with God’s will, rather than being swayed by worldly influences. It enables us to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom, integrity, and obedience to God.
5. The Danger of Idolatry and Worldly Desires
The location of Peor, where Balak took Balaam, was associated with idolatry and pagan worship. This setting serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry in our lives. Just as Balaam was tempted to compromise by offering a curse on Israel, we too may face temptations that pull us away from worshiping God alone. Whether it is materialism, fame, or power, the pursuit of worldly desires can lead us away from God.
In this context, Numbers 23:28 calls us to examine our hearts and remove anything that might be competing with God’s place in our lives. We are reminded that we must avoid idols and seek to worship God alone, remaining faithful to Him in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Numbers 23:28 highlights the persistence of Balak, the obedience of Balaam, and the unchanging nature of God’s will. Despite Balak’s repeated attempts to manipulate the situation, God’s plan for Israel remained unchanged. Balaam’s continued obedience to God, even in the face of pressure, serves as an example for us to follow in our own lives.
As Christians, we are called to obey God’s commands, resist the pressure of worldly expectations, trust in His unthwartable plans, and cultivate spiritual discernment. The story of Balaam teaches us that when we remain faithful to God’s will, He will guide us and accomplish His purposes in our lives. Let us strive to be obedient to God’s Word, trusting that His plan for us is always the best path to follow.
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