Numbers 23:8

Commentary on Numbers 23:8 (KJV)

Numbers 23:8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the advancing Israelites. This verse is part of Balaam's first oracle, where he is compelled by God to speak blessing instead of the curse Balak desires. It powerfully declares the futility of human or demonic attempts to oppose God's divine will and blessing upon His chosen people.

Context

King Balak of Moab was greatly alarmed by the vast numbers of Israelites encamped on his borders, fearing they would overwhelm his land. He sought to counteract their presence not through military might, but by employing Balaam, a renowned prophet or diviner, believing that Balaam's curses or blessings held supernatural power. Balak brought Balaam to various vantage points overlooking Israel, hoping to find a location from which a potent curse could be uttered. However, despite Balak's persistent efforts and offerings, God intervened directly, putting His words into Balaam's mouth. This verse marks Balaam's initial declaration, revealing his inability to curse those whom God has already blessed, setting the tone for the subsequent oracles that consistently bless Israel rather than curse them.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Unchangeable Purpose: The verse emphatically highlights that God's plans and blessings cannot be thwarted or reversed by any human or spiritual force. God has determined to bless Israel, and no one, not even a powerful diviner like Balaam, can undo it. This points to God's unchangeable nature and sovereign control over all events.
• God's Protection of His People: It underscores the secure protection God provides for those He has chosen and blessed. Israel, despite its wilderness wanderings and occasional rebellion, remained under the divine umbrella of protection, rendering any curses against them ineffective.
• The Futility of Sorcery Against God's Will: Balaam, a man known for his divining abilities, is rendered powerless to act against God's will. This demonstrates that all forms of divination, magic, or sorcery are utterly useless when they come into conflict with the omnipotent God of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The two key verbs in this verse, "curse" and "defy," carry significant weight:

• "Curse" (Hebrew: קָבַב - qavav): This word implies a binding spell, an act of enchantment, or a formal pronouncement of harm or judgment. It suggests an attempt to supernaturally disable or bring ill fortune upon someone.
• "Defy" (Hebrew: זָעַם - za'am): This term means to denounce, to express indignation, or to condemn with strong disapproval, often implying divine wrath or a curse that brings destruction.

Balaam's rhetorical questions acknowledge that he cannot perform these actions if God Himself has not initiated them. His power, such as it was, was subservient to the ultimate power of the LORD.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 23:8 offers profound encouragement and a powerful truth:

• Security in God's Blessing: If God has blessed you (spiritually through Christ), no human curse, malicious intent, or spiritual attack can ultimately prevail against you. Our security is in God's unwavering faithfulness and power.
• Trust in Divine Sovereignty: This verse reminds us that God is in control. We do not need to fear the schemes of evil people or spiritual forces, for God's purposes for His people will stand. This is echoed in the New Testament concept that if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).
• God Turns Curses into Blessings: Just as God turned Balak's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, He often works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We can find comfort in knowing that even negative situations or intentions against us can be redirected by God for His glory and our benefit. Indeed, God turned the curse into a blessing for Israel because He loved them.