Numbers 24:23

Numbers 24:23 is a poignant and powerful exclamation from Balaam, the prophet hired by Balak, King of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite Balak's intentions, Balaam was divinely constrained to utter blessings upon Israel. This verse is part of his fourth and final prophetic utterance, which extends beyond the immediate fate of Israel to a broader vision of future divine actions and judgment.

Context

This verse comes at the climax of Balaam's unwilling prophecies. After three previous attempts to curse Israel, each resulting in a blessing, Balaam delivers a final series of pronouncements. Unlike his earlier prophecies, which primarily focused on Israel's blessedness and future, this last "parable" (as it's called in the KJV, from the Hebrew mashal) shifts focus. It speaks of the coming of a star out of Jacob and a scepter out of Israel, which will smite Moab and Edom, and then turns to the fate of other nations and empires, culminating in a vision of overwhelming divine activity. Balaam's lament in verse 23 anticipates a time of immense upheaval and judgment for those who oppose God's will.

Earlier, Balaam had been forced to declare, "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?" (Numbers 23:8), and later, "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it" (Numbers 23:20).

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse highlights God's absolute power and control over history and nations. Balaam's cry expresses awe and dread at the unstoppable nature of God's impending actions and judgment.
• Human Helplessness: "Who shall live when God doeth this!" profoundly underscores the fragility and inability of humanity, particularly those who stand against God, to withstand His righteous judgment. It suggests a time of such overwhelming divine intervention that survival will be precarious.
• Prophetic Foreshadowing: This utterance carries an eschatological tone, hinting at future events of immense significance. It points to a time when God's power will be undeniably manifested, leading to a reckoning for the wicked. This theme of a great and terrible day of the Lord is common in later prophetic books.

Linguistic Insights

The word "parable" in "And he took up his parable" is from the Hebrew word mashal (מָשָׁל). While it can mean a proverb or riddle, in prophetic contexts like this, it often refers to a weighty, profound, or enigmatic utterance; an oracle or a prophetic discourse. It implies a deep, significant truth being conveyed, often with a poetic or symbolic nature, carrying divine authority.

Practical Application

Balaam's desperate cry serves as a timeless warning and a call to reflection:

1. Reverence for God's Power: It reminds us of God's immense power and sovereignty. His plans cannot be thwarted, and His judgments are certain. This should inspire a healthy fear and reverence for the Lord.
2. Urgency of Repentance: The question, "Who shall live?", implicitly urges humanity to align with God's will and seek His mercy. In the face of ultimate divine judgment, true life is found only in relationship with God.
3. Hope for the Righteous: While the question is one of despair for the ungodly, it implicitly holds hope for those who are in covenant with God. Though judgment is terrifying for the rebellious, God always preserves a remnant and offers salvation to those who trust in Him. This contrasts with the cry of kings and mighty men in Revelation 6:17, asking who can stand before the wrath of the Lamb.

Ultimately, Numbers 24:23 is a stark reminder that all will eventually face the consequences of God's actions, and only those who are found righteous will truly "live" in His presence.