Numbers 23
BSB1 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams." 2 So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3 “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, 4 and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram." 5 Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message." 6 So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. 7 And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ 8 How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced? 9 For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!" 11 Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!" 12 But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?" 13 Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me." 14 So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15 Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there." 16 And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you." 17 So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked. 18 Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. 19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? 20 I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. 21 He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. 22 God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. 23 For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ 24 Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain." 25 Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!" 26 But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?" 27 “Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there." 28 And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland. 29 Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams." 30 So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
Study Notes — Numbers 23
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 23
- Themes from Numbers 23
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 23
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Numbers 23 begins with Balak, the king of Moab, hiring Balaam to curse the Israelites, who are camped near his territory. However, when Balaam attempts to curse them, God intervenes, and Balaam prophesies a series of blessings instead. In his first prophecy, Balaam declares that God has not beheld iniquity in Jacob and has seen no perversity in Israel (Numbers 23:21). He then prophesies that Israel will be blessed, and their numbers will be like the dust of the earth (Numbers 23:10). Despite Balak's repeated attempts to have Balaam curse the Israelites, Balaam remains faithful to God's instructions and continues to proclaim blessings upon them. The chapter concludes with Balaam's fourth prophecy, in which he declares that Israel will be exalted and will triumph over their enemies (Numbers 23:24). Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty and commitment to bless His people are clearly evident.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 23 is situated in the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The chapter follows the events of Numbers 22, in which Balak hires Balaam to curse the Israelites. The chapter sets the stage for the events of Numbers 24, in which Balaam prophesies the coming Messiah and the ultimate triumph of God's people. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, as it highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness, which are central themes throughout the Bible.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of challenges and hostility. As God's people, we can be confident that He will always keep His promises and provide for us, just as He did for the Israelites in Numbers 23. This confidence should lead us to worship and praise God for His goodness and faithfulness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Numbers 23 is about God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. Despite the attempts of Balak to curse the Israelites, God intervenes and declares His intention to bless them. The chapter highlights God's commitment to His people and encourages believers to trust in His goodness and faithfulness. As seen in Numbers 23:19, God is a faithful and trustworthy God who always keeps His promises.
Voices from the Church
“The sovereignty of God is a truth that is both comforting and challenging. It reminds us that God is in control of all events, and that He will always keep His promises to His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophecies of Balaam in Numbers 23 demonstrate the sovereignty of God, as He intervenes in the events of human history to accomplish His purposes.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The First Prophecy (23:1-12) — Balaam's first prophecy declares God's intention to bless the Israelites, despite Balak's attempts to curse them.
- The Second Prophecy (23:13-26) — Balaam's second prophecy reiterates God's commitment to bless the Israelites and declares that they will be like the dust of the earth in number.
- The Third Prophecy (23:27-30) — Balaam's third prophecy emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all events, as He intervenes in Balaam's attempts to curse the Israelites.
- The Fourth Prophecy (24:1-24) — Balaam's fourth prophecy declares the ultimate triumph of God's people and the coming of the Messiah.
- Conclusion — The chapter concludes with Balaam's departure and Balak's disappointment, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events and that He will always keep His promises to His people.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as He remains committed to blessing and protecting them despite the challenges they face.
- Blessings of God
- The chapter declares that God bestows blessings upon His people, including protection, provision, and victory over their enemies.
- Prophecy
- The chapter demonstrates the importance of prophecy in revealing God's plans and intentions for His people.
Lessons from Numbers 23
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events and that He will always keep His promises to His people.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as He remains committed to blessing and protecting them despite the challenges they face.
- Importance of Prophecy — The chapter demonstrates the importance of prophecy in revealing God's plans and intentions for His people.
- Blessings of God — The chapter declares that God bestows blessings upon His people, including protection, provision, and victory over their enemies.
- Application to Life — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and to apply its teachings to their lives in practical ways.
Themes from Numbers 23
- Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events and that He will always keep His promises to His people.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as He remains committed to blessing and protecting them despite the challenges they face.
- Blessings of God — The chapter declares that God bestows blessings upon His people, including protection, provision, and victory over their enemies.
- Prophecy — The chapter demonstrates the importance of prophecy in revealing God's plans and intentions for His people.
- Trust in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and to apply its teachings to their lives in practical ways.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and control over all events?
- How does the chapter encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness and goodness?
- What role do the prophecies of Balaam play in the chapter, and what do they reveal about God's plans and intentions?
- How does the chapter connect to the broader biblical narrative, and what themes and doctrines does it highlight?
- What practical applications can be drawn from the chapter, and how can believers apply its teachings to their lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The First Prophecy (23:1-12)
| 23:1 | The chapter begins with Balak's attempt to have Balaam curse the Israelites, but God intervenes and declares His intention to bless them. |
| 23:2 | Balaam prepares to prophesy, but God intervenes and declares that He will not curse the Israelites. |
| 23:3 | Balaam prophesies that God has not beheld iniquity in Jacob and has seen no perversity in Israel. |
| 23:4 | Balaam declares that God has blessed the Israelites and that they will be like the dust of the earth in number. |
| 23:5 | Balaam prophesies that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
| 23:6 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:7 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
| 23:8 | Balaam declares that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
| 23:9 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:10 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be like the dust of the earth in number and that God will bless them. |
| 23:11 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
| 23:12 | Balaam declares that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
2. The Second Prophecy (23:13-26)
| 23:13 | Balak attempts to have Balaam curse the Israelites again, but God intervenes and declares His intention to bless them. |
| 23:14 | Balaam prophesies that God has blessed the Israelites and that they will be like the dust of the earth in number. |
| 23:15 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:16 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
| 23:17 | Balaam declares that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
| 23:18 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:19 | Balaam declares that God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. |
| 23:20 | Balaam prophesies that God has blessed the Israelites and that they will be like the dust of the earth in number. |
| 23:21 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
| 23:22 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:23 | Balaam declares that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
| 23:24 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be like the dust of the earth in number and that God will bless them. |
| 23:25 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
| 23:26 | Balaam prophesies that God will be with the Israelites and will bless them. |
3. The Third Prophecy (23:27-30)
| 23:27 | Balak attempts to have Balaam curse the Israelites again, but God intervenes and declares His intention to bless them. |
| 23:28 | Balaam prophesies that God has blessed the Israelites and that they will be like the dust of the earth in number. |
| 23:29 | Balaam declares that the Israelites will be a great nation and that God will be their God. |
| 23:30 | Balaam prophesies that the Israelites will be victorious over their enemies and that God will be their shield. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Numbers 23?
The main theme of Numbers 23 is God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, as demonstrated through the prophecies of Balaam. As seen in Numbers 23:19, God is a faithful and trustworthy God who always keeps His promises.
Who is Balaam in the Bible?
Balaam is a prophet who is hired by Balak to curse the Israelites, but instead, he prophesies blessings upon them. Balaam's character is revealed in Numbers 23:12 and 26, as he remains committed to following God's instructions despite the pressure from Balak.
What is the significance of the prophecies in Numbers 23?
The prophecies in Numbers 23 are significant because they demonstrate God's sovereignty and control over all events, and they declare His intention to bless and protect His people. As seen in Numbers 23:7 and 11, the prophecies highlight God's commitment to the Israelites and His plan to bless them.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:19 → Deuteronomy 7:9 | Both verses emphasize God's faithfulness and commitment to His people, highlighting His sovereignty and control over all events. |
| 2 | Numbers 23:21 → Psalm 105:8 | Both verses declare God's faithfulness to His people and highlight His commitment to blessing and protecting them. |
| 3 | Numbers 23:24 → Isaiah 55:11 | Both verses emphasize the power and effectiveness of God's word, highlighting His sovereignty and control over all events. |
| 4 | Numbers 23:1 → Matthew 5:33-37 | Both passages teach about the importance of faithfulness and commitment, emphasizing God's sovereignty and control over all events. |
| 5 | Numbers 23:10 → Hebrews 11:12 | Both verses declare the blessings of God upon His people, highlighting His faithfulness and commitment to them. |
| 6 | Numbers 23:19 → John 1:1 | Both verses emphasize God's sovereignty and control over all events, highlighting His faithfulness and commitment to His people. |
| 7 | Numbers 23:21 → Romans 11:29 | Both verses declare God's faithfulness to His people and highlight His commitment to blessing and protecting them. |
| 8 | Numbers 23:24 → 2 Corinthians 1:20 | Both verses emphasize the power and effectiveness of God's word, highlighting His sovereignty and control over all events. |
| 9 | Numbers 23:1 → Ephesians 1:3-14 | Both passages teach about the importance of faithfulness and commitment, emphasizing God's sovereignty and control over all events. |
| 10 | Numbers 23:10 → Revelation 7:9-10 | Both verses declare the blessings of God upon His people, highlighting His faithfulness and commitment to them. |
Sermons on Numbers 23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
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Alas for Us, if Though Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the deep and indescribable joy experienced by the heavenly family. He contemplates the significance of the star of Jacob and how all other |
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A Voice From Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians resisting the temptations and allurements of the world. He encourages believers to have the patience and endura |
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The King and the Kingdom by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of the kingdom of God by knowing the character of the king. The character of the king is demonstra |
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The Glorious Death of the Righteous by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging our incapability to understand the word of God and find the path on our own. He surrenders his life as a vessel to speak on beha |
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(Through the Bible) Numbers 21-28 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker uses a football game as an analogy to explain how God sees our lives. He emphasizes that God's purposes remain steadfast and sure, even though it may ap |
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The Sure Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the certainty and fulfillment of God's promises. He uses the example of God's judgment upon Jerusalem to illustrate this point. The preacher |
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Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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The Sure Word of God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God's Word, highlighting the certainty that what God has spoken, He will bring to pass without fail. It delves into the importance of cho |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 23
In Numbers 23, we see the remarkable story of Balaam, a prophet who is hired by Balak to curse the Israelites, but instead, he prophesies blessings upon them. This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who intervenes in the events of human history to accomplish His purposes. We also see the faithfulness of God, who remains committed to blessing and protecting His people despite the challenges they face. The prophecies of Balaam are a key element of the chapter, as they declare God's intentions and plans for His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the prophecies of Balaam are a remarkable instance of the sovereignty of God, who can make even the enemies of His people to be the instruments of His praise.' The chapter concludes with Balaam's fourth prophecy, in which he declares the ultimate triumph of God's people and the coming of the Messiah. Throughout the chapter, we see the practical lessons of trust, obedience, and faithfulness, as Balaam remains committed to following God's instructions despite the pressure from Balak. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Intervention
Throughout the chapter, God intervenes in Balaam's attempts to curse the Israelites, demonstrating His sovereignty and control over all events. This intervention is evident in Numbers 23:5, 16, and 20.
Balaam's Character
Balaam's character is revealed in the chapter, as he is portrayed as a man who is committed to following God's instructions, despite the pressure from Balak to curse the Israelites. This is evident in Numbers 23:12 and 26.
The Blessings of God
The chapter highlights the blessings that God bestows upon His people, including protection, provision, and victory over their enemies. These blessings are declared in Numbers 23:9, 10, and 24.