Numbers 28

Numbers 28:1

Preparations for the Second Attempt

Balak wants to take Balaam to a place from where he will only see a part of the people again. Again it is about the extreme part of it (Numbers 22:41), but here it is obviously about people who live on the edge. Balak thinks that God will give permission to curse if His attention is drawn to those peripheral figures who live far from His dwelling place, far away from the tabernacle in the center of the people.

Again seven altars are built and a bull and a ram are offered on each altar. Balak acts as Balaam commands him. He saves neither costs nor effort. If we desire the blessing of God as fervently as Balak desires the curse, we too will spare no effort to serve and honor God.

Balaam goes back first to meet a demon. It is significant that he does not mention a name in Numbers 23:15. ‘The LORD’ is put in brackets, which means the words are not in the original. The first verse of Numbers 24 shows that he wants to get his inspiration from evil spirits (Numbers 24:1). Again the LORD meets him. Again He puts in Balaam’s mouth the word that he must speak.

Balak’s question to Balaam “what has the LORD spoken?” must always be present with us. Balak of course hopes for a curse. His question has a false starting point. Whoever really loves the Lord will ask the same question because he would like to know the will of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:35).

Numbers 28:2

Preparations for the Second Attempt

Balak wants to take Balaam to a place from where he will only see a part of the people again. Again it is about the extreme part of it (Numbers 22:41), but here it is obviously about people who live on the edge. Balak thinks that God will give permission to curse if His attention is drawn to those peripheral figures who live far from His dwelling place, far away from the tabernacle in the center of the people.

Again seven altars are built and a bull and a ram are offered on each altar. Balak acts as Balaam commands him. He saves neither costs nor effort. If we desire the blessing of God as fervently as Balak desires the curse, we too will spare no effort to serve and honor God.

Balaam goes back first to meet a demon. It is significant that he does not mention a name in Numbers 23:15. ‘The LORD’ is put in brackets, which means the words are not in the original. The first verse of Numbers 24 shows that he wants to get his inspiration from evil spirits (Numbers 24:1). Again the LORD meets him. Again He puts in Balaam’s mouth the word that he must speak.

Balak’s question to Balaam “what has the LORD spoken?” must always be present with us. Balak of course hopes for a curse. His question has a false starting point. Whoever really loves the Lord will ask the same question because he would like to know the will of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:35).

Numbers 28:3

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:4

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:5

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:6

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:7

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:8

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:9

Second Discourse

Balak would like to know what the LORD has said. That is why Balaam now addresses the word especially to him. It is a message from God and that is why Balaam calls on Balak, even though he is a king, to stand up out of respect for God and to hear (cf. Judges 3:20). He also calls on Balak to hear him, for he is the means through whom God will speak.

The second discourse is not a revocation of the first. It is not a repetition either. It is a confirmation of the first and an extension of it. The first words of this second discourse justify God, Who cannot be compared with a man who is changeable and fickle. He does not break His word. He cannot be moved to other thoughts when it comes to His purpose to bless (1 Samuel 15:29; Romans 11:29).

Balaam sees the people who live furthest from God. In those surroundings the fire of God’s judgment burned because of the complaints of the people (Numbers 11:1). When we think of the weakest believers, we see reasons to denounce them to God. The language of God from the mouth of Balaam is different. God has not observed misfortune in Jacob, that weak, failing believer (Numbers 23:21). Nor has He seen trouble in Israel, that has so often shown a way of doing things that is contrary to the name that speaks of their privileged place. In the book of Numbers there has been revealed so much misfortune and trouble with the people as a result of the sin, but here God ignores it.

There is no question of sin or guilt in any prophecy of Balaam. How is that possible? God can do that because of the work the Lord Jesus accomplished. By that work everyone to whom that work is accounted has been declared righteous. What cannot exist before God has been removed by the work of Christ before God. What can only exist before God is the work of Christ. Whereby the guilt is proven, which is apparent from the necessity of the work of Christ, thereby the guilt is also removed. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Justification goes beyond forgiveness. A righteous man is one of whom God declares that he has never sinned. That great is the value of the work of the Lord Jesus. The truth of being declared righteous is explained in detail in the letter to the Romans. That is why it is so important to study that letter over and over again.

“The LORD his God” can be with this justified people. Without Him, this people have no possibility to exist. A zero is nothing, six zeros is nothing. But if you place a one at the head of six zeros, you suddenly have a million. So it is with the people of God. Without God there is no people, but with God there is a multitude of people. About that people the King according to God’s heart can reign under the jubilation of His people. This is also their shielding.

God has guided His people by His power out of the bondage of Egypt (Numbers 23:22). This is where the beginning of righteousness lies. This justification resists any attack that may occur during the journey through the wilderness.

Against Jacob and Israel there is no evil power capable of bringing in any accusation (Numbers 23:23a). God has blessed His people. Who will be able to change that? We hear the language of the letter to the Romans: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (Romans 8:33-34). Any attempt to separate God from those whom He has justified is futile. Nothing and no one is able to separate from God what is connected to Him through the work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

If we can say this, there is nothing of us involved therein. It is God’s work in His people about which can be spoken in “the proper time”, which is at the end of the wilderness journey (Numbers 23:23b). Now we see what God has done, just as we are reminded of what God has done at the beginning of the journey: the redemption of His people out of Egypt.

God has not only had thoughts of blessing about His people, He has also given that blessing to His people through the work of Christ. What God has committed Himself to, He also works out (Romans 8:29-30). His work we now see in saving souls, forming His own in the image of His Son and helping them go through the world. Also in the realm of peace, the glorious results will be seen and He will be honored for what He has done (Psalms 22:30-31). At the beginning of eternity it will be possible to say of all that God has resolved to do: “It is done” (Revelation 21:6a). The result of this remains forever: “I know that everything God does will remain forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

The people are not only a blessed people, but also a victorious people (Numbers 23:24). This people, justified by God, can go on in His power. The letter to the Romans not only indicates how someone can become a righteous person, but also how he can live as a righteous person. The righteous person cannot be overcome by any enemy. In Christ “we overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37). This victorious life that becomes visible in the wilderness of this world will become fully visible when God has put all the enemies under the feet of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 16:20).

Numbers 28:10

Reaction of Balak; Reply of Balaam

Balak reacts to this second blessing by saying that, if there is no curse for the people, then at least Balaam will not pronounce a blessing on that people. But Balaam refers to what he said before. He can only bless.

Numbers 28:11

Reaction of Balak; Reply of Balaam

Balak reacts to this second blessing by saying that, if there is no curse for the people, then at least Balaam will not pronounce a blessing on that people. But Balaam refers to what he said before. He can only bless.

Numbers 28:12

Preparations for the Third Attempt

Yet Balak makes a third attempt to curse. To do so, Balak takes Balaam to a place overlooking the wilderness. He wants Balaam to see those people in their wilderness conditions. We often look different in our daily circumstances than on Sundays. Then we often show more of our sins and weaknesses.

Numbers 28:13

Preparations for the Third Attempt

Yet Balak makes a third attempt to curse. To do so, Balak takes Balaam to a place overlooking the wilderness. He wants Balaam to see those people in their wilderness conditions. We often look different in our daily circumstances than on Sundays. Then we often show more of our sins and weaknesses.

Numbers 28:14

Preparations for the Third Attempt

Yet Balak makes a third attempt to curse. To do so, Balak takes Balaam to a place overlooking the wilderness. He wants Balaam to see those people in their wilderness conditions. We often look different in our daily circumstances than on Sundays. Then we often show more of our sins and weaknesses.

Numbers 28:15

Preparations for the Third Attempt

Yet Balak makes a third attempt to curse. To do so, Balak takes Balaam to a place overlooking the wilderness. He wants Balaam to see those people in their wilderness conditions. We often look different in our daily circumstances than on Sundays. Then we often show more of our sins and weaknesses.

Numbers 28:17

The Spirit of God Comes upon Balaam

Balaam is getting ready for his third discourse. For the first time we read that the Spirit of God comes upon him. We see something similar happening with the unbelieving Saul (1 Samuel 19:23). In the wilderness, Balaam sees a people, not in disorder and rebellion, but camping tribe by tribe. He sees the people in the order they have before God.

Numbers 28:18

The Spirit of God Comes upon Balaam

Balaam is getting ready for his third discourse. For the first time we read that the Spirit of God comes upon him. We see something similar happening with the unbelieving Saul (1 Samuel 19:23). In the wilderness, Balaam sees a people, not in disorder and rebellion, but camping tribe by tribe. He sees the people in the order they have before God.

Numbers 28:19

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:20

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:21

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:22

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:23

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:24

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:25

Third Discourse

In his third discourse he speaks of himself in the same way as later David does (2 Samuel 23:1-3). He is “the man whose eye is opened”. He sees much, much more than many a member of the people of God. But that says nothing about his personal faith. You can know a lot through everything you have heard in the meetings and you can tell a lot about it, but how tragic if it is in the way of Balaam, for whom it is not a matter of his heart.

In the previous discourse there is talk of what God does not see in Jacob and Israel (Numbers 23:21). In this third discourse Balaam speaks of what God does see in His people. Now that the justification of the people has been pronounced, the full testimony about Israel can be given and is no longer limited to God’s plans and thoughts about them.

In Numbers 24:5-6 we read how God rejoices about their dwellings, not in the land, but in the wilderness. He sees them like valleys that stretch out. This refers to valleys through which streams flow that supply these valleys with water. But the metaphor goes even further. Their dwellings are even more lovely than the brook valleys with their abundant grass and their wealth of flowers: they are like gardens with fragrant aloe trees (Psalms 45:8a; John 19:39-40), planted by the LORD Himself, and like the stately cedars (Song of Solomon 5:15b) of which the wood has a long durability.

To see so much refreshment and beauty in God’s people we must stand in a high place (Numbers 23:28), that is, next to God. We must lift up our hearts to Him. Then we will better understand God’s thoughts and share His thoughts of grace that He sees the beauty of His people, His church, through everything. Through this vision of God on the church we are encouraged and unspeakably happy. We also see the whole people of God and not just the few members we know. For this the Lord must open our eyes.

Balaam does not speak about what is going on in those tents. In those tents there was a lot of grumbling, but he is not talking about that. These are dwelling places that reflect something of the dwelling place of God. God dwells in a tent among His people. The tents wherein His people dwell are a picture of it. That is how God sees our dwelling places and that is how we must show it to the world.

Tent and house are both a space where one stays to rest and seek protection against the heat. It is also the place where we have contact with family members. A tent emphasizes the temporary aspect of the stay. We travel through the world, on a journey to our eternal destination. In ‘dwelling’ the thought is more what one does do in this stay, all that the resident can enjoy. These are the tents of “Jacob”, tents with people full of weakness. These are the dwellings of “Israel”, dwellings in which the people of God dwell.

God wants His people to be like valleys, like gardens, where He can find rest and pleasure. Are we such a valley and garden to Him? Aloe gives a wonderful fragrance, a cedar speaks of strength. If the Holy Spirit can work in us, all of this will be found in us by God because the fruit of the Spirit will then become visible: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We will then become a blessing to others, which is represented by water flowing out of us to others (Numbers 24:7; John 7:38). ‘Buckets’ presupposes labor, because effort is needed to fill the buckets. From what we have discovered ourselves in the Word, we can give to others for their refreshment. This refreshment will not only be part of those who surround us, but also of our descendants.

Another consequence is that the Lord Jesus will have all authority in our lives, He will have dominion in our lives. Agag, the king of the Amalekites, picture of the flesh, will be kept subjected. The kingdom of God, now still hidden, will become visible in our families, in our tents.

We are reminded again of the origin of God’s people, of being brought out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9). God is for His people, also thereafter, and against His enemies. He will give His people strength to defeat all enemies. Then they will lay down like a lion and find peace. Nobody will dare to disturb them in that rest, so that they should get up again to fight.

Lions are said not to seek refuge to sleep. They can lie down anywhere to go to sleep because nobody dares to attack them. The people of Canaan live in Canaan during the reign of Salomon in that kind of safety, peace and security; they will live in the kingdom of peace in such security and peace.

Balaam concludes his third discourse with a statement that repeats the promise of God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29).

Numbers 28:26

Reaction of Balak – Reply of Balaam

Balak is desperate. In words and gestures his anger burns against Balaam. The striking of the hands is a gesture of horror, of great anxiety (Job 27:23). He dismisses Balaam, who gets nothing from what he promised him because he has not kept the deal. Balak says it is the LORD’s fault that Balaam gets no reward. That is also true, but Balak means this mockingly, to indicate where the obedience of Balaam to the LORD has led to.

Balaam is not impressed. He keeps the honor to himself. He can’t do anything else either. He is against will an instrument in God’s hand. He is so much impressed by the power of God, that all the gold and silver of Balak could not persuade him to go against God. Under the power of God, he acts against his greedy nature. Unfortunately, all this is beyond his conscience. He loses the reward of Balak, but he doesn’t choose for the LORD either.

If he continues to pronounce another prophecy, it is because of the same power that led him to pronounce the former prophecies. He invites Balak to come once again and listen to an announcement of future events. Among other things, they are about what “this people”, that is Israel, will do to “your people”, that is Moab. This means that Balak’s fear of “this people” (Numbers 22:3) is justified. However, this fear will only become true in the future. Anyway, because it is also about his people, those events will have to interest Balak.

Numbers 28:27

Reaction of Balak – Reply of Balaam

Balak is desperate. In words and gestures his anger burns against Balaam. The striking of the hands is a gesture of horror, of great anxiety (Job 27:23). He dismisses Balaam, who gets nothing from what he promised him because he has not kept the deal. Balak says it is the LORD’s fault that Balaam gets no reward. That is also true, but Balak means this mockingly, to indicate where the obedience of Balaam to the LORD has led to.

Balaam is not impressed. He keeps the honor to himself. He can’t do anything else either. He is against will an instrument in God’s hand. He is so much impressed by the power of God, that all the gold and silver of Balak could not persuade him to go against God. Under the power of God, he acts against his greedy nature. Unfortunately, all this is beyond his conscience. He loses the reward of Balak, but he doesn’t choose for the LORD either.

If he continues to pronounce another prophecy, it is because of the same power that led him to pronounce the former prophecies. He invites Balak to come once again and listen to an announcement of future events. Among other things, they are about what “this people”, that is Israel, will do to “your people”, that is Moab. This means that Balak’s fear of “this people” (Numbers 22:3) is justified. However, this fear will only become true in the future. Anyway, because it is also about his people, those events will have to interest Balak.

Numbers 28:28

Reaction of Balak – Reply of Balaam

Balak is desperate. In words and gestures his anger burns against Balaam. The striking of the hands is a gesture of horror, of great anxiety (Job 27:23). He dismisses Balaam, who gets nothing from what he promised him because he has not kept the deal. Balak says it is the LORD’s fault that Balaam gets no reward. That is also true, but Balak means this mockingly, to indicate where the obedience of Balaam to the LORD has led to.

Balaam is not impressed. He keeps the honor to himself. He can’t do anything else either. He is against will an instrument in God’s hand. He is so much impressed by the power of God, that all the gold and silver of Balak could not persuade him to go against God. Under the power of God, he acts against his greedy nature. Unfortunately, all this is beyond his conscience. He loses the reward of Balak, but he doesn’t choose for the LORD either.

If he continues to pronounce another prophecy, it is because of the same power that led him to pronounce the former prophecies. He invites Balak to come once again and listen to an announcement of future events. Among other things, they are about what “this people”, that is Israel, will do to “your people”, that is Moab. This means that Balak’s fear of “this people” (Numbers 22:3) is justified. However, this fear will only become true in the future. Anyway, because it is also about his people, those events will have to interest Balak.

Numbers 28:29

Reaction of Balak – Reply of Balaam

Balak is desperate. In words and gestures his anger burns against Balaam. The striking of the hands is a gesture of horror, of great anxiety (Job 27:23). He dismisses Balaam, who gets nothing from what he promised him because he has not kept the deal. Balak says it is the LORD’s fault that Balaam gets no reward. That is also true, but Balak means this mockingly, to indicate where the obedience of Balaam to the LORD has led to.

Balaam is not impressed. He keeps the honor to himself. He can’t do anything else either. He is against will an instrument in God’s hand. He is so much impressed by the power of God, that all the gold and silver of Balak could not persuade him to go against God. Under the power of God, he acts against his greedy nature. Unfortunately, all this is beyond his conscience. He loses the reward of Balak, but he doesn’t choose for the LORD either.

If he continues to pronounce another prophecy, it is because of the same power that led him to pronounce the former prophecies. He invites Balak to come once again and listen to an announcement of future events. Among other things, they are about what “this people”, that is Israel, will do to “your people”, that is Moab. This means that Balak’s fear of “this people” (Numbers 22:3) is justified. However, this fear will only become true in the future. Anyway, because it is also about his people, those events will have to interest Balak.

Numbers 28:30

Reaction of Balak – Reply of Balaam

Balak is desperate. In words and gestures his anger burns against Balaam. The striking of the hands is a gesture of horror, of great anxiety (Job 27:23). He dismisses Balaam, who gets nothing from what he promised him because he has not kept the deal. Balak says it is the LORD’s fault that Balaam gets no reward. That is also true, but Balak means this mockingly, to indicate where the obedience of Balaam to the LORD has led to.

Balaam is not impressed. He keeps the honor to himself. He can’t do anything else either. He is against will an instrument in God’s hand. He is so much impressed by the power of God, that all the gold and silver of Balak could not persuade him to go against God. Under the power of God, he acts against his greedy nature. Unfortunately, all this is beyond his conscience. He loses the reward of Balak, but he doesn’t choose for the LORD either.

If he continues to pronounce another prophecy, it is because of the same power that led him to pronounce the former prophecies. He invites Balak to come once again and listen to an announcement of future events. Among other things, they are about what “this people”, that is Israel, will do to “your people”, that is Moab. This means that Balak’s fear of “this people” (Numbers 22:3) is justified. However, this fear will only become true in the future. Anyway, because it is also about his people, those events will have to interest Balak.

Numbers 28:31

Fourth Discourse

The fourth prophecy is exclusively about the future. Through the four times repeated word “discourse” (Numbers 24:15; 20; 21; 23), this fourth prophecy is divided into four parts. The first discourse is about Moab and Edom (Numbers 24:17-19), the second about the arch-enemy Amalek (Numbers 24:20), the third about the Kenites (Numbers 24:21-22) and the fourth about the destruction of the great world powers (Numbers 24:23-24).

Balaam speaks of himself as the man who hears the words of God, who knows the knowledge of the Most High and who sees the vision of the Almighty. He has heard and seen much of God. This can also be seen in the different names with which he mentions God. Unfortunately, it did not bring him a step closer to that God, the God of Israel. The cause is that all his knowledge about God has had no effect on his conscience.

Here Balaam uses a new name of God: the Most High. This is the name of God in the millennial realm (cf. Genesis 14:18-20). He then is revealed above all nations, all enemies are subdued, and His people have received all that He promised. In His omnipotence He carried His people through all the difficulties of the wilderness and brought them into the blessing of the kingdom of peace.

The coming of the Messiah is connected with the above (Numbers 24:17b). Balaam sees Him, “but not now”, that is to say, as not yet present; he beholds Him, “but not near”, that is, in the distance, not the near future. In Numbers 23 Balaam also said that he sees and beholds him (Numbers 23:9). There he means the people. Here he says it again, but now he means a Person.

The star mentioned here by Balaam will later lead the magi from the east to the Messiah (Matthew 2:1-11). It says here that it is a star that comes from Jacob, not a star that comes to Jacob from heaven. It indicates that the Messiah comes forth from that people. Thus also the Redeemer comes from Zion, not to Zion (Romans 11:26). The scepter rises from Israel (Genesis 49:10). For us, the church, He is the “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16), Who arises in our hearts (2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28).

What will soon be a reality for Israel – that the day will come with the coming of the Messiah (2 Samuel 23:3-4) – is already a reality for us. We are “sons of day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). We already have part in the blessings that will soon be part of all creation. Christ reigns already in our lives, soon He will reign over all creation.

The “forehead of Moab”, literally the “corners of Moab”, means the boundaries of Moab. Moab and Edom (Numbers 24:18) will not be able to resist the power of Israel, which they derive from their Messiah (Numbers 24:19). The weak Jacob will become the mighty Israel. All enemies will be presented with the bill of their attitude toward Israel.

“Amalek” is the worst, the main enemy (Numbers 24:20). That enemy is a picture of the power of the flesh. But he will be destroyed. The Kenite (Numbers 24:21) were part of Amalek (1 Samuel 15:6). They thought they could escape destruction because they dwelt high in the cliff. But like “Cain” they should be consumed. Cain represents man who has his permanent residence in the world and builds cities to make life there as pleasant and safe as possible. “Asshur” is used to keep Cain captive.

Life is only possible in connection with God. For those who are outside of Him applies: “Who can live?” With these words, Balaam begins his last discourse in Numbers 24:23, as if he had understood through the previous discourses that what God says is going to happen.

As certain as the blessing is for Israel, so too is the judgment for the enemies. No one is capable of turning the blessing, no one is capable of turning the judgment or escaping it. So Asshur will in turn be subject to those of Kittim (Numbers 24:24). Some interpreters assume that with those of Kittim are not only meant the inhabitants of the island of Cyprus, but all powers on the western side of the Mediterranean, including Rome (Jeremiah 2:10; Daniel 11:30).