Blessing Numbers 22 - 24

Blessing BACKGROUND Numbers is an account of the time between the Exodus and the entry into the Promised Land The people of God are on the move, led by Him At the end of chapter 21 the Israelites have defeated the Amorites and the Bashanites (kings Sihon and Og) The Moabites are nearby and in these chapters we see behind the scenes into the enemy camp The section revolves around Balaam – don’t get distracted by the talking donkey

Blessing BALAAM He is an enigmatic character He appears to have some understanding of God God does speak to and through Him BUT in the NT we see that he is not wholly serving God and is used as an example to avoid (2 Peter 2:15 – 16, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14) In these chapters he utters 7 oracles or prophetic words in response to the Moabite king (Balak) calling him to put curses on the Israelites He is unable to curse those whom God is blessing

THEMES FROM THE ORACLES Blessing THEMES FROM THE ORACLES God’s blessed people will enjoy God’s faithfulness (first oracle) – similar to God’s covenant promise to Abraham God’s blessed people will enjoy God’s presence (second oracle 23:21) God’s blessed people enjoy God’s victory (oracles 2, 3 and 4) God’s blessed people enjoy God’s abundance (third oracle) The enemies of God’s people will be destroyed and cursed (oracles 3, 4, 5, 6,7)

Blessing LESSONS FOR TODAY God can use anyone and any means to speak to people We are a blessed people God is watching over us and is fulfilling His plans for us Don’t believe the enemy’s lie that God is not interested in you Respond positively to God’s prophetic word, don’t resist it