1. Blessing
Numbers

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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