VISION OF THE ALMIGHTY. Numbers 24 Not often are unbelievers able to see things as God sees them. Occasionally, God lifts the blinds of the mind that the god of this world has placed on those who hear His Word. When this happens, that person is highly accountable to respond in faith to God. But in Balaam's case, it did not make him a man of faith; rather, he was only someone whom the Holy Spirit of God compelled to speak the truth. God, who caused the dumb donkey to speak to the prophet, also caused the deceitful prophet to speak the truth. This time, Balaam did not pretend to seek some power of divination on his own. He simply looked to where the people of God had been and where they were now, and the Spirit of God guided him to see things about God's people the way God sees them.
God doesn't just look back at the failures and shortcomings of His people. He sees them from the perspective of His glory and accepts them in Christ. The potential exists. The power is present. And glimpses of the future glory of His chosen ones are evident. When they obey His Word, God's truth becomes visible. The grace of God shines through when Christ-likeness is evident in their fellowship, obedience to God's call, and unity of purpose.
The first parable of Balaam pointed out to Balak the importance of separating God's people. This remains an important truth for God's people to practice if we want to avoid the counterfeit Christianity that appeals so much to natural man and carnal believers. The second parable confirms that God's people are justified by His grace, and what God has done is entirely of Him, especially regarding the standing of His people. In the third parable, Balaam describes the moral beauty that God perceives in His people who are "in Christ." Several images are used to illustrate how God sees us, particularly His view of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The order and design of the Israelites' encampment were very impressive to the natural eye. The Spirit of God gave Balaam further insight that went beyond the visible to the spiritual. The Spirit came upon him for that reason. In our favor, we who have been born again by the Spirit of God can see beyond the visible to the things God describes. Faith has its own eyesight. The valleys represent the fertile areas of abundance that, with the application of the water of God's word and the sweet empowerment of the Holy Spirit, produce abundant moral fruit for the glory of God and the blessing of His people. When spiritual blessings flow from God's fullness to nurture His people, and through them bless those around, praise rises to our gracious Lord.
A variety of trees are mentioned in Balaam's prophecy. Ling aloes are known for their fragrance, and they may also have healing properties. These costly trees, imported from distant lands, suggest that God's people have a source of wealth far greater than what the world can offer to satisfy them, similar to those who possess worldly riches. The spiritual wealth of God's people comes from His abundant provisions. The cedar tree is valued for its usefulness, pleasant scent, and durable strength. Unlike many other trees, it does not rot or deteriorate quickly.
The lasting impact of God's people who obey and love Him may not be clear at first. Over time, people ask, "Are you still there? Haven’t you changed your mind yet?" and marvel at the moral courage and strong purpose of God's people. Israel's future glory is described in this parable as Israel being compared again to the wild bull in strength and the great lion, which will be revealed when the Lion of the tribe of Judah sits on the throne of David. God's people will last forever because of the commitment God made to them when He adopted them as His own.
Balak's anger is shown when he claps his hands, a gesture that often symbolizes death to the offending party in Middle Eastern culture. Balaam's greed for money was not satisfied, nor was Balak's anger eased, but when God is in control, neither men's immoral plans nor their hatred and anger against God's revealed will can succeed or prevent what God has decreed will happen.
The final prophetic parable of Balaam reveals Israel's future glory. From Israel, the Root and Offspring of David, will come one to reign with authority and righteousness over all nations. Out of Jacob, a Star will rise—the Bright and Morning Star, a title of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no doubt about who will reign when the Scepter emerges from Israel. His rule will embody wise authority, absolute justice, and fair judgment. Nations like Moab (Balak's kingdom) will be destroyed because of their unrighteousness and idolatry. Even Edom, once spared due to its ties to Israel, will be brought into servitude when Christ comes in His power and glory. The Amalekites (Agag) and all other nations will be conquered.
The world, the flesh, and the devil have always troubled God's people, but a day is coming when even these ancient enemies—those who have opposed us throughout our lives—will be brought under Christ's sovereign rule when He returns. Balaam's teaching was to blend God's people with the immoral world around them, and some religious leaders today promote that same practice. Even a greedy man like Balaam, when influenced by the Spirit of God, had to prophesy the truth. He had sought personal gain through his deception, but "in vain doth earth and hell oppose, for God is greater than His foes." Balaam was likely a polytheist whom God used for His greater purposes. The false prophet eventually perished with the Midianites.
One can say many good things that are correct, but that does not make them a person of faith, nor does it make anyone a child of God. We will face increasing challenges regarding our position and commitment to God as time goes on. It is our duty not to let the deceptions of our enemies divert us from our "high calling of God." We owe Him our lives, our faith, and our sincere effort to do His work and spread His word in ways He provides, not in ways that appeal to those who wish to curse God's people.
The time for fulfilling his prophecy was in the distant future when Balaam stood and prophesied with words given by the Spirit of God. Even though he was a fallen, deceptive, and unbelieving man, God used him to shed light on events that would happen for our learning and benefit. He spoke of the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who would come with great wisdom and strength, in his message from God. His coming would bring significant light to this dark world, as the Messiah would bring peace to the earth. The prophecy he made came to pass exactly as he said. Though nearly fifteen hundred years passed before “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” the star rose high. Some wise men prayed and realized the Messiah had finally arrived.
The apostate prophet standing there on the hill really didn’t understand what he was saying, but God used that man to accomplish His will. God uses whom He chooses to fulfill His sovereign will and all the promises He has made. The mighty, formidable One who will finally reign and wield His Scepter of office with power is our Lord Jesus Christ. When He rises to take the throne belonging to Him, which was prophesied so long ago, the kingdom authority that He rules will last forever.
The foes He overcomes and the enemies He defeats will not be able to stand against Him. When God's plans and purposes are fulfilled, the Almighty will hold the scepter in His hand and rule the nations. Some of the prophecies refer to David, and some to David’s “Son.” Some predictions were fulfilled in the past, and others will be fulfilled in days to come. But this we know: the King once promised and about whom Balaam prophesied will come at last.