Balaam’s second oracle before Balak illustrates that God’s blessing cannot be purchased or annulled by human effort, and points us toward the ultimate sovereign care God exercises over those who are His.
Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, O Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, O son of Zippor!” (v.18). Here Balaam, a prophet of God, lifts his voice to address Balak, the king of Moab, who had summoned him to curse the Israelites. Moab was a region east of the Jordan River, bordering Canaan and situated near the Dead Sea. At the time, the Israelites were nearing the end of their forty years of wandering, having encamped on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. Balak reigned around this period (circa 1407 BC) and desperately hoped to secure a curse against Israel to prevent their success.
In this verse, Balaam commands Balak to rise and listen carefully, signifying the serious nature of what is about to be spoken. Although King Balak longed for a message of misfortune to fall on God’s chosen people, Balaam cannot merely proceed with human agendas; rather, he is compelled by the Spirit of the LORD to proclaim only what God permits. By telling Balak to “Arise” and “Give ear,” the prophet underscores the gulf between human schemes and divine authority. No amount of wealth or status can sway God’s unchanging plan or His faithful protection of His covenant people, as repeatedly seen in this account.
This verse also sets the stage for Balaam’s continuing oracles, each one affirming God’s resolve to bless Israel instead of cursing them. Balaam’s experience foreshadows the broader biblical truth that God’s purposes will triumph, despite human attempts to manipulate outcomes. Centuries later, Jesus would fully reveal God’s redemptive plan. All who trust in Him gain blessings far exceeding any earthly reward, much like the Israelites received the LORD’s steadfast commitment rather than Balak’s proposed curse (John 10:28).
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Numbers 23:18 meaning
Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, O Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, O son of Zippor!” (v.18). Here Balaam, a prophet of God, lifts his voice to address Balak, the king of Moab, who had summoned him to curse the Israelites. Moab was a region east of the Jordan River, bordering Canaan and situated near the Dead Sea. At the time, the Israelites were nearing the end of their forty years of wandering, having encamped on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. Balak reigned around this period (circa 1407 BC) and desperately hoped to secure a curse against Israel to prevent their success.
In this verse, Balaam commands Balak to rise and listen carefully, signifying the serious nature of what is about to be spoken. Although King Balak longed for a message of misfortune to fall on God’s chosen people, Balaam cannot merely proceed with human agendas; rather, he is compelled by the Spirit of the LORD to proclaim only what God permits. By telling Balak to “Arise” and “Give ear,” the prophet underscores the gulf between human schemes and divine authority. No amount of wealth or status can sway God’s unchanging plan or His faithful protection of His covenant people, as repeatedly seen in this account.
This verse also sets the stage for Balaam’s continuing oracles, each one affirming God’s resolve to bless Israel instead of cursing them. Balaam’s experience foreshadows the broader biblical truth that God’s purposes will triumph, despite human attempts to manipulate outcomes. Centuries later, Jesus would fully reveal God’s redemptive plan. All who trust in Him gain blessings far exceeding any earthly reward, much like the Israelites received the LORD’s steadfast commitment rather than Balak’s proposed curse (John 10:28).