36: Balaam’s third oracle: Blessed is the one who blesses you (Num 23:25 – 24:9)

Balak kept trying to please God to get permission to curse Israel.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read Numbers 23:25-24:9

Balaam realized that it (             ) the Lord to bless Israel. When Balaam lifted up his eyes and (          ) Israel camped by each (             ), the (             ) of God came upon him.

(verses 3-4) Balaam describes himself as one whose (             ) are open. (verses 5-7) Balaam praised the (                ) of the Israelite camp, like gardens (            ) waters. (verses 8-9) Balaam praised the (             ) and the victory of Israel in the power of (           ).

 

This is the ultimate blessing. “(               ) is the one who blesses y ou, and cursed is the one who (              ) you.”

Answers and Meditation

Now, Balak wants Balaam not to bless Israel if he doesn't curse. But God's message keeps coming to Balaam overwhelmingly. 

Regardless of human intentions or plans, the Lord proclaims His word and accomplishes it.

Pleased, saw, tribe, Spirit

Balak thought he could please the Lord if he changed the place of offering. But Balaam realized the secret of how to please the Lord. Praising Jesus' name and seeking His church's benefits will please the Lord more than bringing many offerings.

As Balaam looked at the Israelite camp in the eyes of the Lord, His Spirit came upon him. The Lord didn’t just put His words in Balaam’s mouth. His Spirit came upon him.

 

Eyes, beauty, the Lord, strength, God

Balaam finally understood God’s plan.

When Balaam saw the Israelite camp that was beautifully arranged by the tribes and had the Tabernacle in the center of it, it reminded him of the Lord’s gardens, and he realized they were truly blessed by the Lord.

 

Blessed, curses

There is no way for others to be blessed without blessing Israel. There is no way to come to the Father except Jesus.

Balak should have blessed Israel to get God’s blessings instead of looking for how to curse them. Balaam now learned this secret of blessing, but not Balak.



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