How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?
Numbers 23:8 NIV
God led the Israelites into the promised land and subdued many nations before them. He defeated the king of Arad and captured all his towns. As they advanced into the promised land, nations crumbled before them while they remained under God’s protection. Their triumphs over the formidable kingdoms of Arad, Sihon, and Og had instilled fear and trepidation in the hearts of neighbouring nations, including Balak, the powerful and influential king of Moab. He heard what the Israelites had done to the Amorites and was very afraid of them. Let us consider his word:
Balak son of Zippor saw everything the Israelites had done to the Amorites. The king of Moab was very frightened of the Israelites because there were so many of them. He was very afraid. Balak son of Zippor saw everything the Israelites had done to the Amorites. The king of Moab was very frightened of the Israelites because there were so many of them. He was very afraid. The king of Moab said to the leaders of Midian, “This large group of people will destroy everything around us, the way an ox eats all the grass in a field.” Balak son of Zippor was the king of Moab at this time.
Numbers 22:2-4 ERV
Balak and his people felt helpless and hopeless. In their own eyes, they were like ordinary grass before an ox. They thought the only way to stop the Israelites was to curse them. So, they sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor, a famous diviner, who lived near the Euphrates River. They asked him to come and put a curse on the Israelites, because they believed that whoever he blessed was blessed, and whoever he cursed was cursed. (Numbers 22:5-6)
But they did not realize that the Israelites were too powerful for them, not because of their own strength, but because of God’s presence in their midst. Balak did not know that he was preparing to fight against the Lord, who was the source of the Israelites’ power. He did not understand that it was impossible to curse God’s people, for God had already blessed them and no one could change that. They did not know that they were fighting a battle that they would never win. Who can resist a man that is assisted by God?
Balaam tried to please Balak and earn his reward, but he could not go against God’s will. Balaam’s utterances, instead of unleashing the curses he was commissioned to deliver, miraculously transformed into blessings, emphasizing God’s unwavering love and protection for His people. This extraordinary turn of events served as a stark and undeniable reminder of the futility of opposing God’s blessings.
God spoke to him and told him not to curse the Israelites, but to bless them instead. Balaam obeyed God and uttered blessings over the Israelites, to Balak’s anger and frustration. He said, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?” (Numbers 23:8 NIV) He also said, “I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.” (Numbers 23:20 NIV)
Saul was another example of a man who brought himself into conflict with the Lord by persecuting Christians. Nothing was ever clearer and audible to Saul than the words God spoke to him on his way to Damascus:
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice in the Hebrew tongue saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you continue to persecute Me [to harass and trouble and molest Me]? It is dangerous and turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goads [to keep offering vain and perilous resistance].
Acts 26:14 AMPC
Meanwhile, Balaam’s words revealed the truth about God’s power and love for his people. God had chosen the Israelites out of all the nations and made a covenant with them. He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and brought them to the land He had promised them. He had protected them from their enemies and given them victory after victory. Furthermore, He had blessed them abundantly and no one could reverse it.
We, as God’s children, can also enjoy the same blessings and protection from God. He has loved us and chosen us before the foundation of the world. He sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and give us eternal life. Also, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Consequently, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Therefore, we do not need to fear any curse or attack from the enemy. We do not need to worry about any problem or challenge we face. We do not need to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Also, we can trust him and praise him, knowing that he has blessed us, and no one can curse us.
In conclusion, just as Balak failed to curse the Israelites because they were under God’s protection, our enemies, visible or unseen, cannot alter the blessings God has in store for us. So, as we reflect on the unyielding love of God, let’s recognize that victory over our adversaries is assured as long as we abide in His love. In the face of challenges, remember, God’s blessings are irrevocable. Your journey from infancy till now is a testament to His immense blessings and unfailing love. He has loved you thus far, He is not going to give up on you.
