Numbers 24

A clear view of God’s blessing

‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ “Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.” ~ Numbers 24:9

Have you ever wondered what God sees over your life when others try to define you, limit you, or speak against you? In a world full of opinions, pressure, and noise, This chapter in Numbers reminds us that God’s perspective is higher, clearer, and filled with purpose that cannot be overturned.

In today’s scripture reading, Balaam finally stops trying to manipulate the situation and instead allows God’s Spirit to speak freely. What comes out is not a curse, but a powerful declaration of blessing, strength, and future hope over God’s people. This message is still true for God’s people today who are learning to trust His voice over the noise and distractions around us.

Here are three truths for you to think about today:

1. God’s blessing is intentional and unmovable.

Balaam describes Israel as secure, fruitful, and strong, not because of their perfection but because of God’s choosing.

When insecurity or comparison creeps in, remind yourself that God’s blessing on your life is deliberate. Start each day by thanking Him for what He has already done rather than focusing on what feels like it is missing.

2. Clarity comes when you stop striving and start listening.

Balaam no longer relied on rituals or attempts to control what happened, he simply listened to God and spoke what he heard.

Slow down when making decisions. Create space through prayer and scripture to hear God’s direction before reacting to pressure or expectations. Let peace confirm your next step.

3. God reveals future hope even in uncertain times.

Balaam prophesied about what was still to come, a future victory and a coming ruler, reminding God’s people that their story was not finished.

When the future feels unclear and uncertain, trust that God is already at work beyond what you can see. Write down the hopes He has placed in your heart and pray over them regularly, believing He is faithful to complete what He has started in your life.

I have walked through many times in my life where I felt misunderstood and underestimated. There were moments when circumstances or opinions made it easy to doubt what God had spoken to me in quieter moments. Over time, God reminded me that His blessing was not dependent on approval or ease. As I purposed to listen more closely, recognize His voice in my heart and trust His timing, I saw His faithfulness come through in ways I could never have planned on my own.

Today I want to encourage you to trust the blessing God has spoken over your life. Let His voice carry more weight than fear, doubt, or opposition. Walk forward with confidence knowing that what He has spoken cannot be undone, and His purposes for you are filled with strength, hope, and promise.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 24

1 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 

2 And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

3 Then he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,

4 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open:

5 “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel!

6 Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters.

7 He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. “His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

8 “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce them with his arrows.

9 ‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’

“Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.”

10 Then Balak’s anger was aroused against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have bountifully blessed them these three times! 

11 Now therefore, flee to your place. I said I would greatly honor you, but in fact, the Lord has kept you back from honor.”

12 So Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 

13 ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord, to do good or bad of my own will. What the Lord says, that I must speak’? 

14 And now, indeed, I am going to my people. Come, I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”

15 So he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, and the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened;

16 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, and has the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open:

17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.

18 “And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.

19 Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city.”

20 Then he looked on Amalek, and he took up his oracle and said: “Amalek was first among the nations, but shall be last until he perishes.”

21 Then he looked on the Kenites, and he took up his oracle and said: “Firm is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock;

22 Nevertheless Kain shall be burned. How long until Asshur carries you away captive?”

23 Then he took up his oracle and said: “Alas! Who shall live when God does this?

24 But ships shall come from the coasts of Cyprus, and they shall afflict Asshur and afflict Eber, and so shall Amalek, until he perishes.”

25 So Balaam rose and departed and returned to his place; Balak also went his way.

Journal:

• What voices have I allowed to shape how I see myself
• Where do I need to trust God’s blessing instead of striving for control
• What future hope has God placed in my heart that I need to hold onto
• How can I create more space to listen for God’s direction this week