Numbers 24:1-9 – We are blessed to be a blessing.

Balak's previous two attempts to have Balaam curse Israel had both come to naught. So in Numbers 23:27, he took the seer up to Peor, in yet another attempt to have Israel cursed. This would be his third attempt. Like the previous two attempts, he was made to build seven altars and to offer a bull and a ram on each of them. However, this time Balaam did not move away somewhere to seek the Lord as he did the previous two times. Seeing that the Lord would not allow Israel to be cursed, he did not seek omens to do so. From this, we conclude that whenever he brought curses on people, he would do so by seeking omens. Here we also see that Israel had divine insulation and was protected by God. Realizing that, he set his face toward the wilderness instead, and there he saw the people of Israel neatly camped tribe by tribe. It was at this point that the Spirit of God came upon him and had him declaring his third oracle concerning Israel.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and against the desire of Balak, Balaam spoke glowingly for the third time about Israel. He began by describing her beauty then proceeded to talk about her prosperity and security. He then rounded up by pronouncing her victory. Balaam said that God, having rescued Israel out of Egypt, continued to strengthen them and fight on their behalf. He would help Israel to destroy her enemies. This whole oracle was a pronouncement of Israel’s blessing. What was worst, Balak ended receiving a curse.

From this passage, we cannot miss the fact that the strength and security of Israel rested in her relationship with the mighty God. It was He who ensured their rescue, strength, and protection, In the same way, our strength and security also rest in our relationship with God. Walking with God we will be guaranteed His blessings. It is impossible for the curse to overtake us when in God we are made to be blessed. We are too blessed to be stressed. We are blessed to bless others. Let’s be the source of blessings for others. Blessings will continue to flow into our life as we bless others!