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Today’s reading from Numbers 23–25 follows Balaam, the prophet for profit, who was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the people of Israel. Balak feared Israel’s strength and hoped a curse would weaken them before battle. But God made it clear to Balaam that he could only speak what the Lord told him. Yesterday’s scene with the donkey and the angel served as a clear and dramatic warning: Obey God’s word, or suffer the consequences!

When Balaam and Balak positioned themselves to pronounce a curse, Balaam likely hoped God would allow him to say what Balak wanted to hear and subsequently experience a payday. But instead, Balaam spoke what God had declared long ago over Israel to Abraham—blessing.

“…and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse…” Genesis 12:2b–3a.

Balaam could not speak curses over Israel as the Word of the Lord cannot be manipulated or altered to suit human agendas. That’s a powerful reminder for us today: If we want God to hear our prayers, we should align our hearts with His will and our prays to His Word—that's what it means to pray "in Jesus’s name."

In Balak’s second attempt from a different vantage point—he thought that a change of venue would change God's mind—Balaam again blessed Israel, saying:

“The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.” (Numbers 23:21)

But who is this king? Israel didn’t have a king. This points forward to the nation God was forming and the coming King—the Messiah. Balaam continued:

“His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.” (Numbers 24:7)

This echoes the original promise given to Abraham:

“... I will make of you a great nation… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2a, 3b)

Balaam’s final prophecy makes the connection unmistakable:

“A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab…” (Numbers 24:17)

This clearly points forward to Jesus—the King of Kings—and fulfills the prophecy of the one who would crush Satan’s head and rule with justice and power.

Takeaway: When God speaks, no enemy can reverse His Word. His promises are secure, His purposes unstoppable. Even through a reluctant prophet, God made His blessing known. As followers of Christ, we can trust His Word in our lives too. Align your heart's desires with God's will, trust in His Word through prayer, and watch Him work.