Christ in all the scriptures The law of Moses

 Christ in all the scriptures

 The law expounded by Moses   Deuteronomy 1

"On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law..." Deut.1v5.

The word declare is, in the Hebrew is baw-ar, and means to dig, to engrave.  This suggests an in depth proclamation, a detailed exposition of the law of God.  It's usage elsewhere in scripture confirms this: Deut. 27v8, referring to the tablets of stone, "Thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly"; Habakkuk 2v2, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it".  Some commentators render it "explain", Darby translated it "unfold".  Like the law was engraved, set in stone, so the repetition of it and application of it to the new land must be plainly understood, and accepted by all.  This was for Israel, and through them to the whole earth (Deut. 32v1 and others).   As something that must be made plain to Israel and to the whole world, it behoves us to familiarise ourselves with its contents.

The Law of God

The law reflects the character of God.  Romans 7v12, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good".   God is holy, God is just, and God is good.  His law is not arbitrary or capricious.  It is unchangeable and imperative for us all.

The law makes ethical and moral demands on humanity before God, to whom we are accountable, because we are made in the image of God (Thou shalt...thou shalt not). 

The law is righteous  (Deut. 4v8; Psalm 119v137)  that is it satisfies the demands of God and is fair and just to all men.

The law is perfect (that is mature) and is able to change lives as nothing else can (Psalm 19v7).

The law is eternal  It will outlast the universe, and stand as the framework for godly living to perpetuity-Matthew 24v35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away".

Adherence to the law will issue in blessing or cursing  Deuteronomy 27/28.  Blessing is the state of total wellbeing; cursing, the loss of wellbeing.

The law cannot save us  James 2v10, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point is guilty of the whole".  No one has kept the law, even Moses disobeyed.  The conclusion of scripture is, "there is none righteous, no not one"-Romans 3v10.

The law was designed and given to prove no one could ever keep it  Romans 5v20, "The law entered (was introduced) that the offence might abound (to prove the powerful nature of sin).  Thus the need for salvation was made clear, and only God can provide it.

The law fulfilled in Jesus

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law , till all be fulfilled"-Matthew 5v17-18.

"What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh"-Romans 8v3.  In boundless grace, God sent His Son to do what no man could ever do.

The law brought a curse upon mankind because of sin: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them...Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us...that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ..."-Galatians 3v10-14.   Christ took the curse for us and there is only blessing!  Through Moses He gave the law to Israel, and through Israel to the world.  As it is written, "The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ"-John 1v17

God gave the law to Moses; Moses expounded it in graphic detail to Israel; Israel, through Christ and the apostles transmitted it to the world.  Now sin has been deposed, and "grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord".  Praise God!  What a plan! what a beautiful design, what a triumph!  Acts 13v39, "By Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses!"

The law fulfilled in us

It was necessary for the law to emerge first, so that we could understand our need of the Saviour Jesus Christ.  Now we can keep the law, not for salvation, but for progressive sanctification; as Paul wrote, "That the righteousness of the law be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit"-Romans 8v4.

Christ in all the scriptures Deuteronomy overview

 Christ in all the scriptures

Christ in Deuteronomy  The words of eternal life!

Like all the books of the bible, the key to the understanding of Deuteronomy is hung up at the beginning:

"These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red Sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab"-Deuteronomy 1v1.

Deuteronomy is the Hebrew dabharim meaning "the words"; the phrase Elle haddabharim translates "these are the words", which are the first words of the book.  Thus the entire book is the words of Moses to Israel prior to entering the land.  Indeed they are the last words of Moses, since he dies at the end of the book, making them even more significant.

In fact the book contains the three last sermons of Moses, followed by a farewell benediction. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) has Deuteronomy as "the second law", meaning, not a different law, but a reiteration of the unchanging law of God to all peoples.  One of the key words in the book is "remember", calling on all Israel to view the past as key to the future."

Remember what you were!  5v15.  Remember what God did to Pharoah!   7v18.  Remember all the way the Lord led you!  8v2.  Remember, and forget not, how you provoked the Lord!  9v7.  Remember the day you left Egypt all the days of your life!   16v3.  Remember what the Lord did to Miriam!  24v9.  Remember what Amalek did to you!  25v17.  Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations!  32v7.

Thus the book is a call to remember all the past as it points to a better future. 

Chapters 1-3       1st sermon       Historical....learn from past events

Chapters 4-26     2nd sermon      Didactical....obey the law, the statutes and judgments

Chapters 27-30   3rd sermon       Prophetical....the land is before you, go in and possess it 

Finally, Chapters 31-34  Farewell blessings.

Moses' words were the very words of God to all the people of Israel, and he calls them to heed them-1v1; 4v1; 5v1; 5v22; 6v1; 8v1; 12v1; 27v1; 29v1.  God is speaking to Israel, and to the whole earth through Israel (32v1).

All this points to Jesus Christ as "The prophet like unto Moses" in the New Testament.

"God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in times past unto the fathers through the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by (in) His Son..."Hebrews 1v1.

"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven..." John 17v1.                               "I have given them the words which thou gavest me..." John 17v8                                            "I have given them thy word..." John 17v14                                                                             "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples...John 18v1               "...wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness" 1st Timothy 6v3

Indeed the entire New Testament is about the words of Christ, whose words are authoritative and decisive for Christians.  The book of Revelation is almost entirely the words of Christ, transmitted through an angel to John the apostle and the warning is declared at the end, not to add to or diminish from these words.  This makes the meaning of every word to be precious to every believer, and the study of them, and the practice of them, to be our life's commitment.

The book of Deuteronomy reveals God fulfilling His obligations to mankind (His faithfulness and covenant promises).  The thought that the sovereign God has obligated Himself to humanity is awesome in itself!  In light of that, He also expects human beings to become obligated to Him.  It is recorded in Acts 3v22, "Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brethren, like unto me: Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you".   

Jesus commissioned His apostles, "Go ye therefore and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you"-Matthew 28v19/20.

Peter said, "Thou hast the words of eternal life!"-John 6v68.  The Lord has fulfilled His obligations to us, will we return the compliment?  

Christ in all the scriptures In sight of the promised land

 Christ in all the scriptures

On the threshold of the promised land     Numbers 26-36

Chapter 25 ends the narrative of the first generation coming out of Egypt, and opens with the numbering, the organisation, and the legislation of the new generation of Israelites. The first generation ended in disaster with only two men, out of a total of over 600,000 warriors, allowed to enter the promised land (Numbers 26v64-65).  It is difficult to know how to interpret this phase in Israel's history, as to their status before God.  Were they saved people, and was their destruction for this life only?  The New Testament suggests they were unbelievers-refer Jude 1v5, "The Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not" (this in the context of false profession of faith).  Again Hebrews 3/4 suggests the same..."I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart: and they have not known my ways.  So I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest"-Hebrews 3v10; also v13 speaks of an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God", and v14-18 expand upon it.  To balance that out we must mention that because of one sinful act Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land-27v12-14.  There is no way to equate the solitary failure of Moses with the persistent rebellion of the generation.  It would seem, therefore that this people have perished eternally.  We must mark the solemnity of this.  It is tragically possible to live with the people of God, to be involved in all the ritual of worship to God, even fighting wars for the cause, and yet to perish.  True belief is never presented in scripture in terms of profession, rather in terms of heart obedience.

Chapters 26-36 establish the new generation under God's covenant promises.  God has punished the old generation but He maintains, in gracious mercy, His dealings with Israel.  As Paul said in Romans 3v3, "For what if some did not believe, shall their unbelief make the faith of God of none effect?  God forbid!"  Faith in God is in the heart, not based on externals which may pander to the glory of man.  The chapters contain a comprehensive summary of the benefits and responsibilities of the nation for life in the promised land.

Chapter 26   Census of the men of war for the defence of the realm.  Inheritance of the portions of the land, and the census of the Levites for religious work.

Chapter 27  Provision for continuous family inheritance as per the daughters of Zelophehad, descendants of Joseph.  Denial of Moses to enter the promised land.  Promotion of Joshua to leadership.

Chapter 28  The order and importance of the offerings in Divine worship.

Chapter 29  Eight days of holy convocation in the set feasts of Israel.

Chapter 30  Laws concerning vows unto the Lord.

Chapter 31  War against Midian who vexed the children of Israel.  Spoils of victory shared.

Chapter 32 Allocation of land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Chapter 33 Account of every journey made by Israel since leaving Egypt.  The past is gone but not forgotten.

Chapter 34 Division of the land inheritance to remainder of the twelve tribes.

Chapter 35 Cities for Levites and cities of refuge.

Chapter 36 Further laws for inheritance.

There are many lessons for the people of God in these final chapters of Numbers, as we are all on a journey to the promised land, and, indeed we are on the verge of it in these last days. Clearly God is assuring them of the certainty of their new life.  Despite their many failures, since redemption from Egypt's slavery, they will possess the land.  At this late time when this is being opposed from many quarters, God's people will prevail, and the promised land, the subject of endless disputes, will become a reality.

The book ends with this summary, "These are the commandments and the judgments which the Lord commanded by the hands of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plain of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho".

Like Israel, we, God's people, are heading to a new life, and we are now on the verge of it, as is clear from world trends and events.  Like Moses, then Joshua, our Lord is "bringing many sons to glory", and He has left commandments and judgments for us on the way.  The New Testament abounds with the fact that our Lord has left instructions for our lives on the way to glory.  We can tabulate a few of them here, readers can expand them and define them at leisure.  There is a tendency, in this day of free grace to think there are no commandments any more since our Lord has fulfilled them all.  Nothing is further from the truth as the following scriptures declare:

"All that Jesus began to do and to teach.  Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He, through the Holy Ghost, had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen!-Acts 1v1-2

These same apostles have given commandments to us, "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour"-2nd Peter 3v2.  

"If ye love me keep my commandments", Jesus said in John 14v15; "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you"-John 15v12.  In 1st John 4v22-25 the apostle John says, "And whatsoever we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.  And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as He gave us commandment".

He has left us commandments and judgments, just as He gave to Israel for life in the new land.  Commandments are to be obeyed, not questioned or ignored.  There are commandments regulating personal morality; others for corporate gatherings, how to organise to ensure order and decency in church life; and yet others regulating behaviour in society for good public witness.  Readers should familiarise themselves with these and follow them.  These should be taught regularly in the course of any year.  Judgments are decisions involving two or more differing positions.  God's judgments are perfect and fair and unbiased, there is no respect of persons with God.  We have been given amazing resources to enable us to walk worthy of our high calling.  We have within the Spirit of God to guide us.  We have the written word of God to instruct us.  We have access at any time to the Sovereign throne of the universe.  We have the love of each other to share in all things.  His commandments are not grievous, His yoke is easy, His burden is light.  We can find rest in the midst of trials, and the prospect before us, as we journey to the glory, is beyond anything this world can give us

Like Israel in the latter part of the book of Numbers, we are on the threshold of the land flowing with milk and honey, and that alone should adjust our attitude to good living.    

Christ in all the scriptures Divine anger averted

 Christ in all the scripture

  "Zealous for my sake among them"  Numbers 25

"And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab"-Numbers 25v1.

The word abode (yashab) is strong and suggests a settling down, a couching, a resting.  This, at a time when they should have been alert for their rest was in the promised land, not Moab.  The place where they rested-Shittim (acacia groves)- should have reminded them as the tabernacle was constructed with shittim wood.  Perhaps it was this relaxation which caused their downfall.  Scripture abounds with examples of failure after success.  Noah, the preacher of righteousness, when he came through the flood in the restored earth, was found drunken in his tent.  Elijah the prophet, who withstood 850 prophets on Mount Carmel, went into depression in a cave at the threat of a woman.  It was while king David rested following the victories against the house of Saul, and all Israel's enemies, that he succumbed to temptation, in illicit consort with Bathsheba (2nd Samuel 11), with disastrous consequences.  The New Testament bristles with appeals to stay on our guard, to remain alert for there is no rest for us here in this world.

It was while they rested on the borders of Moab that the promiscuous women of Moab seduced them.  This appeared to be a simple case of Israel falling into temptation, but it was more than that; it was a trap set by Balaam.  Numbers 31v16 relates the depravity of Baal-peor in Moab to the counsel of Balaam.  We would not know it from the reading of chapter 24, but Balaam either remained long enough to provide Balak with a plan for their downfall, or, he had been double speaking all along...saying one thing in public, and another in private.  Balaam could not turn God against Israel (no one can); however he succeeded in turning Israel against God, thus bringing the wrath of God upon them.  This is the ploy of Satan, who will try every way to bring God's people down.  The extent of this departure is printed in holy writ.  Immorality led to idolatry, and the whole camp was compromised.  Modern journalists call it "the honeytrap" when predators seek to bring down businessmen and politicians.  This was used freely in the 1st century A.D. and is referred to in Revelation 2v14/15, "Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols and to commit fornication".  Centuries after this disastrous episode in Israel, the same tactics are being used, female prostitution to attract to false gods.

The sin of Israel was not just fornication; the intent of it, and the outcome of it was to seduce them away from the true God to worship idols.  

"Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor"  25v3a  

They had turned from God to idols, and idols of the worst kind, the god worshipped by the Canaanites practising the worst kind of spiritual evil.  

"The Lord's anger was kindled against Israel"  25v3b 

There follows now a Divine action unparalleled in His judgments on Israel.  All the heads (rulers) of the people were publicly executed in broad daylight.  When God's people stray the responsibility will fall on the rulers.  Then the command was given to the judges to slay every one that was joined to Baal-peor.  

"Those that died in the plague was 24,000"  25v9

In the midst of all this, in the face of Divine anger, one of the higher ranking Israelites (Zimri, the son of a prince of the chief house among the Simeonites) brazenly entered the camp with a Midianite princess.  Moses, Aaron, and all the judges with the whole camp were aware of it, but they were dealing with the plague sent among them.  These elite individuals had no regard for God or the people of God.  Taken aback by the sheer brass neck of this, the leaders appeared paralyzed.  Sensing the gravity of the situation, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, took prompt and decisive action, by entering the sullied tent and killing the perpetrators in the very act.  Scripture records the following: 

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy"  25v10-11

This very public sin of Israel was brought to an end in a very public way by one man who would not remain silent when the Lord's honour was being trashed.  Only eternity will reveal, in the course of time, the number of people with similar zeal, and with God's glory at heart. who have saved God's people from more sorrow.

This brings us to the major theme of this chapter.  In these studies we are considering the scriptures as they reveal Christ.  What is revealed here is that God loves His people, and will not forsake them, but He hates their sin and He must act against it.  He will not tolerate rank immorality or idolatry amongst us.  Of Christ it is written, "Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity"-Hebrews 1v9.  God's redeemed people must not practise what God hates.  "Judgment must begin at the House of God", writes Peter (1st Peter 4v17).  Paul wrote, "When we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world"-1st Cor. 11v32.  The writer to Hebrews says, "My son despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him.  For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth"-Hebrews 12v5-6. Sometimes that chastening can be very severe, as the word scourgeth would infer.  Sometimes it will involve removal from earth as in 1st Corinthians 11v30.  This was the case with Israel, and it is still in force today.  God cannot allow His people to dishonour His name.  Like Phinehas, we need people like him who will act, instead of remaining silent as many do today.  The name of the Lord is everything in this world, and His people need to display that.  Will the Lord say of us, "he/she was zealous for my sake among them"?

Christ in all the scriptures The Sceptre of righteousness

 Christ in all the scriptures

Christ the Sceptre of Divine righteousness   Numbers 24v17-25

Everyone talks of the "second coming", some in jest, others in due reverence; but few are willing to talk about what it means.  Revelation 19v11 says that when heaven opens, Christ is coming to make war, He is coming to dismantle the godless world system, and rule in righteousness before the great eternal dawn.  Balaam prophesied something of this and uttered the only logical words, "Alas who shall live when God doeth this?"-24v23.  

These last three parables paint a picture of retribution on all those who defy God, beginning at the near future from Balaam, and stretching right into the present age.  Moab, Edom, Amalek, Kenites, Asshur, and Chittim are all named in the context of judgment.  All these are identifiable nations or groups, and the Divine sceptre is against them.

The Sceptre shall "smite the corners of Moab and destroy all the children of Sheth"-v17; Edom shall be a possession, Seir (Edom's mountain range) also shall be a possession for his enemies"-v18; "Amalek was the first of nations (probably alluding to its primacy in opposition to Israel) but his last end shall be that he perish for ever"-v20; The proud self sufficient Kenites, "Strong is thy dwelling place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.  Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive"-v21/22 "Ships from Chittim (some say Cyprus, others Greece, even Rome-whatever, the great marauding maritime forces who will afflict Asshur-Assyrians, and Eber-Hebrews) shall also perish forever"-v24. 

Different people, with different attitude to God's people.  The judgment will be righteous, some will suffer temporarily, others eternally.  The Judge of all the earth will do right, but no one will escape His wrath.  Through Balaam God identifies the nations concerned, their opposition to His will, and their final judgment.  All who opposed Israel in any way, and therefore Israel's Messiah, will suffer at the hands of Almighty God.  A reading of Old Testament narrative reveals that God controls the fate of nations and He rewards the good and punishes the evil.  The outburst of Balaam in v23 is akin to the cry in Revelation 6v17, "The great day of His wrath has come and who shall be able to stand?"

The Sovereign God knows us all individually, and He knows the trend of nations, if you like national characteristics and attitudes.  This prophecy of future judgment will affect every nation on earth.  When Christ returns He will call the living nations before Him (Matthew 25v31-46).  Scholars tell us that there are approx. 2500 bible prophecies in all of scripture, and that nigh on 2000 have already been fulfilled.  The remaining 500 or so will also be fulfilled.  This is the certain hope of all believers, none of which will be frustrated.  Proud men will be abased and the humble will be exalted.  Regardless of the wealth and power of some, they will all be brought down before the throne of the Majesty of heaven.  Isaiah the prophet wrote (42v13-14): 

"The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar, He shall prevail against His enemies.  I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself; now I will cry like a travailing woman, I will devour and destroy at once".

 The devastation of Moab is detailed in Isaiah 15-16.  Edom will be subservient until their final end, as stated in the prophecy of Obadiah.  In Exodus 17 the Lord swore to have war with Amalek from generation to generation.  They were destroyed according to 1st Chronicles 4v42-43.  All future enemies of God will likewise be destroyed in God's own time, including the present day and beyond.  The Sceptre of His throne is a right sceptre and the day of righteousness will be ushered in.

Balaam departed, but not before he had given secret counsel to Balak of how to bring Israel down.  This will be the subject of chapter 25.  The words of Paul in Acts 17v30-31 are pressing now and in all future generations, "God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead".

God spoke through Balaam in no uncertain terms.  In the seven parables we learn:

1)  God has blessed one nation Israel and they will flourish as the dust of the earth 23v7-10

2)  God's covenants are irrevocable, and He is with His redeemed people-23v18-22

3)  Israel will inherit the land and overcome all enemies  24v3-9

4)  Out of Israel will come Christ the Messiah.  They will subdue Moab and Edom  24v15-19

5)  The foremost and most formidable enemy, Amalek, will be destroyed  24v20

6)  The Kenites, symbolic of the pride of man, will be abased  24v21-22

7)  The maritime powers of the earth, who oppress the world will be broken 24v23-24.

All of these prophesies are expanded in later scriptures, some of them yet to be fulfilled.

Christ in all the scriptures The Star and the Sceptre

 Christ in all the scriptures

The Star and the Sceptre   Numbers 24v15-25

This fourth parable of Balaam, central to all seven parables, and basis for the final three, focuses upon an individual rather than the nation Israel.

"Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city"-24v19.    

They, referring to Israel, becomes He referring to Messiah, the One in whom all the purposes of God will be fulfilled.  This Messianic prophecy was couched in the context of Balak's seething anger, and Balaam's declaration that all the money and power of Moab could not persuade him to curse what God has blessed-24v13.

"And now behold I go unto my people: come therefore and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days"-24v14.

The king of Moab wanted Israel to be cursed for the immediate problem of Israel trespassing on their land.  Balaam's answer was that their subjugation to Israel would go on way into the distant future.  There was to be no resolution for Moab in the present, nor in the future.

"And he took up this parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said.  He hath said which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the Almighty, falling into a trance but having his eyes open: I shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth"-24v15-17.

These are the words of God, they are not my words and they cannot be altered.  This proclaims the overriding message of Numbers 24, namely, the undeniable and unalterable will of God.  No word of puny man, no matter how exalted they think themselves to be, will frustrate the purposes of God.  

"There shall come out of Jacob....and out of Israel...A STAR and A SCEPTRE"!  This twin title, prophesying the coming of Christ, captures the predominant subject of this important section (chapters 22-24 of Numbers)-namely blessing or cursing from God. It began with the king of Moab expressing the outstanding ability of Balaam to bless or curse whom he will (22v6) and ends with the threefold blessing of God upon Israel and the curse on all who oppose them.

The Star represents God's blessing in the incarnation of Christ.  The Sceptre represents     God's curse, His judgment on all opposition to His will.  Consider the following scriptures:

Matthew 2v1-10  "We have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him....when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy".  Luke 1v78  "...the dayspring from on high hath visited us".  2nd Peter 1v19 "...take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts".  Revelation 22v16 "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star".

As the Star, Christ is the light of the world in darkness to the things of God, and He alone dispenses the blessing of God upon those who receive His light.  As the Sceptre He opposes and judges all who refuse Him.  In Him all are blessed, against Him all are judged.  This judgment is severe as the following scriptures reveal.

Genesis 49v10 "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh (Jesus the Messiah) come and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be".  Psalm 45v6 (applied to Jesus in Hebrews 1v8) "Thy throne O God is for ever and ever; the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre".  Revelation 12v5 "And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and the child was caught up to God , and to His throne".  Revelation 19v11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and behold He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war".  Revelation 19v15 "And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God".

He came the first time as the Star, the light of God midst the darkness of earth.  He is coming the second time to make war on a world which has rejected God.  The One who came to be your Saviour will instead be your judge.  The issues are serious, at stake is eternal blessing or eternal loss.  In Christ, who came through Israel, all nations of earth are blessed.  There is no middle ground, we are either for Him or against Him.  Balak and the princes of Moab were against Him, where are we?

We conclude this blog by referring to the enigma of Balaam.  This is a man who knew the truth, who proclaimed the truth of God, who refused a fortune in money because he would not compromise God's word.  Yet the New Testament account is that Balaam remained in heart against the will of God.  The man who proclaimed the good news of God as well as any has perished.  Indeed he says as much himself, "I shall see Him, but not now...".  Balaam was aware that one day in the distant future he would come face to face with Almighty God; are we aware of that?  We shall all stand before the judgment seat to give account (Romans 14v11-12).  Sadly so many have forgotten that, or they have never known it.  He goes on "I shall see Him but not nigh".  In his heart of hearts he knew he would remain at a distance from God; he preached Him, he suffered loss because of Him, yet he would not humble himself in contrition before the God of reconciliation.  He is apart from God now and will be forever.  Balaam's death is recorded in Numbers 31v8, where he was killed in a divinely inspired military conflict between Israel and Midian.  It seems Balaam was on the side of Midian, the enemies of Israel and therefore of God, and he died fighting against the God whom he knew better than most.  What a salutary lesson is this!  It is not what we say but what we believe in our heart that saves us.  We can know the truth intellectually, but unless we receive the "love of the truth" it is worthless.  Judas Iscariot spent three plus years in the company of Christ, performed miracles in His name, yet he perished.  Only heart belief in Christ is real.  The Bible message is clear:

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved!"-Romans 10v9.

Christ in all the scriptures The sayings of Balaam part 2

 Christ in all the scriptures

The parables of Balaam     Numbers 24

Parable 3  God is a God of exquisite Beauty   24v1-9

Everything He does is perfect and precise and beautiful.  Even the scientists who study the universe know it (though they may not attribute it to God).  A universe in perfect harmony, moving uniformly according to set and precise principles.  The Greek word for the world is cosmos (perfectly ordered arrangement), the opposite of chaos (perpetual disorder).  A reading of Genesis 1 and others reveal that God brought the cosmos out of chaos, and what He did back then for the material world He is doing today spiritually.  The spiritual chaos of the present world will move toward perfect order when God's work is finished. 

Balaam realised this when he saw the perfection of Divine order in the camp of Israel.  No doubt after two attempts to oppose the Divine will, he still cherished the idea of the rewards of unrighteousness, but he now knew that his powers of enchantment were useless before Almighty God.   "And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.  And he took up this parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: he hath said which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance but having his eyes open.  How goodly are thy tents O Jacob, and thy tabernacles O Israel"-24v3-4.  He saw with opened eyes what God saw and declared it.  He saw from a high vantage point the breath taking view of the camp of Israel spread out on the desert sands, arranged in perfect order of their tribes as God had designed it.  The tabernacle in the centre (representing the throne of God) the tribes in order around it.  North, south, east, west, the tents were pitched across the desert, housing approx. 3million people.  The aerial view was of a central place inhabited by God surrounded by golden cherubim with the fourfold directions of the tents forming the outline of a cross! The unmistakable sight of the shekinah cloud resting upon the holy of holies in the centre proclaimed that God was in their midst (because of what would take place at the Cross!  He used the word "goodly" to describe it.  This Hebrew word tob (pronounced tobe) according to the scholars, carries the thought of the full spectrum of goodness, moral excellence, aesthetic beauty, pleasantness, ordered, refreshing.  What he saw was something of undeniable excellence.  When we consider that the tabernacle is "the patterns of things in the heavens (Hebrews 9v23) what he saw was a little reflection of heaven on earth, and it was beautiful to the eyes.  A similar word kalos is the Greek N/T equivalent and occurs over 100 times to describe the nobility, the beauty, the excellence of everything concerning God and godliness.  All this in distinction to the ugliness and imperfections of man.  

Fast forward to the descriptions of the Church of Jesus Christ in Ephesians 2v15-22;5v26-27; 1st Peter 2v5-9...a united church, a sanctified church, an habitation of God, a glorious church, an holy priesthood, a royal priesthood.  This is God's view of His people, unlike the divided church of the present with its ugly schisms and unholy practices, God is moving to perfection and that is how we should be seeing things beyond the present chaos.

In this third parable Balaam's perspective was changed.  He set his face toward the wilderness, he began to see the world as it really was, a vast, dry, unfruitful wilderness.  He was now seeing things from God's perspective, and we now have the most beautiful prophecy of Israel's future.  Bear in mind the ugliness of this people's recent history with their murmuring and dissatisfaction, and rebellion.  What he sees is a very different outlook for the future.  The following verses (5-9) are an exposition of the meaning of the word "goodly". 

"How goodly are thy tents O Jacob, and thy tabernacles O Israel.  As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord has planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.  He shall pour water out of his buckets and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.  God brought them forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with their arrows.  He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion who shall stir him up?  Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee-24v6-9.  We must savour every detail of this comprehensive outline of Israel's future role in the world.  Far from the will of ungodly men who desire their fall, even their extermination, the God of heaven declares through Balaam the supreme position God has given them.

Israel will flourish..."spread forth as the valleys".

Israel will be beautiful, whose beauty will never fade,..."as gardens by the river's side".

Israel will emit fragrance all around...."as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted".

Israel will be majestic...."as cedar trees beside the waters".

Israel will share the waters of life in abundance...."he shall pour the water out of his buckets".

Israel's blessed posterity is secure..."his seed shall be in many waters".

Israel will be the dominant force on earth, and exalted above all others...."his king shall be higher than Agag (Agag was the term given to rulers of Amalek, Israel's perpetual enemy) and his kingdom shall be exalted".

Israel were a nation of slaves whom God liberated to highest status...."God brought him forth out of Egypt".

Israel has supreme strength above all nations..."he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn" (in the bible unicorns are depicted as animals of greatest strength).

Israel will crush all enemies who oppose them...."he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows".

Israel will rest in final victory as head of nations (symbolised in the great lion) and no one will dare confront them..."he couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion who shall stir him up?

Israel will be the benchmark of all blessing and cursing from above...."Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee"-refer God's covenant with Israel (Genesis 12v1-3 and confirmed Genesis 27v29, Exodus 23v22, and now Numbers 24v9).

All this perplexed Balak, king of Moab, just as today it perplexes all who oppose Israel, God's covenant people.  Even now, none of the above seems likely if we look at the world situation in the present.  Yet it will be, just as God spoke through Balaam.  Nothing will stop it, God has decreed it!  May all who oppose this realise that in opposing Israel they are opposing Almighty God, and there is only one outcome.  Graciously, God forgives on repentance, on change of mind and attitude, and that forgiveness is granted on submission to His will.  It was through Israel God brought to the world the Messiah, the only Saviour of mankind (Romans 9v4-5).  God will exalt Israel to be head of nations, and the Prince of peace will rule the world in perpetual blessing.  In the context of present events this truth is very pertinent.  Amid the perplexities of the present world, may we see, as Balaam saw, the certainty, the beauty of what God has planned, that nothing can alter

Each wonderful feature of this glorious future of Israel can be expanded out by the readers of these studies.  It is not possible to exhaust in each portion, the full meaning.  Each one deserves more thought and readers can for themselves trace these principles throughout scripture.  Such meditation is good for soul and body.  May God bless you all. 

Christ in all the scriptures The sayings of Balaam

 Christ in all the scriptures

The parables of Balaam    Numbers 23-24

Parable 1  God is a God of infallible Sovereignty (23v5-10)

"And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak.  And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he and all the princes of Moab"-Numbers 23v5.

Parable (Heb. mawsawl- 23v7v18; 24v3v15v20v21v23) occurs seven times; refers to a pithy short maxim, an utterance by a wise man which has relevance beyond the time it was spoken.  Each one proclaimed a separate message.  Balaam said these were the very words of God which could not be altered.

By the slow burning sacrifice on the altar, ascending to the living God, Balaam uttered these sacred words: "Balak, the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come curse me Jacob, and come defy Israel".  At great expense, and with persistent intent, Balak sought to compromise Israel.  He could not defeat them with his own resources, but the unseen world could.  Balaam's answer was irreversible..."How shall I curse , whom God has not cursed, or how shall I defy whom God has not defied?"  The decrees of God are eternal.

Israel are a special people whom God protects and inspires.  Balaam says, I know the God of Israel, "From the top of the rocks I see Him, and from the hills I behold Him".  This is no imagination on my part, we are dealing with the Living God!  These people are His people, and are apart from all people "Lo the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations".  

They will grow to innumerable numbers. "Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel?"  No one and nothing will hinder the growth of this people.

Their end will be glorious and enviable for they are justified by God  "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like theirs".  Balaam, like many people, wanted to die the death of the righteous, but was not prepared to live the life of the righteous.  He knew the right way, but was not disposed to walk in it.

Balak got the message, he said, I asked you to curse them and you have blessed them altogether.  Balaam replies that he can only say what God has given him.  

Parable 2  God is a God of immutable Integrity  (23v15-24)

In desperation, Balak moves Balaam to another mountain to gain a different perspective, but the result is the same.  This ploy will be repeated, and the message is always the same: it doesn't matter from which angle you look at it, God's blessing on Israel is unable to be changed even over time.  In this parable we learn the character of God.

"And he took up this parable, and said, rise up Balak, and hear; hearken unto me thou son of Zippor; God is not a man that He should lie; nor the son of man that He should repent (change His mind): hath He said and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?  Behold I have received commandment to bless; and He hath blessed and I cannot reverse it".

God is not like man, He does not lie, nor change His mind in relation to blessing.  The New Testament expands on the faithfulness of God.  "In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began"-Titus 1v2: "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (irrevocable)-Romans 11v29: "Wherefore God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil, whither the fore runner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek"-Hebrews 6v17-20.  When God justifies a person they are righteous before Him for ever.  The truth of Divine justification is amazing, and deserves to be proclaimed more and more.  The hymnwriter (as always) captures the thought, "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose; He cannot, He will not desert to its foes; that soul though all hell should endeavour to shake, He'll never, no never, no never forsake"-hymn attributed to R. Keen, former music leader of Carter Lane Baptist church London).  The latter half of Romans 8 (a chapter worth reading and pondering every day) places the believer safe beyond the events of time, whether of demons or men.  God's blessing is complete and irrevocable.  Balak, king of Moab, was to learn that.  An infinite, eternal, and all-wise God, never rescinds His promises.  

Balaam continues, by way of explanation, and, in the process, expresses the wonder of Divine justification as good as any in the entire bible; "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel; the Lord His God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them".  This people He brought out of Egypt, having redeemed them by the blood of the Paschal lamb are untouchable.  Standing by the altar of sacrifice, where the sins of the people were (symbolically) removed by God, and, borrowing the language of Romans 8, no one can condemn them whom God has justified; no one can lay anything to their charge for whom Christ died and rose again, and who lives forever to intercede for them.  No one in heaven, no one on earth, or any other sphere imaginable.  They are blessed, and nothing can harm them.  King David put it like this, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit is no guile"-Psalm 32v1-2.  All who are saved and reading this REJOICE!  All not sure and reading this, get right with God and DO IT NOW!  In sincerity of soul ask God for forgiveness in Christ and it will be done, nothing to pay, no delay, and the greatest transaction you will ever do will be done and that forever!

There's more.....Balaam continues, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, "What God hath wrought!"  Behold the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion.  He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain" (all the language of supreme victory and ultimate authority).   Majesty and virility, and authority, are the blessings conferred on the justified.

We could not finish this study without reference to Psalm 31v19-20 in tribute to the God who justifies..."Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men.  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man; thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues".  

  

Christ in all the scriptures Divine Sovereignty

 

Christ in all the scriptures

God Sovereign in every situation  Numbers 22v20-41

There are situations in life that arise which test the ability of ruling men to the limit.  In such circumstances they seek outside help whether it be from religious leaders, or diviners (modern equivalent clairvoyants) or the like.  Such a situation arose in Moab which caused consternation in the corridors of power.  The entity of Israel, consisting of about 3 million people with children and livestock were on their doorstep demanding clear passage into Canaan.  This was not simply a migrant problem on a scale that is unmatched even today; this was a formidable fighting force which had just overrun their overlords Sihon and Og, and now appeared to threaten their very existence.  In addition they were reputed to have the God of all heaven and earth on their side!  In desperation, King Balak, in consultation with his courtiers sent a deputation bearing fabulous gifts to the renowned Balaam, son of Bosor in Mesopotamia, whose reputation for prophetic insight was second to none.  These were days when the pronouncements of diviners were a powerful influence in the kingdoms of men.  If truth be told it is no different today, although this aspect is kept low key.  What marked Balaam out from others was that he was cautious and was, in fact, in touch with the living God.  As such he had never failed in his predictions and pronouncements.  In the course of human history God has had dealings with many an ungodly man in the cause of good government of world situations.  He spoke directly to Cain, to Cyrus, to Nebuchadnezzar, and it is written "The most high ruleth among the kingdoms of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will"-Daniel 4v17.   There is a phrase, "Man proposes, God disposes!", and never a truer word has been spoken.  He is the living God, He rules over the affairs of men at all times, particularly when it involves His people.

Balaam was not one to be rushed, even when lavish gifts were being offered to him.  He had built his reputation on caution, and he preferred to consult a higher power on this matter.  He knew how to approach God for he had done so many a time.  According to the latter part of the chapter he did so by means of sacrifice, a ritual he had come to know would give him access to the Almighty.  Because of the moral distance, man can only approach God in a way acceptable to God.  This principle stands forever and Balaam understood that God could only be approached by the sacrifice of another.  The answer came emphatically, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed"-22v12.  It is well a modern world also understands this!  Balak sends another group of higher dignity than the first band and promises Balaam even greater honour if he comes to curse Israel.  Balaam further consulted the Lord, and this time He allowed him to go, on condition he spoke only the words God gave him.

"And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him".   

This exchange between God and Balaam was very real.  The majesty of heaven deigns to deal with lowly man in a gracious, but righteous way.  Why was God's anger so kindled against Balaam when He had given him permission to go with the princes of Moab?  The narrative reveals it was because He discerned the inward temptation of Balaam.  The God who is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4v12), knew that Balaam harboured some way of cashing in by cursing Israel, and He confronted him along the way.  This is always God's way of operation, when the will of man clashes with the unalterable will of God, the will of man is frustrated.  There are countless examples of this in scripture.  God will allow Balaam to proclaim His word, He will not allow him to alter it in any way.

This leads to the unique story of the talking donkey!  "The Angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him"-22v22.  It is thought the journey from Pethor in Syria to Moab was about 70 miles, and, along the way they were confronted from above.  This introduces us to the largely unknown spirit world.  It is thought the "Angel of the Lord" may be a theophany of Christ Himself.  The reality of the unseen spirit world controlling events on earth is sprinkled throughout scripture.  Conflicts on earth often reflect conflicts in the heavens.  Certainly Balaam was left in no doubt of opposition to his inward intentions, and the seven oracles which follow reveal the true character of God.  Such is the folly of man, in conflict with the Divine will, that the donkey which conveyed him to Moab had more discernment than the seer!  This episode declares what God thinks of man in his folly, that a dumb animal knows more than him of the realities of the universe!  Indeed, the beast proved to be not so dumb as God spoke through it!  The wisest of men, who oppose the will of God is dumber than the beast of burden!  The saying, "...vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise they became fools"-Romans 1v21-22 is relevant to this situation.  God well understands the frailty of man, but He will not tolerate rebellion.  What a blow to human pride!  The same chapter in Romans goes on to say that departure from God, the true God, leads man to worship lesser creatures, thus demeaning humanity, the highest creation of God.  Under threat to his very existence, Balaam learned the following, which many are slow to learn even today:

1)  That the unseen spirit world controls the material world in which we live.

2)  That man in his folly becomes lesser than the animal creation.

3)  That God blesses whom He will, and that He has blessed Israel.

4)  That Israel holds the key to future blessing or cursing.

5)  In His sovereign government of the universe, God speaks through ungodly men, even an idol worshipper like Balaam.

All of this is clear from the seven oracles of Balaam to Balak, the king of Moab.  We are thus prepared for instruction of the character and ways of God.  He controls the present and He controls the future.  Seven altars proclaim seven oracles of the immutable words of the living God.  The oracles of Balaam, spoken to a king, reveal God in the following scriptures:

Numbers 23v7-10; 23v18-24; 24v3-9; 24v15-19; 24v20; 24v21-22; 24v23-25.  

Each oracle is preceded by the assertion that these are the very words of God.  Nothing and no one can alter the Divine words.  Psalm 119v89 declares, "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven".  In a world full of doubt and uncertainty, this proclaims the unchanging and eternal nature of God's word.  In every detail it will be fulfilled regardless of the vain attempts of man to alter it.  

Christ in all the scriptures Moab

 

Christ in all the scriptures

"Moab is my washpot"-Psalm 60v8; Numbers 22v1-21

This was a term of profound disdain from above to the people of Moab.  Their spiritual standing before God was symbolised in their geographical location, namely, at the base of the Dead Sea.  Moab was born into privilege, being out of Lot (nephew of Abraham), albeit their existence came out of an incestuous relationship in a time of Divine overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.  It seemed they had never overcome that stigma, for here they are, seeking to curse Israel whom God has blessed.   Their king, Balak, appalled at Israel hugging their borders, and, fearful of the evident Divine presence among them, sent for a known diviner in Balaam to curse them, so they would be rid of any threat.  He said, reflecting the character of his people, "Curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot (know) that whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed"-Numbers 22v6.  This, toward their natural relations, but, evidently their spiritual enemies.  What about "Love thy neighbour as thyself"?!!  Conflict with man stems from opposition to God.  And so continued the opposition to Israel.  The Divine word emphatically reveals that conflict with Israel is conflict with God (Genesis 12v1-3; 27v29; Exodus 23v22; Numbers 24v9).  Modern nations should take heed.  God will deal with the waywardness of Israel in His own way, but those nations who oppose them are under the curse of God, and there is only one outcome of that.

It is important we grasp the flow of thought in scripture.  Israel are on the border of the promised land.  The arch enemy of God and His people attempted to debar them by opposition from strong and powerful enemies in the form of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the giant Og, king of Bashan.  This failed, and now he attempts to bring them down another way.  Confrontation did not work, and now he tries deception, which, as we shall see, did work in part.  The New Testament makes it clear, that the devil has two ways of opposition to God's people: Ephesians 6v10-16, "...the fiery darts of the wicked one", and... "the wiles of the devil".  When one way fails, he will try another, and this is always the way.  He is the Adversary of God and His people, and to the end will use all means possible to oppose them.  In the story of Balaam (Numbers 22v1-25v9) we have the attempt of the devil to corrupt God's people by deception.  It was by deception that Satan achieved the fall of man in the beginning.  He has failed to halt their progress through force, now he will corrupt them by wiles, but not before God, through Balaam, declares the inevitable outcome.

The elders of Moab and Midian conspired together to persuade Balaam, the diviner, with financial reward-Numbers 22v7.  The New Testament is clear that Balaam was drawn with what it called "the wages of unrighteousness"-2nd Peter 2v15.  Balaam was motivated by money.  In the course of his time in Moab, he will proclaim the integrity and sanctity of God, but his god was money.  He had no love for Israel, the people of God, he "loved the wages of unrighteousness".  He would say and do whatever it took to maximise personal reward.  Divinely gifted, yet he used it for personal gain.  As the late C. S. Lewis once quipped, "Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst".  The sheer hypocrisy of proclaiming in public the truth of God, while in private promoting evil, is alarming, yet God has exposed it in His word.  Numbers 23 and 24 are his public face, while Numbers 25v1-9 is his real face.   

Moab were rich in pastureland and possessed great wealth; largely a depraved people who worshipped the god Chemosh, and remained the enemy of Israel throughout their history.  Judges 3v12-31 describes an 18 year oppression of Israel under king Eglon.  2nd Kings 3 indicates a rebellion by Moab against Israel when they had been previously trading together. This resulted in a major war which soured the relationship for years to come.  Isaiah chapters 15-16 reveal that Moab remained in contention to Israel.  They were a very proud people, but due to their constant conflict with Israel the Lord brought them down to almost oblivion (Isaiah 16v14).  The depraved character, and the down fall of the people of Moab is declared in Jeremiah 48.  A proud, prosperous, sexually promiscuous and idolatrous people, were cut down under the hand of God ("Moab is destroyed"-48v4; "Moab is spoiled"-48v15; "Moab is confounded"-48v20; "The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken saith the Lord"-48v25.  The chapter ends with the promise of God to restore them to prosperity in the latter days (48v47).  This is a testimony to the sovereignty and the mercy of God who, despite man's folly, continues to offer His goodness when the time is right.  Ultimately Moab will rebel and will be smitten at the coming of Messiah, according to the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24v17.  Jesus, when He returns, will put down all rebellion to usher in worldwide peace

Topically, in this connection we remember that in the midst of all this is the wonderful story of Ruth the Moabitess, who committed herself to the people of God, who became the grandmother of King David (no less), and an important link in the genealogy which led to Christ.  The lesson is clear, that while there is a national characteristic of depravity, there are individuals within any nation who can break the mould and stand for God.  This is true in every generation, and the God of heaven patiently waits for such to emerge.  It is true in our generation, where individuals, reared in a godless environment have risen to give their devotion, and lives to Jesus Christ.  Will I be a Ruth, or will I succumb to the trend of the masses?  God is exceedingly gracious.

Christ in all the scriptures Balaam

 Christ in all the scriptures

The intriguing story of Balaam   Numbers 22v1-25v9

The Spirit of God devotes more than 3 whole chapters to the narrative of the soothsayer Balaam at a crucial time in Israel's history.  As such, it deserves our special attention.  We may well ask, what is the message that Balaam (gifted by God, who paid no more than lip service to the things of God, who deceived Israel into immoral and idolatrous ways), has for us today?  A cursory reading of Numbers 22-25 may lead us to view this man as loyal to God, since (as we shall see in the course of the study) he gave a most excellent sevenfold discourse on the character of God, which is most revealing; he spoke to God directly, and God to him; he spoke for God to king Balak of Moab; he pronounced a blessing upon Israel such as cannot be rescinded.  Surely such a man is a godly man who must be followed and revered!  Not so, reveals the New Testament, which gives the reality of this man, and issues a warning not to be deceived.   The New Testament refers three times to Balaam and his deception:

The WAY of Balaam  2nd Peter 2v15 "...which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness: but was rebuked for his iniquity...".

The ERROR of Balaam  Jude v11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (Korah).

The DOCTRINE of Balaam  Revelation 2v14  "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication".

This emphatic threefold revelation of the true Balaam, focuses on his way (practice), his error (influence), his doctrine (teaching).  A wrong way becomes a lifestyle and then a doctrine, the doctrine of demons.  The reality is that the way and error and doctrine of Balaam is the way to eternal punishment.  Judas Iscariot was an apostle of Jesus Christ, who spent over three years in His company, accompanied the group on missionary enterprise, performed miracles in His name, exorcised unclean spirits, healed all manner of disease and sickness (Matthew 10v1-4); yet he was in reality "the son of perdition", and he, with Balaam, serves as a warning to us.  It may be argued that these are extreme examples that do not apply to the rank and file of professing believers, but a closer inspection may suggest otherwise.

The Sovereign Lord blesses humanity with many gifts and talents.  This should be obvious when we consider the many wonderful abilities given to mankind.  Humanity, the highest order of earthly creation, has been endowed with many and varied gifts from above.  Exodus 31v1-11, God endowed Bezaleel with the gift of craftmanship to construct the Tabernacle.  1st Kings 3v5-12, He endowed Solomon with extraordinary wisdom to rule over Israel.  The bible is replete with spiritual gifts given to His people to enable them to carry out their function for God (Romans 12v3-8; 1st Corinthians 12v1-12 and 27-31; Ephesians 4v11-16; 1st Peter 4v10-11.   James wrote (1v17) "Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness nor shadow cast by turning".  The context is that He is not the source of evil, but the blessed source of all that is good.  God has gifted all men from His bountiful and wonderful supply.  Balaam was in receipt of an outstanding gift, which had gained him a huge reputation.  God has endowed humanity with His bounty, artistically, academically, aesthetically, athletically.  He is a giving God, He "gives to all men liberally and upbraideth not"-James 1v5.  That is the gifts He gives come without "strings attached", for He well knows our frailty.

Balaam used his gift for evil intent.  It is not immediately obvious but the picture is of a man who used his God-given ability to swell his finances, to gain personal influence and to bring down God's people whom he knew were irreversibly blessed of God. The issue is not the source of the gift, but the use to which it is put.  Balaam abused the precious gift he was given, as he used it for himself, for his own glory, for his own benefit.  He corrupted the Divine gift bestowed upon him, such a gift that few men would ever receive.  He was greedy, motivated by the love of money ("the root of all evil").  He bestrode with impunity the royal courts of Moab, playing the king for all he could get.  Before we shake the head in disgust, we might ask, what are we doing with the gift God has given us?  We all have been endowed with gifts from above, particularly those who have been saved by grace.  Am I using it to gain a name for myself, or to enrich myself, or am I using it (as I should) for the glory of the Giver?  Many have followed in Balaam's footsteps, and it is the path to eternal oblivion.  The very people that he wanted to fail, brought his life to an end (Numbers 31v8 and Joshua 13v22), while he was fighting with Israel's enemies.

Evil that men do can last for centuries of time   Revelation 2v17  The doctrine of Balaam did not die with Balaam, as it was present in the churches at Pergamos and Thyatira (some 1500 years later), and is present in the professing churches of today.  in the same way, Babylon, which first raised its ugly head at the beginning of time (Genesis 11) is found at the end of time in Revelation 17/18-still professing godliness but practising evil.  There are many other such examples.  All will come to a similar end when Christ returns.

This unusual, but very pertinent bible story, serves as a warning to all professing believers today  

The gift that you have from a bountiful God is to be used for the glory of God.  "As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any minister (serve), let him do it as of the ability that God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen." 1st Peter 4v10-11.  Any gift from above is to be used for the glory of God who gave it, without whom we would not have it!!  Balaam used it for self glory, and many are doing so now.  Balaam paid lip service to the Lord but his heart was far from God.  God said of Israel in Isaiah 29v13, "Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men".  What a withering condemnation to a people professing to be the people of God!  Lip service, heart far removed!  How is it with me?  Do I attend the services to please men?  Do I sing for my own glory? Do I speak to gain a name for myself? Do I enrich myself in the things of God?  Am I helping to build God's kingdom or my own?

Modern ways in which the doctrine of Balaam is being perpetuated. 

The Lord linked the doctrine of Balaam to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans-Revelation 2v15. The name means "power over the people"-the possible beginnings of clergy over laity, such as exists in churches today.  Whether we think of mainstream churches with their Bishops or Archbishops; of Presbyterians with their presbyters; or Elders in breakaway evangelical churches, there is no doubt that churches have become a paradise for men's ego.  In biblical terms "lording it over God's heritage" or "loving to have the pre-eminence among them".   Associated with this is the practice of turning a blind eye to known evil among them, as exposure may have a detrimental effect on their image locally and in a wider area.  Pleasing men rather than God is at the heart of this.  Concern is for reputation before men rather than character before God.  Worse than this is the corruption of the grace of God, teaching that because God is so gracious as to forgive every sin without recall, they justified immoral behaviour, and indeed promoted it.  Jude the apostle said it was "turning the grace of God into lasciviousness"; Paul said with horror, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!-Romans 6v1-2.  Perish the thought, says Paul, this must never be!  How typical of mankind to take the sacred things of God and turn them to perversion.  This error is prevalent today, if not so much in our teaching, it is in our thinking and our practice.

We shall see in the course of the study, what the doctrine of Balaam entailed, but first we shall revel in the wonderful proclamations of God and His salvation.  Balaam is gone, God's salvation remains forever, and so we can enjoy such a portion as this for our edification.  

I implore readers to read Numbers 22v1-25v9 as we enter upon a fascinating, if solemn study. 

Christ in all the scriptures More than conquerors Numbers 21

 Christ in all the scriptures

"The book of the wars of the Lord"    Numbers 21

On the verge of entering the promised land, in the second half of the 40th year from the exodus, the chapter records the many conflicts that afflicted Israel.  "Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord, what He did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon"- Numbers 21v14.  This is the deliverance from Egypt at the beginning of their journey (at the Red Sea), and now from the Amorites at the end (at Arnon).  We note He was with them from beginning to end; that He was personally involved in their struggles, ensuring their victory.  We also note that every struggle was written down in the book of the wars of the Lord.  Scripture refers to many books of the Lord, and all the suffering of His people will be recorded and remembered.  An interesting study for all of us is to mark the different books of the Lord in scripture and so understand the reality that He is with us at every phase of the journey.  This sets the tone of this chapter, that, on the way to the promised land, God's people will suffer many trials and will be involved in many conflicts before our final rest.  Of particular note is the reference to the Amorites in v21-35.  The history of this goes back to Genesis 15v16, when God said to Abraham, "In the fourth generation they (Israel) shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full".  From this unique prophecy we understand the workings (and the wonder) of Divine government in this world.  God knew that the iniquity of the Amorites would only increase; that He would allow generations to pass (over 400 years) before He would judge this nation; that He would give them final opportunity to repent of their evil ways, by accommodating His people Israel.  They never did and so He exterminated them as only God can do.  Refusal of the mercy of God will lead to ultimate ruin, and, through Israel, He brought their existence to an end, as is recounted in the chapter.  This is God's way, and no nation can expect any difference.  He is a patient, longsuffering God, allowing time and opportunity to repent.  Ultimately He will judge all nations on the basis of righteous judgment-the Psalmist records, "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God"-Psalm 9v17.  The world must know, individually, and nationally, we are all accountable to the living God who will judge the world, the whole world, in righteousness.

Israel are on the march.  They have been wandering for 40 years, but now they are moving forward in the will of God toward their rest.  For us, Jesus is the captain of our salvation, leading many sons to glory (Hebrews 2v10), and that involves suffering.  While they were wandering no one troubled them, but when they started to move with God the opposition began!  Our adversary, the devil, is quite content to leave us alone, but when we march for God, then he mobilises the enemy.   We could well ask ourselves, are we wandering or are we marching?  It is notable that to the dead church at Sardis there was no mention of Satan, as there was at Smyrna, and Pergamos, and Thyatira, and Philadelphia.  They were, in the main, spiritually inactive.

Now, it is evident that this chapter is dealing with the conflict that will be the portion of all believers.  The threefold enemy of Christian life is depicted here, the WORLD, as typified in the Canaanites; the FLESH as illustrated in Israel's disillusionment and complaint against the Lord; the DEVIL, as personified in Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, formidable adversaries who sought to block their way.  The main thrust of the chapter is of victory out of failure in the power of the Lord..

Hostility from the king of Arad, the Canaanite   Numbers 21v1-3   Canaan, "the land flowing with milk and honey", held real attractions for them, as the world of today has real attractions for us.  However it was occupied and ruled by a people under the curse of God (Genesis 9v25); who were totally committed to commerce (Canaan means "merchant"), and who lived in rank idolatry and sacrilege (according to legend).  This initial victory would lead to seven years conflict as per the book of Joshua.  In spiritual terms, the world system in which we live is a persistent enemy of the people of God.  Israel overcame it by making a vow before the Lord, a commitment to overcome it.  The New Testament equivalent is 1st John 5v4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith".  Whether we think of it as the world of false religion, or of commerce, or of politics, or of entertainment, we are emphatically told that "friendship with the world is enmity with God"-James 4v4.  We live in the world but we are not of it, and we should not love that which is contrary to God.

Weakness of the flesh due to the rigours of the way   Numbers 21v4-20   The refusal of Edom to allow them safe passage meant they had to endure a circuitous trip to reach their destination.  This caused them deep frustration and brought out the worst in them.  They vented their anger against the Lord and against Moses, reverting to false accusations and disdain of God's provision.  "And the people spake against God and against Moses, wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread"-21v5.  Previously they had complained against Moses no less than 8 times-Ex. 15v24; 16v2; 17v3; Numbers 12v1; 14v2; 16v3; 16v41; 20v2.  On this ninth occasion they became bolder, speaking against God and Moses.  The Lord had enough and acted severely without warning.  This blasphemy, in the face of all His provision was unacceptable and He brought their murmuring to an end.  The flesh, our self interest to the exclusion of anything else, is a real problem to those of faith when unexpected difficulties arise.  This brings out the whole "works of the flesh" to which the Spirit of God is opposed-Galatians 5v16-26.  "The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died"-21v6.  This gives rise to the wonderful gospel story of the brazen serpent lifted up.  The narrative was used by Jesus to illustrate His death at the cross for the whole world-John 3v14/15.

The whole camp of Israel                           The whole world                                                      Bitten by fiery serpents                               Bitten by Satan                                                        Ready to die                                                Ready to perish forever                                          God provided the remedy                           God sent His Son                                                    A brazen serpent upon a pole                     The Son of God lifted up                                          Whoever looked lived                                Whoever believes is saved

They offended God, He judged them, as He has a right to do; He provided the remedy; this remedy symbolised the crucifixion of His Son; they were invited to look and live, and He healed them.  Such is the provision of a forgiving God.  They were duly humbled, they confessed their sin (which they had never done before-standing on their pride that they were ill done to), now they acknowledge their evil, and the majesty of the One they had offended. What followed was a blessedness that is the portion of all the contrite before the Lord.

They marched forward with courage and purpose 21v10-20.  They pitched toward the sunrising (their eyes were toward the sunrising, symbolic of the coming of the Lord)-21v11. They found the springing up well, and they would never thirst again (symbolic of the Spirit who would never leave them)-21v16/17.  They sang with gusto the song of victory, this was the victory of the lawgiver-21v18.  They journeyed from sin to salvation to sunrising to satisfaction to singing!  This is the good news from above to everyone who believes.

Overcoming the mighty strength of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the supernatural power of Og, king of Bashan   Numbers 21v21-35   

Sihon had overcome Moab, which was no mean feat, and Og was the last of the Rephaim, of the group of giants, half man/half demon who had corrupted the earth from the days of Noah (Genesis 6v1-4. See also Deuteronomy 3).  The picture here is of a fearsome power debarring their way.  The Lord said "Fear him not; for I have delivered him into thine hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon, king of the Amorites which dwelt in Heshbon"-21v34.  Note the language of complete victory in the power of the Lord: "And Israel smote him (Sihon) with the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon to Jabbok; even unto the children of Ammon"-21v24.   Again, "So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land"-21v35.  The faithful also face a fearsome enemy, who is actively opposed to believers, who heads a hierarchy of innumerable demons, whose one purpose is to tempt them and discourage them, and destroy their lives even if he has lost their souls-refer Ephesians 6v10-17; 1st Peter 5v8.  He uses deception, distortion, discouragement, disappointment, defilement, defiance, disobedience, and more, to bring us down.  The Lord will give us the victory, He wants us to be victorious, we can be victorious in His superior strength-Romans 16v20; 8v37-39; 2nd Corinthians 2v11; 10v4.  Our ultimate victory is through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, who rose again, who ascended to heaven, who lives to intercede for us.  God raised a brazen serpent on a pole to give Israel the victory.  Although it was Jesus who died on the cross, yet it was the serpent who was defeated, and in that victory we all stand (Colossians 2v15).  This chapter is summed up in the words of 1st Corinthians 15v57, "Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".

Christian, be confident, be courageous, be enterprising, be joyful, be positive, be thankful!!!  You are on the winning side.