Gospelchit-chat

  After Balaam’s earlier attempts to curse Israel failed, King Balak took him to a different high place, hoping this new vantage point would inspire a curse. But Balaam, speaking only the words God gave him, delivered a powerful prophecy full of blessing and hope for Israel. Balaam began by praising God’s protection over Israel and foretold a future king: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.” — Numbers 24:17 (NIV) This prophecy spoke of a coming ruler from Israel who would be mighty and victorious, a hopeful message beyond King Balak’s immediate concerns. Balaam also described Israel as a powerful lion, fierce and feared by its enemies: “Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? ‘May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!’” — Numbers 24:9 (NIV) Balak realized he co...

  As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, an important issue arose. The five daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses with a bold request. Their father had died without having any sons, and they were concerned they would lose their rightful inheritance in the land God was about to give the Israelites (Numbers 27:1-3). They asked Moses, “Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” (Numbers 27:4) Moses brought their case before God, who responded that the daughters were right. God instructed Moses to grant them their father’s inheritance among their relatives, establishing a new legal principle: if a man dies without sons, his inheritance should pass to his daughters to keep the land within the family (Numbers 27:5-11). The Appointment of Joshua Later, God spoke to Moses about leadership succession. Moses was told to appoint Joshua, his faithfu...

  After the plague had ended and the rebellious generation of Israelites had passed away in the wilderness, God instructed Moses and Eleazar the priest to take a new census of the people. This was important because the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, and the land was to be divided according to the size of each tribe (Numbers 26:1-2). This census counted all the men aged 20 and older who were able to serve in the army. The total was 601,730—a strong and ready new generation, vastly different from the people who left Egypt 40 years earlier (Numbers 26:51). Each tribe’s population was recorded carefully, showing the renewed strength of Israel: The tribe of Reuben had 43,730 men (Numbers 26:7) Simeon had 22,200 men (Numbers 26:14) Judah had 76,500 men, the largest tribe (Numbers 26:23) And so on for each of the twelve tribes (Numbers 26:7-51) God also reminded Moses that the land of Canaan was to be divided among these tribes according to the number of people in each ...

  As the Israelites camped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, a serious problem arose. Some of the Israelites began to be attracted to Moabite women, and they joined in worshiping their gods, especially Baal of Peor. This angered God because His people were turning away from Him and engaging in idolatry and immoral behavior (Numbers 25:1-3). God’s anger burned against Israel, and He sent a deadly plague as punishment. During this time, 24,000 people died because of their sin (Numbers 25:9). In the midst of this crisis, one Israelite man openly brought a Midianite woman into his family. When Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron the priest, saw this, he acted boldly and decisively. He followed the couple into the tent and took swift action by killing them both (Numbers 25:6-7). Because of Phinehas’s zeal for God, the plague stopped immediately. God praised Phinehas for his faithfulness: “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my anger away from the Isr...

  After Balaam arrived at Moab, King Balak took him to various high places overlooking the Israelite camp, hoping Balaam would curse the people from these vantage points. But Balaam could only say what God allowed him to say. On the first day, Balaam proclaimed: “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced? From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my final end be like theirs!” — Numbers 23:8-10 (NIV) Balak was upset because Balaam did not curse the Israelites. So, he took him to another high place, hoping the view would inspire a curse. But again, Balaam spoke only what God said: “No curse will come on Jacob, no bitter word on Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. God br...

  After the Israelites had camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, King Balak of Moab grew very afraid. He saw how numerous and powerful the Israelites were. So, he sent messengers to a man named Balaam, hoping to hire him to curse the Israelites and weaken them. Balaam was a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse through the word of God. When Balak’s messengers arrived, Balaam asked God for guidance. God warned him not to go with them or curse the Israelites because they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). But Balak sent more prestigious officials, promising Balaam great rewards if he would come and curse the Israelites. This time, God told Balaam to go with the men but to say only what God commanded (Numbers 22:20). As Balaam traveled on his donkey to meet King Balak, an incredible event happened. God’s angel stood in the road to oppose him, but Balaam did not see the angel. His donkey did, though, and it turned aside to avoid the an...