Notice the foundation and results of Israel’s complete justification – five in this parable:
Unchanging Promises – Numbers 23:19
“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent.” The promises of blessing to Israel and all that is linked with those promises depend upon the unchanging character of God. “Hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good” (Num 23:19)? Not one of the promises of God to Israel can fail, for each rests upon the Word of the One Who cannot lie. They rest upon the unconditional covenant of God (Gen 17:7; Psa 105:10). Thus all that follows in this parable rests on the immutability of God.
Are not all the blessings and future glory of the people of God today also resting upon the unchangeable character of God Who cannot lie? “We have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Heb 6:18).
Unalterable Blessing – Numbers 23:20
“He hath blessed and I cannot reverse it.” Here we have God’s determination to bless Israel. God takes up His people’s cause and reiterates that blessing as Satan would interpose to set it aside. Before Balaam made the journey to Balak, God had said of Israel, “they are blessed” (Num 22:12). Now the word through Balaam is that they are blessed and it cannot be reversed, altered, or changed. Isaiah 14:1 shows us the mercy of the Lord upon Israel and His blessing in establishing them in the land. Isaiah 51:1-11 is assurance given by God to comfort Israel for she shall become as Eden and, from her, blessing will go forth to all the world.
According to Ezekiel 36:25-27, Israel will have (a) a new condition; “ye shall be clean” (v 25). God will remove their filthiness; (b) a new nature; “a new heart also will I give you” (v 26) – the rebellious heart of the nation will be changed to a heart of affection for the things of God; (c) a new spirit; “a new spirit will I put within you” (v 26); a willing spirit will be governed by the will of God; (d) a new power – “I will put my Spirit within you” (v 27) – the power of the Spirit of God will be evident in their walk (i.e., their manner of life).
Unmistakable Presence – Numbers 23:21
“The Lord his God is with him.” Not only is Israel justified, not only blessed with blessings which cannot be reversed, but the Lord is with her. God dwelling in the tabernacle is typical of the end times when God will set His sanctuary in the midst of Israel forevermore (Eze 37:26-28). In that day, the glory of the Lord will return to Israel and fill the House of God and the earth will shine with the glory of the Lord (Eze 43:1-5). The Lord’s presence in the midst of Israel shall be for their exaltation and the casting out of their enemies. He shall be mighty and rejoice over Israel with joy (Zeph 3:17).
We can apply this to the saints of this dispensation. We see God dwelling in the midst of a heavenly people (Eph 2:21; Rev 21:3). Is not Christ in the midst of saints who gather unto the Lord’s Name in any locality (Matt 18:20)? What a dignity, what a privilege, but what a responsibility!
Unconquerable Prince – Numbers 23:21
“The shout of a king is among them.” It is a shout of joy for their Messiah King; the Lord Jesus Christ, is among them in glorious triumph. In the end times, the One Whom Israel despised and cast out will come in all His glory to destroy their enemies and bring deliverance to them. In that day they shall first mourn as they look upon the One they pierced, then rejoice because the true “King shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment” (Isa 32:1). “A King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jer 23:5). Then Israel shall dwell safely in the land. Jeremiah 23 looks on to the Millennium when the Lord, as the “Righteous Branch” of the seed of David, will be revealed in all His regal glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Thus the royal office and glorious character of Israel’s Redeemer is described in all His majesty and power (Zech 14:9).
Unlimited Power – Numbers 23:22
“God brought them out of Egypt; He hath, as it were, the strength of an unicorn.” The power displayed in the deliverance from Egypt is the same power which will be manifested on the behalf of Israel in a coming day.
In that day a way shall be opened up for the remnant of Israel to return to the land. In order to deliver them, the Lord in His fury will deal with Assyria, Egypt, and all who are against Israel. Every power against Israel shall be impotent – “surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel” (Num 23:23). No longer will foes oppress Israel for terror will not come near them. In that day, Jerusalem will be invincible and no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isa 54:15-17).
In Zechariah 9:14-15, we have a vivid description of the irresistible armies of Israel when the Lord shall lead them and be over them. The Lord will fight for them and be their shield. Their victory will be so great that they will subdue and devour all that oppose. “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” (Num 23:24). Happy shall Israel be when they celebrate the triumph of divine grace, saved and protected by the Lord, before Whom all their enemies will be defeated. As we contemplate the glorious future for Israel unfolded in this parable we are not surprised at the exclamation, “What hath God wrought!” (Num 23:23).
