Justin Houtz

Numbers 23, 1 Corinthians 7

DateVersionReading Plan
May 20, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 23

Observation & Interpretation

Balaam gives his first and second oracles—one at Bamoth-baal and the other on the top of Pisgah—where Balak had brought him to curse the people of Israel. In both instances, Balaam told Balak to build for him seven altars on which was to be offered a bull and ram each. Balaam spoke to the LORD who told him what he was to speak. Balaam faithfully conveyed what he was given to speak in a discourse that blessed Israel. Balak responded in frustration to each of Balaam’s discourses and brought him to a third location (the top of Peor) where Balaam had Balak build seven altars for offering a bull and a ram on each altar.

Application

Balaam was by no means perfect. He had impure motivations, and yet spoke faithfully of what God had told him. In much the same way, our hearts can be corrupt with selfish ambitions, but the LORD still chooses to use us to bring about ends that magnify His glory. May we in our brokenness strive to honor our Lord and proclaim faithfully His gospel that He has given us to speak.

1 Corinthians 7

Observation & Interpretation

In this chapter, Paul speaks at length on marriage, singleness, sexual relations and celibacy as well as their interplay with a faithful walk with the Lord. In 1 Cor. 7:37-38, Paul addresses the gift of celibacy, contrasting how he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. The ESV Study Bible states how this is to “illustrate the general principle that among choices that are morally good and not sinful, God can still give different opportunities for service, which will have different consequences.”

Application

I am very grateful for God’s grace to grant me contentment in singleness. To be afforded opportunities to serve the Lord in ways not available to most Christian men my age is a blessing. Paul’s words in this chapter continue to be a challenge, both in how it brings to remembrance the circumstances of my divorce as well as being confronted with whether I am to continue in singleness or seek remarriage. Difficult as it may be, reading and meditating on this chapter brings occasion to draw near to the Lord in prayer, to seek His presence and guidance, and be reminded of His faithfulness to lead me along the path everlasting.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You look on us with unending compassion and empower us by Your Spirit to live out our calling in faithfulness. How wonderful are You, Lord Jesus, that I am of Your flock and You are my Shepherd to bring me through every terrain of uncertainty.

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