Justin Houtz

Numbers 24, 1 Corinthians 8

DateVersionReading Plan
May 21, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 24

Observation & Interpretation

Balaam did not go as other times when he saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel (Num. 24:1). “Realizing that God was determined to bless Israel, Balaam did not seek to get a message of cursing.” (BBC). Lifting up his eyes, Balaam saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. The Spirit came upon him (Num. 24:2) and Balaam took up his discourse in his third oracle (Num. 24:3-9). The oracle spoke of blessings of Israel and defeat of her enemies.

This again angered Balak and he confronted Balaam for blessing Israel these three times (Num. 24:10). Balak told Balaam to flee to his own place and recounted how he would honor him but the LORD held back this honor from Balaam (Num 24:11). “Balak declares that Yahweh has prevented Balaam from being paid and from the honor that comes with his position as a well-known seer.” (FSB). Balaam responded to Balak, reminding him that it was told his messengers that Balaam would not go beyond the word of the LORD even if Balak filled his house with gold and silver (Num. 24:13). Balaam said that he was going to his people and would let Balak know what the Israelites would do to them in the latter days (Num. 24:14). Balaam then proceeds in giving his final discourse oracle in multiple discourses where he “predicts the destruction of Moab and other enemies of Israel” (FSB). Balaam then rose and went back to his place and Balak went his way (Num. 24:25).

Application

So much of God’s sovereignty shines through in this chapter. The ESV Study Bible points out that “Balaam’s third blessing (vv. 1-9) is distinguished from the first two…The mention of the Spirit of God empowering Balaam (24:2) underlines the validity of the blessing, as do the opening of the blessing itself.” Through Balaam, God was revealing His plan for Israel, how they would be blessed with abundance and that her enemies would be defeated. As we read of this, it seems important to reflect on how a) God blesses His people and b) how God chooses to reveal His plan His moral creatures. This He does in part through natural revelation, but by His Word (special revelation) we come to realize our sinful, fallen nature, desperate need for salvation and its glorious provision through the person and work of Jesus Christ. How gracious is our Lord to bring such things to light and to be given eyes to see our own sin that we be mortified by it, such that we seek to put it to death and turn toward Him in faith.

1 Corinthians 8

Observation & Interpretation

Paul speaks regarding food offered to idols and, in 1 Cor. 8:8, that food does not commend us to God; we are no worse if we eat it and no better if we do. However, believers are to take care that this right does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Application

This is a very important and timely text to read as I struggle greatly with food and eating among others. Favoring a clean and controlled diet, I typically refrain from eating outside of my regimen, but this puts a palpable strain on fellowship. My withholding can often be a stumbling block to the oneness enjoyed in the sharing of a meal. At some level, I end up outside the conversation centered around the meal and my connection with them is diminished. Beyond the relational aspects, the potential for my diet to lead another to stumble (perhaps linking such self-restraint with pietism) is also cause for concern. It is difficult as I enjoy the benefits of eating healthy, but this must be properly balanced with prioritizing the well-being of others above myself and the sacrificial life to which I have been called.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word by which we can see our hopeless state apart from You. How wonderful are You, Lord, to provide a way back to You in the sending and sacrifice of Your beloved Son. Father, help me by Your Spirit to die to myself in the ways that I need, to release me from fear and control and that there be nothing in my life that would be a stumbling block for others.

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