We see in the Balaam story that God intervenes on behalf of Israel. Balak the wicked king plans to strike down Israel and yet again God rescues his people from the grasp of a wicked king. This istheme echoed in Exodus with Pharaoh because it's an assertion of God being greater than other gods. He can defeat the God's of Balak and Egypt. This amazing demonstration ensures us that today as Christians we follow a God bigger than any ruler, nation, or kingdom. Because if God is able to intercede on behalf of Israel and stop Balak’s plan then he is certainly big enough to take care of us.
Another obvious part of the story is God uses a donkey to make some statements. One is that God is sovereign over all creation. Meaning he is the God of the animals and the God of the people. He has the power to grant voice to animals and stop prophets dead in their tracks with them.
Number also illustrates the reality of Israel being a nation. They have laws for all kinds of crazy things. Probably like us many were in response to difficult situations. This nation wrestled with their identity because they were pressed by their neighbors to adopt the practices of those nations, but somehow through it all their faith outlasted all. Even the religions of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia are gone, but the religion of the Israelites lives on. This torah is not just an ancient document it is a document that is still read and used today. This historical fact shows the power of God outlasts the power of man.
No comments:
Post a Comment