Numbers 23:19
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "son of man" isn't just a casual way of saying "human being"; it emphasizes that God is fundamentally not like us, with our fickle moods and changing plans. Balaam is pointing out the stark contrast between God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's inherent unreliability. This highlights that God's promises are rock-solid precisely because He is so utterly unlike us.
Balak brought Balaam to a new location to try and curse Israel, but God intervened again, placing words in Balaam's mouth. Balaam then declared that God is absolutely trustworthy and faithful, not like humans who lie or change their minds. He proclaimed that God's promises to bless Israel are sure and will be fulfilled, making any attempt to curse them futile.
Why do we so easily doubt God's promises? Balaam highlights a crucial difference between God and humanity that speaks directly to our trust issues.
Balaam's declaration in Numbers 23:19 cuts through any wavering uncertainty we might have about God.
Not Like Us
The Certainty of His Word
This passage reminds us that our faith isn't built on shifting sands. It's anchored in the immutable character of God.
Balaam is trying to curse Israel, but instead, he's forced to declare God's faithfulness. What does this teach us about the power of God's spoken word?
The context of Numbers 23 is crucial here. Balak, the king of Moab, hires Balaam, a foreign diviner, to curse the Israelites. Balak is desperate, believing he can manipulate God's favor. However, God intervenes and directs Balaam's message.
Understand the original words
El · Hebrew Noun
The supreme Creator and Sustainer of the universe, possessing divine attributes such as sovereignty, holiness, and omniscience that distinguish Him from created beings.
kazab · Hebrew Verb
The attribute of God whereby He remains true to His character and promises; He is incapable of falsehood or deception. His words are absolute and inherently trustworthy.
This declaration comes at a pivotal moment when Balaam, hired by Balak to curse Israel, is supernaturally compelled to bless them instead. It underscores that God's promises and purposes are immutable, far beyond human manipulation or the fickle intentions of mortal leaders or diviners.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Israel's Exodus and Wilderness Journey
After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites, under God's guidance, wander in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years. They are on their way to the Promised Land, a journey marked by God's provision and protection.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moabite Territory Encounter
The Israelites arrive at the border of the Promised Land, encamping in the plains of Moab across the Jordan River from Jericho. This proximity stirs fear and opposition from the Moabites.
c. 1400 BC
Balak Hires Balaam
King Balak of Moab, terrified by the vast Israelite multitude, hires the diviner Balaam to curse them. Balaam travels to Moab with Moabite and Midianite elders, seeking to fulfill Balak's request.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's Oracles Delivered
Balaam attempts to curse Israel from various high places as instructed by Balak. However, the Holy Spirit powerfully overrides his intent, causing him to bless Israel instead in three distinct oracles.
This passage directly echoes Numbers 23:19, with Samuel telling Saul that 'the Glory of Israel will not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.' This highlights the unchanging nature of God's character and promises.
Titus 1:2Paul describes God as one who 'promised before the ages began to pass away, and at the right time manifested in his word, through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior,' emphasizing God's faithfulness to His eternal promises.
Hebrews 6:17-18This New Testament passage reinforces the immutability of God's character and promises, stating, 'So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.'
Psalm 89:34The Psalmist declares, 'I will not violate my covenant or change what has gone from my lips,' illustrating God's steadfast commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people falter.
calvinNumbers 23:1-30: "And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams."
And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all; and curse me them from thence.
Tunc dixit ad cum Balac: Veni obsecro mecum ad alterum locum, unde videas illum (tantummodo extremum ejus vidisti, et totum ipsum non vidisti) et ei maledic mi…
pooleNumbers 23:19: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
That he should lie, i.e. break his faith and promises made to his people for their preservation and benediction. That he should repent, . e. change his counsels or purposes; which men do, either because they are not able to execute them, or because they are better informed and their minds changed by some une…
The phrase "son of man" isn't just a casual way of saying "human being"; it emphasizes that God is fundamentally not like us, with our fickle moods and changing plans. Balaam is pointing out the stark contrast between God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's inherent unreliability. This highlights that God's promises are rock-solid precisely because He is so utterly unlike us.
Balak brought Balaam to a new location to try and curse Israel, but God intervened again, placing words in Balaam's mouth. Balaam then declared that God is absolutely trustworthy and faithful, not like humans who lie or change their minds. He proclaimed that God's promises to bless Israel are sure and will be fulfilled, making any attempt to curse them futile.
Balak brought Balaam to a new location to try and curse Israel, but God intervened again, placing words in Balaam's mouth. Balaam then declared that God is absolutely trustworthy and faithful, not like humans who lie or change their minds. He proclaimed that God's promises to bless Israel are sure and will be fulfilled, making any attempt to curse them futile.
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The Oracle's Mandate
The Power of God's Decree
This powerful moment shows that when God speaks, His Word carries inherent authority and power, leading to inevitable fulfillment, regardless of human opposition.
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" — The phrase "son of man" isn't just a casual way of saying "human being"; it emphasizes that God is fundamentally not like us, with our fickle moods and changing plans. Balaam is pointing out the st…
