Day 4 - Power To Destroy

The Almighty God - The Omnipresent God - The Lion of Judah

"God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce [them] with his arrows. 'He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him?' Blessed [is] he who blesses you, and cursed [is] he who curses you.” - Numbers 24:8-9

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When considering God’s power, it’s important to understand how the scriptures show God demonstrating His power in different ways. Numbers Chapter 24 is a key example of how God displays His strength both subtly and profoundly. This chapter contains important prophecies about Israel’s Messiah, the Anointed One appointed by the Father to fulfill all His eternally unconditional covenants with Israel and the world. 

This prophecy was given to a man named Balaam, a prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab. Aware of what God did to the Egyptians when He delivered them from the Red Sea, Balak became paranoid about Israel, especially as they camped nearby. He hired Balaam to use sorcery to speak curses against Israel, believing this would weaken and hinder them, giving him a chance to destroy them before they became a greater threat. God had other plans. 

“God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox..."

Although Balaam knew he wouldn’t be able to utter any true curse against Israel, he accepted the king’s offer and made the attempt. Instead of delivering curses against Israel, God filled Balaam’s mouth with prophecies about Israel’s strength and prosperity. God took control of Balaam’s speech and used it to reveal His plans to exalt Israel. Even though Israel had just come out of Egypt as slaves, ill-equipped to fight against an established king, God’s power over Balaam was enough to eliminate the threats. The text depicts Israel as a nation of great strength, but not because they actually possessed it. They were not formidable warriors; they were former slaves. Nevertheless, God compared them to a wild ox, able to unleash power to defeat their enemies. God declared that Israel would be capable of utterly crushing their enemies. Did Israel have that kind of strength while wandering through the wilderness? 

“He lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him..."

Balaam made two significant references to describe the source of Israel’s power. Israel was compared to a lion, echoing the exact description of the Messiah found in Genesis 49:9. The power of Israel comes from their Messiah’s strength. Balaam also quoted the covenant that God made with Abraham in Genesis 12:3. The full context of Balaam’s prophecy shows that God displays His power specifically to fulfill His eternally unconditional covenants rooted in the revelation of His Messiah. God will do whatever it takes to ensure His Word is fulfilled. He will raise people up or destroy anything that threatens the integrity of His Word—including His enemies—just as a lion devours its prey. THAT’s the power of God! 

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Prayer for today

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for the prophecies that reveal how You demonstrate Your power to uphold Your people, protecting us from things that threaten our relationship with You as heirs of Your promises. Jesus, thank You for fulfilling the Word as our Messiah. Help us understand Your promises to Israel and reassure our hearts of how You will help and bless us for Your glory. Amen.