I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. ” Moab's king, the evil Balak, was afraid of Israel and her military might. So, he sought an seer or diviner who could place a curse on his enemies and ensure his own nation's victory. Balaam clearly had legitimate prophetic gifts, but he was also sinful and, when King Balak promised to reward him financially for cursing the Israelites, Balaam was enticed. Though he thrice tried to curse Israel, he inadvertently blessed them instead-and King Balak was furious because of this.
Our verse for today was Balaam's fourth attempt at cursing God's people. This effort, like the previous three, failed. Instead of cursing them, he prophesied of Moab's defeat. Balaam informed King Balak that his worst fears would be fulfilled. Not yet but, in the future, "a start" (a great king) would arise out of Jacob (or Israel). That future king would crush the kingdom of Moab and all the descendants of "Seth" (sometimes rendered those who cause "tumult" or trouble, as Moab had for Israel).
So, what can we make of this episode and its application to our lives today? In essence, the wicked can certainly cause a measure of trouble for the righteous. However, because of that great King Balaam foresaw would come-and which we know will come again-our enemies' power is limited. As much as they may wish to "curse" us for our faith and faithfulness, their evil ways will never succeed; and as Balaam sought to bring punishment down on the covenant people, God ultimately led him to do the exact opposite. As we follow the true King of Israel, He in Whose hands God has placed the "scepter" of righteous, we can know that God will "crush" the influence of all our enemies, and those who create tumult will all know a day when their reign comes to an abrupt end.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
