The Oracles of Balaam, Part 2

Jim ButlerNumbers 24

Numbers 24 records the third and fourth oracles of Balaam, an unconverted soothsayer compelled by the Spirit of God to bless Israel rather than curse her at Balak's command. The sermon traces the messianic trajectory of these oracles — the star out of Jacob, the scepter rising from Israel, the dominion of one from Judah — arguing that Balaam is ultimately preaching Christ and the triumph of his kingdom, which finds its New Covenant terminus in the church as the Israel of God. The text becomes a call to faithful gospel ministry: if a reprobate soothsayer could handle the Word of God accurately, the church has every right to demand that her ordained ministers do likewise.