In the story of Balaam and the children of Israel, we see God’s people fully enjoy God’s promise of protection and invincibility. Despite all the efforts made by the prophet, Balaam, and the King of Moab, Balak, who hired him, the children of Israel proved indestructible. The full account is found in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth chapters of the book of Numbers.

However, I want to show you two reasons why Balaam’s sorcery couldn’t work. As I took a closer look at the scriptures, I noticed that Balaam kept indicating why his magic wasn’t working. He kept indicating the secret to the Israelites’ distinction; to their power – some sort of immunity that they had. The man had cursed other people, but to his chagrin and that of those who hired him, it couldn’t work on the Israelites. And then, in the course of his oracles – he gave about four oracles there – he revealed two powerful secrets why his magic didn’t work.

“From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart, and do not consider themselves one of the nations.”
~Numbers 23:9

In the above verse lies a key reason why Balaam’s sorcery failed. In his vision, as he looked through the spirit and tried to place a curse on them, he saw something that shocked him. He said ‘These are not ordinary people. For one, they live apart; and they don’t even consider themselves part of the nations.

In verse 21 of the same chapter, he continues:

“No misfortune is seen in Jacob; no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the king is among them.”
~Number 23:21

Balaam showed another mystery why he couldn’t take them down, “The Lord is with them; the shout of a king is among them.” The presence of God was in the midst of the children of Israel. The fire of God, the potency of God, the awesome glory of God was in their midst; thus they were invincible. They had the protection of God in full force, so Balaam’s efforts were futile against them.

Memory Verse:
Number 23:21
“No misfortune is seen in Jacob; no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the king is among them.”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for today’s teaching. May I always retain my distinction as a Christian; and may Your manifest presence abide in my life always, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.