Journal Through the Bible: Week 24 Wednesday

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Numbers 24:14-25:18

Before he returned home, Balaam offered one final prophecy.  He told of the future of many nations and of Israel for some time to come. He even prophesied about the Messiah.

Evidently before he left the king of Moab, Balaam offered him some advice. Since Balaam could not actually curse the people of Israel he pointed out their weakness and sinfulness. This led to the seduction of the Israelites by the Moabites.

God punished the Israelites with a plague. The action of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, stopped it.



Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded the killing of all who were seduced by the people of Moab to illicit relationships with the people and worship of their idols.
• God told Moses to fight against the Midianites and Moabites that seduced them to sinful behavior.

Does God make any promises?

• God gave Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, a covenant of peace which included an everlasting priesthood.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• 24:17 - The Star out of Jacob, a Sceptre ... out of Israel all are descriptive and prophetic of Jesus.
• 24:19 - He that shall have dominion is descriptive and prophetic of Jesus.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Balaam prophesied the One that shall have dominion. I took it to mean eternal dominion.
• Phinehas was granted an everlasting priesthood. I am not sure what all that means for eternity but I know that everlasting means just that!