Numbers 23:5-12 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.… So from these desert lands, and these desert hills, we gaze upon the Church on her way to Canaan, about to be settled in the blessed land and holy city. And when we gaze, what do we see? I. THE RUGGEDNESS OF THE LAND OF OUR PRESENT SOJOURN. It is the region of hostility as well as barrenness. This is not our rest. These dark mountains are not our home. II. THE GLORIOUS LAND. Afar off just now, but still visible, still beautiful. It is the paradise of God; it is the new Jerusalem; the city which hath foundations; the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. III. A PEOPLE DELIVERED FROM A PRESENT EVIL WORLD. Once in bondage, now free; once groaning under oppression, now in the service of a heavenly Master, and heirs of the world to come; the Red Sea crossed, and now between them and their persecutors an iron wall. Forgiven and redeemed; with their backs on Egypt, and their faces to Jerusalem. IV. A PEOPLE SUSTAINED BY JEHOVAH HIMSELF. Theirs is the hidden manna, the water from the smitten rock. Jehovah feeds them; Jehovah gives them the living water. It is not man but God who cares for them. V. A PILGRIM BAND. They are strangers on the earth; this is not their home; here is not their city. Their loins are girt, and their staff is in their hand, and they are hastening onward. No sitting down; no taking ease; no folding of their hands. Forward, still forward, is their watchword! VI. A PEOPLE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. Their ransom has been blood; and they are not their own. Another life has gone for theirs. VII. A PEOPLE LOVED WITH AN INFINITE LOVE. The banner that is over them is love. The song they sing is love, "Unto Him that loved us." It is a love which passeth knowledge; a love without bound or end; a love eternal and Divine. VIII. A PEOPLE PREPARING TO PASS OVER TO THE GOODLY LAND. (H. Bonar, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.WEB: Yahweh put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak." |
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