Numbers 23:5-12 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.… This text is a prophecy, and hath more steps towards its accomplishment than one. The prosperity and distinction of a far more illustrious family than the house of Israel are intended here: While, therefore, the literal Israel are the type, the prophecy is to be applied to the saints of God in every age as the antitype. I. SPECIFY SOME CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL, STRONGLY TYPICAL OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN ALL AGES. In this view, the history of Israel becomes an instructive emblem of the original state, deliverance, pilgrimage, and happy rest of the ransomed of the Lord. II. SPECIFY SOME OF THE PECULIARITIES WHICH DISTINGUISH THEM FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD. My text represents them as a distinct incorporated society. They are a people — a people dwelling — a people dwelling alone — and a people who shall not be reckoned among the nations. They are a distinct people, as to their extraction, as to their language, as to their privileges, as to their objects of pursuit, as to their manners, as to their allies, as to their sorrows, and as to their joys. III. POINT OUT WHENCE IT IS THAT THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD ARE SUCH A SINGULAR PEOPLE. "They shall not be reckoned among the nations." Literally has this prediction been accomplished in the history of the posterity of Jacob. Understanding the prediction in relation to God's redeemed people, I have these four particulars to adduce, in accounting for this singularity. They are not reckoned among the nations. 1. Because they were ordained to this distinction in the electing purpose. 2. Because they were consecrated to this singularity by the blood of the Surety. 3. Because they are disposed by the grace of God to choose this distinction for themselves. 4. Because natural men possess no inclination to submit to their restrictions. Upon a review of all that has been said do not you perceive — (1) That regeneration, or the new birth, produces an immense change at once upon the nature, the state, the temper, and manners of men? They keep themselves "unspotted from the world," by "walking in the fear of the Lord."(2) See the reality, as well as importance, of the distinction between the Church and the world. (W. Taylor.) 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." |
    |