Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?
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What does "Numbers 23:19" mean?
This verse from Numbers 23:19 is a powerful statement about the immutability and faithfulness of God. Let's break down each part:
"God is not a man, that he should lie..." This highlights the fundamental difference between God and humans. Humans are fallible and prone to dishonesty. We can be tempted to lie, mislead, or break our promises. God, however, is perfectly truthful. Lying is contrary to His very nature. He's not subject to the weaknesses or limitations that drive human deception.
"...nor a son of man, that he should repent." "Repent" here means to change one's mind or course of action, often due to regret or new information. Humans often change their minds because we make mistakes, receive new data, or are influenced by emotions. God, being all-knowing and perfect, does not make mistakes and doesn't need to change His mind. His plans are based on perfect knowledge and wisdom. Some argue that the Bible includes examples of God changing his mind after people pray and repent. However, many interpreters see these instances not as God admitting a mistake, but rather as his response to changed circumstances or as conditional prophecies (meaning they were contingent on certain conditions being met or unmet by the people).
"Has he said, and will he not do it?" This is a rhetorical question emphasizing God's commitment to His word. If God has made a promise, He will undoubtedly fulfill it. His word is a bond.
"Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?" This is another rhetorical question that reinforces the same point. If God has spoken a word or a prophecy, He will assuredly bring it to pass. He has the power and the will to make His words a reality.
In essence, the verse asserts:
God's trustworthiness.
God's reliability.
God's unchanging nature.
God's faithfulness to His promises.
God's power to fulfill His word.
Context:
This verse is spoken by Balaam, a pagan diviner, who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Despite Balak's attempts to manipulate him, Balaam could only speak the words that God put in his mouth. This verse is part of a blessing that Balaam pronounces on Israel, acknowledging God's favor and protection of His chosen people. It contrasts the fickle nature of pagan gods with the steadfastness of the God of Israel.
Significance:
This verse is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers. It reminds us that we can trust in God's promises, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. It underscores the security and stability that we have in a relationship with a God who is true to His word. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God's word. Because God has said it and he will do it.
Therefore, the verse is a cornerstone of faith, affirming God's absolute integrity and the assurance that His promises are reliable and guaranteed.
Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?
What does "Numbers 23:19" mean?
This verse from Numbers 23:19 is a powerful statement about the immutability and faithfulness of God. Let's break down each part:
"God is not a man, that he should lie..." This highlights the fundamental difference between God and humans. Humans are fallible and prone to dishonesty. We can be tempted to lie, mislead, or break our promises. God, however, is perfectly truthful. Lying is contrary to His very nature. He's not subject to the weaknesses or limitations that drive human deception.
"...nor a son of man, that he should repent." "Repent" here means to change one's mind or course of action, often due to regret or new information. Humans often change their minds because we make mistakes, receive new data, or are influenced by emotions. God, being all-knowing and perfect, does not make mistakes and doesn't need to change His mind. His plans are based on perfect knowledge and wisdom. Some argue that the Bible includes examples of God changing his mind after people pray and repent. However, many interpreters see these instances not as God admitting a mistake, but rather as his response to changed circumstances or as conditional prophecies (meaning they were contingent on certain conditions being met or unmet by the people).
"Has he said, and will he not do it?" This is a rhetorical question emphasizing God's commitment to His word. If God has made a promise, He will undoubtedly fulfill it. His word is a bond.
"Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?" This is another rhetorical question that reinforces the same point. If God has spoken a word or a prophecy, He will assuredly bring it to pass. He has the power and the will to make His words a reality.
In essence, the verse asserts:
God's trustworthiness.
God's reliability.
God's unchanging nature.
God's faithfulness to His promises.
God's power to fulfill His word.
Context:
This verse is spoken by Balaam, a pagan diviner, who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Despite Balak's attempts to manipulate him, Balaam could only speak the words that God put in his mouth. This verse is part of a blessing that Balaam pronounces on Israel, acknowledging God's favor and protection of His chosen people. It contrasts the fickle nature of pagan gods with the steadfastness of the God of Israel.
Significance:
This verse is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers. It reminds us that we can trust in God's promises, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. It underscores the security and stability that we have in a relationship with a God who is true to His word. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God's word. Because God has said it and he will do it.
Therefore, the verse is a cornerstone of faith, affirming God's absolute integrity and the assurance that His promises are reliable and guaranteed.