Numbers, 23
1. And Balaam said to Balac: Build me here seven altars, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams.
1. And Balaam said to Balac: Build me here seven altars, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams.
Chapter 23 of the Book of Numbers deals with the attempt by King Moabita, Balaque, to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam, that God had prevented from doing this. The following verses are chosen based on the proximity of the chapter's themes and are related to God's blessing and protection over their people:
Psalm 3:8: "Save, Lord; for your faithful are lacking; for the children of men who remain firm are lacking." The psalmist calls for God for salvation and protection amid the scarcity of faithful. Just as the Israelites were blessed by God and protected from the Curse of Balaam, the faithful in Christ are also protected by God in the midst of adversity.
Psalm 5:11: "But all who trust in you are rejoiced, exult eternally, for you defend them; and in you those who love your name in you." This verse shows that those who trust God can rejoice and rejoice, for He defends them. Just as God defended the Israelites of the Curse of Balaam, He also defends and protects those who trust in Him.
Psalm 16:1: "Keep me, O God, because in you refuges me." The psalmist places his confidence in God as his source of refuge and protection. Similarly, the Israelites were blessed by God and protected from the Curse of Balaam for putting their trust in him.
Isaiah 54:17: "No weapon forged against you will prosper, and every language to rise against you in judgment, thou shalt condemn it; this is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord and his righteousness that comes from me, says the Lord." This verse states that God protects his servants from every weapon and tongue that rises against them. Just as God protected the Israelites from Balaam's curse, He also protects their servants from all attacks of the enemy.
Jeremiah 17:7: "Blessed is the man who trusts the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord." This verse shows that God's blessing is upon those who trust in Him and wait for him. Similarly, the Israelites were blessed by God and protected from the Curse of Balaam for trusting him.
“Proponha-se a exercitar-se nas virtudes”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
