Here we find ourselves on truly elevated ground, and on ground as solid as it is elevated. This is, in truth, “the top of the rocks”—the pure air and wide range of “the hills,” where the people of God are seen only in “the vision of the Almighty”—seen as He sees them, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing—all their deformities hidden from view—all His comeliness seen upon them.
In this very sublime parable, Israel’s blessedness and security are made to depend, not on themselves, but upon the truth and faithfulness of Jehovah. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent.” This places Israel upon safe ground. God must be true to Himself. Is there any power that can possibly prevent Him from fulfilling His word and oath? Surely not. “_He hath blessed_; and I cannot reverse it.” God _will_ not, and Satan _cannot_ reverse the blessing.
Thus all is settled. “It is ordered in all things and sure.” In the previous parable, it was, “God hath _not cursed_;” here, it is, “He _hath blessed_.” There is very manifest advance. As Balak conducts the money-loving prophet from place to place, Jehovah takes occasion to bring out fresh features of beauty in His people, and fresh points of security in their position. Thus it is not merely that they are a separated people dwelling alone; but they are a justified people, having the Lord their God _with_ them, and the shout of a King _among_ them. “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel.” The enemy may say, There is iniquity and perverseness there all the while. Yes, but who can make Jehovah behold it, when He Himself has been pleased to blot it all out as a thick cloud for His name’s sake? If He has cast it behind His back, who can bring it before His face? “It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth?” God sees His people so thoroughly delivered from all that could be against them, that He can take up His abode in their midst, and cause His voice to be heard amongst them.
Well, therefore, may we exclaim, “‘What hath God wrought!’—it is not, What hath Israel wrought!” Balak and Balaam would have found plenty to do in the way of cursing had Israel’s work been in question. The Lord be praised, it is on what He hath wrought that His people stand, and their foundation is as stable as the throne of God. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” If God stands right between us and every foe, what have we to _fear?_ If He undertakes, on our behalf, to answer every accuser, then assuredly perfect peace is our portion.
However, the king of Moab still fondly hoped and sedulously sought to gain his end. And doubtless Balaam did the same, for they were leagued together against the Israel of God, thus reminding us forcibly of the beast and the false prophet, who are yet to arise and play an awfully solemn part in connection with Israel’s future, as presented on the apocalyptic page.
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, [what a dreadful disclosure is here!] but he set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents, according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. And he took up his parable, and said, ‘Balaam the son of Beor hath said, he hath said, which heard _the words of God_, which saw _the vision of the Almighty_, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as the gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar-trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his King shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of a unicorn: he shall _eat up the nations_ his enemies, [terrible announcement for Balak!] and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.’” (Chap. xxiv. 1-9.)
“Higher and higher yet” is surely the motto here. We may well shout, “Excelsior!” as we mount up to the top of the rocks, and hearken to those brilliant utterances which the false prophet was forced to give out. It was better and better for Israel, worse and worse for Balak. He had to stand by and not only hear Israel “blessed,” but hear himself “cursed” for seeking to curse them.