Numbers 23:23

Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, &c.— Here the prophet bursts forth in a noble rapture, and declares to Balak, and the nobles around, that all their impious machinations were in vain against a people whom the Lord had determined to bless. So in Proverbs, ch. Numbers 21:30 it is said, There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor council against the Lord. Houbigant renders the last clause, In its time it shall be told, what the God of Jacob and Israel may do, or be about to do. This verse seems in the Hebrew to depend upon the foregoing; They have, as it were, the strength of the unicorn; because כי, ki, there is no enchantment, &c. In due time it shall be told to Jacob, and Israel, what the Lord is about to do: and, most probably, the next verse refers to that which the people were to do by the assistance of God; that is, to achieve the complete conquest of Canaan: but concerning which we refer to the similar passage in the next chapter, 8th and 9th verses. The ingenious reader need not be informed, that these prophecies of Balaam, like the other pieces of ancient poetry in Scripture, are written in alternate metre. See Dr. Lowth's Praelect. Poet. 4. 41. 20. 206. &c. 4to. The version which we have followed, puts us in mind of a noble saying of Epictetus, (considering him as a Heathen,) quoted by Mr. Saurin. "The croaking of the raven does not concern me; suppose it forebodes that I should lose something; one of the members of my body, if you please: what then? is it not always in my own power to be an honest man? ravens have no influence over my virtue."

REFLECTIONS.—Not discouraged by one disappointment, this restless enemy of God's people renews his attempts against them, hoping that another place and sacrifice might be more successful, and that he might prevail against a part of the hosts of Israel, if not against the whole. Balaam, as before, goes to meet the Lord, and returns to answer Balak's inquiry with a message yet more confounding. They who persist in the ways of sin, will surely find every successive day repeated and bitterer disappointments. Balaam summons the King's solemn attention; for who dares trifle when God is speaking by his servants? 1. He pronounces the will of God. Israel is secure in the divine faithfulness, and the object of the divine regard. 2. He declares their power irresistible. Since God is for them and with them, opposition is vain. Note; It is our comfort to think, amidst every attack of our spiritual enemies, that the everlasting arms of the omnipotent God are under us. 3. He foretels the ravages they should make among the nations, like a great lion amidst the defenceless flocks; so that their foes in amazement, and themselves in triumph, shall cry, "What hath God wrought!" Note; (1.) God's wonders of grace will, to eternity, be the matter of his people's triumphant songs. (2.) Where Jesus our King is in the midst of us, we shall assuredly go on—conquering and to conquer. 4. He owns the vanity of his own enchantments, and the fruitlessness of every other person's attempt. Even the enemies of God's people shall at last be made to confess their impotence to hurt them. Vicisti Galilaee.