In many places in the Bible, God makes specific promises to his people Israel. A closer look reveals that they are above all else: "Phenomenal!" This series explores selected promises God made to Israel. Prepare to be amazed!
By Willem Glashouwer, translated by Dr. Tobias Krämer
Balaam says of Israel: “How can I curse whom God does not curse? How can I condemn whom the Lord does not condemn? For from the top of the rocks I see them, from the heights I behold them: Behold, a people dwelling among themselves, not counting themselves among the nations.” (Numbers 23:8–9)
Biblically speaking, there are nations—non-Jewish, pagan nations—and one other nation: Israel. Israel is not counted among the other nations. Biblically speaking, we have the United Nations and Israel. Thus, Israel occupies a special position. No matter how much Israel might prefer to be counted among the other nations, the fact remains: Israel has been set apart. This is also the meaning of "holy.".
Israel is a “holy” people. Not in the sense of Roman Catholic saints who, as some believe, did nothing wrong, and therefore not in the sense of being “sinless.” Jews are descendants of Adam just as we all are. Sin is in their blood just as it is in ours. But they were created by the Most High as a people and set apart for God’s plans.
In the desert, Balaam saw this people encamped in their tents, on their way from Egypt to the promised land. And he said, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned?” Today, many people curse Israel and the Jewish people. In Christianity, in politics, in business, in sports, in singing competitions, even in education, right up to universities. Many have begun to boycott Israel. BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) is a form of cursing. But the Eternal One leaves no room for misunderstanding: Whoever curses Israel will be cursed. Fortunately, the opposite is also true: Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed (see Genesis 12:3).
Balaam concludes with the words: “Behold, I am commanded to bless; he has blessed, and I
cannot reverse it.” (Verse 20) Balaam has decided to imitate God. So he blesses Israel. What decision do we make?
