March 11, 2026
No enchantment and no divination against Israel
Read: Numbers 23, 24; Psalm 70; Mark 7:24-37
Scripture: Numbers 23: 23 There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'See what God has done!'
Observation: Numbers 23:23 is easy to memorize its location, and one of the oft-quoted verses in our Christian prayers. When we read this verse, we are indeed encouraged about the protection we have from any evil. The reason for this protection is mentioned in verse 21, "The Lord their God is with them." Because of this divine protection, Balaam, whom Balak hired to curse the Israelites, could not speak anything against the Israelites. Instead, he blessed the people of God. This story reminds us that God can speak even through a donkey or a sorcerer.
Notice the words Balaam uses to describe the Israelites. The God who knows the failures and weaknesses of his people would never give up on them in front of others. Consequently, Balak refused to pay anything to Balaam, as he had promised before. However, when the people of God moved away from God and turned to idol worship, as we read in Num.25, their protection was gone, and a plague caused the death of 24000 Israelites. Numbers 23:23 reminds us that no one ever could touch us with evil intentions when we are under God's care.
Application: It is so easy to say that there is no divination or no evil omens against me. However, to make the verse applicable and true to my life, I need to live/walk with God. When I live with God, I should live according to the Word of God. There is no other alternative way! Just because I have a Christian name does not mean that I have divine protection. My Christian name would indicate only that I was born in a Christian family. How I live with God would enable me to speak about my divine protection. When I live with God under his protection, other people will testify, "See what God has done!" Then, my life would glorify God.
Prayer: Father God, when the enemies of the Gospel come directly against me, they cannot do anything because of your protection. Thank you for your love and protection. When the enemy comes with evil plans to entice me to make my feet stumble and go away from you, give your wisdom to discern and be determined to stand against him. Lord, I need your strength; Help me to stand against evil. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 70