(Zechariah 9; Luke 19:28-48) 5783 B”H

It is already nearly Palm Sunday and Passover! We still have snow on the ground here in the northwoods, but the joy of our Savior’s Resurrection warms our hearts and helps us remember that the spring flowers are just about to burst forth.

Zekharyah: God remembers

Have you ever read the full prophecy found in Zechariah 9?

Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah) was a priest and prophet by heritage and lineage and God used him to reveal one of the most important Messianic prophecies!

The Hebrew name “Zekharyah” means “God remembers.”

God remembers His people, He remembers His promises, and prophecy is fulfilled precisely because the LORD has spoken and His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

The chapter begins with judgment on Israel’s enemies – highly appropriate given the promise of Zion’s Coming King who would defeat evil. God remembered all that Israel had endured and reassured them that He would send the Righteous One.

Zechariah 9:9-17 contains the prophecies that were fulfilled on Palm Sunday. Additionally, this passage prophesies that the coming King would speak shalom and salvation to the nations:

Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
        Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!
    Behold, your King is coming to you,
        a righteous one bringing salvation.
        He is lowly, riding on a donkey—
        on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will banish chariots from Ephraim
        and horses from Jerusalem,
        and the war bow will be broken.
    He will speak shalom to the nations.
    His rule will extend from sea to sea,
    from the River to the ends of the earth.
As for you also, by the blood of your covenant,
        I will release your prisoners from the waterless Pit.
Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope!
    Today I declare that I will restore twice as much to you.
I will bend Judah as my bow
        and fill it with Ephraim.
  I will rouse your sons, O Zion
        against your sons, O Greece.
    I will wield you like a warrior’s sword.

Then ADONAI will be seen over them
    as His arrow flashes like lightning.
ADONAI Elohim will blow the shofar
    and march in whirlwinds of the south.
ADONAI TZVA’OT will defend them.
    They will consume and conquer with sling stones.
    They will drink and roar as with wine
        and be filled like a bowl,
        like the corners of the altar.
ADONAI their God will save them on that day
        as the flock of His people.
    They will be like gems of a crown
        sparkling over His land.
How good and beautiful it will be!
    Grain will make the young men thrive
        and new wine the virgin women.” Zechariah 9:9-17, emphases added

Isn’t this beautiful to picture?

“They will be like gems of a crown sparkling over His land.” Zechariah 9:16b

He loves you so much you sparkle like a regal gem!

As you can see, this Bible passage describes the overwhelming and awesome power of the LORD Most High. His arrows flash like lightning and shofars will sound and the LORD of the Armies will defend us. It is really impactful to dwell on this passage for a time. Meditate on God’s Word! You will always be blessed.

Our Humble King, Owner of all things

Do you notice that the Zechariah passage ends with all such fanfare and victorious imagery, but it sure didn’t start out that way. It tells about a lowly Man, riding on a donkey. But, despite the humbleness of the passage, it does make a bold announcement:

“Behold, your King is coming to you.” Zechariah 9:9

What a statement!

The King was coming! And not just any King – your King. The One who will hold out His scepter of righteous forgiveness and allow you into His Presence with all-consuming love, mercy, and passion.

Do you need to hear that today?

Do you need to know that there is One who holds all Authority, the Majestic King of all kings, and He is coming once again? No one knows the day or the hour of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Second Coming, but I can assure you this: He is coming back for His own.

As Zechariah records, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ our Lord) is the Righteous One and He is bringing salvation. He will save you, deliver you, and set you free of your burdens and your sins and even the curse and sting of death. He will give you new life, if you will trust in Him today with all your heart.

Luke documented the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy that the Messiah would ride on a colt. (Luke 19:30ff).

I love how the owners of the colt ask the two disciples in Luke 19, “Why are you untying the colt?” Luke 19:33

That was a reasonable question. The disciples didn’t own the colt, but the Master, the LORD Himself can given them permission to take it! They were instructed to simply say,

“The LORD has need of him.” (Luke 19:34, NKJV).

“The Master needs it.” (Luke 19:34, TLV).

God owns everything, so He owned that young donkey, too.

The LORD needed the donkey because He was absolutely fulfilling in every minute detail the words of Zechariah‘s triumphal prophecy.

Luke describes the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Even though our LORD chose to use a lowly donkey as His transportation into Jerusalem, the events of that first Palm Sunday were far from lowly.

During what is commonly described as “the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem,” there was now a full multitude of people who would consider themselves Yeshua’s (Jesus’) disciples. They were celebrating because they knew He was the Anointed One, the Promised King!

Scripture says that they praised God with a loud voice!

Do you, too, praise Him with a loud voice?

Do you let it be known that you and your household serve this King?

“When Yeshua came near the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice. They praised God with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen, saying,

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of ADONAI!”
Shalom in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”

But answering, Yeshua said, “I tell you that if these keep silent, the stones will shout out!”

As He drew near and saw Jerusalem, He wept over her, saying, “If only you had recognized this day the things that lead to shalom! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will surround you with barricades and hem you in on all sides. And they will smash you to the ground—you and your children within you. And they won’t leave within you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:37-45).

Blessed is the King!

What has often become a repetitive custom to say, “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai” was in that moment the most powerful declaration of allegiance and praise!

Shalom in Heaven and Glory in the Highest!

Shalom in heaven!

Glory in the Highest!

Doesn’t that reach the depths of your heart?

The joy of knowing the King of kings has come!

I imagine the overwhelming experiential joy that the disciples must have been feeling at that moment!

The Pharisees missed the mark and wanted to hear a public rebuke.

But Yeshua (Jesus) knew the condition of their hearts.

He wept over the Holy City, knowing that despite their daily greetings to one another saying, “Shalom,” they truly didn’t understand shalom.

More than a greeting and more than a temporary condition, true shalom comes only from being in right relationship with the Holy One, learning to love and seeking His mercy. Keeping every jot and tittle of the law could not save the people. They needed to know the Lord of Shalom.

Rejoice Greatly and Shout

Zechariah 9:9 proclaims we are to rejoice greatly and shout because of the announcement of the Coming King!

As we enter this Holy time of Passover and celebrating the FirstFruits of the Resurrection, I pray you will rejoice greatly. That you will not be ashamed to shout praises unto God Most High!

The tomb is empty. Our King will return!

Celebrate! And may we pray for those who do not yet know Him. That they, too, would shout “Hoshiana!” (Hosanna!): Please, save!

Some who have studied history have heard of Hanukkah’s hero, Judah (Judas) Maccabee, but are you familiar with how Zerubbabel fits into the story? Today we will take a look at the history and meaning of Hanukkah and discover how the LORD used Zerubbabel during the construction of the Second Temple.

The Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication

Hanukkah is known today as the Festival of Lights, and rightly so given that we celebrate the Light of the World – our Savior, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ)!

But the more correct translation of the Hebrew term “Hanukkah” is “Dedication.” Hanukkah is the Feast of Dedication.

Most Christians do not realize that the Feast of Dedication = Hanukkah. It is the same thing.

Did you know that Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament?

Hanukkah is mentioned in John 10:22.

“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter.” John 10:22, NKJV

“Then came Hanukkah; it was winter in Jerusalem.” John 10:22, TLV

In order to understand the New Testament in its correct context, it is imperative for believers to learn about the Feast of Dedication!

Our Savior was in the Second Temple during Hanukkah

“Then came Hanukkah; it was winter in Jerusalem. Yeshua was walking in the Temple around Solomon’s Colonnade.  Then the Judean leaders surrounded Him, saying, “How long will You hold us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us outright!” Yeshua answered them, “I told you, but you don’t believe! The works I do in My Father’s name testify concerning Me.” John 10:22-25

Yeshua (Jesus) used the opportunity on Hanukkah to reveal that His sheep hear His voice and He gives them eternal life. (John 10:27-28).

Hanukkah is about Victory over Oppression and Insult

By being present during Hanukkah, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) confirms to us the validity of the historical record. He shared in the joy of the Hanukkah miracle.

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of God’s people. Today, we know that through our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) we have eternal victory, but we also celebrate the victories throughout history that have demonstrated the faithfulness of God to sustain His people.

A very evil tyrant named Antiochus Epiphanes (Antiochus IV) had been severely oppressing the people of God.

He wanted to force assimilation to Hellenize the Jews so they would adopt the Greek culture and abandon YHVH.

He was such an obnoxious person that he took over the Temple and sacrificed a pig on God’s altar, an act considered highly offensive since the Jews do not eat pork.

To top it off, Antiochus Epiphanes had the audacity to set up a Zeus statue – right in the Temple.

Can you even imagine this?

Let’s modernize it a bit for the sake of understanding:

Imagine if your faith was illegal and the government took over the church you attend.

Imagine if the pulpit was replaced by a giant statue of a Hindu god like Krishna.

Do you have a communion table at church?

What if satanists came in and replaced the bread and wine or grape juice with the elements of witchcraft?

You would be outraged! Horrified! Something would have to be done, right?!

Well, the LORD used a man named Judah Maccabee to lead an uprising against Antiochus known as the Maccabean Revolt. As is so often the case, the Jewish army was hugely outnumbered, but when God is on your side good things happen.

Judah and his men won.

Hallelujah!

The Rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil

Though victory had been secured, the Temple of our LORD had been defiled.

It needed to be re-dedicated.

The process for consecrating the Temple required pure oil to burn in the Temple menorah, but there was only enough oil to last for one night.

But God is a God of miracles.

The oil that should have lasted only one night lasted for 8 whole nights.

The Temple was appropriately rededicated and the people were filled with joy.

Today, we use a special menorah for Hanukkah called a hanukkiah to remember the miracle.

Zerubbabel and the Second Temple Prophecies

This was the Second Temple, rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel. It was of lesser magnitude and grandeur as the Temple of Solomon, but the Prophet Haggai records the LORD blessing Zerubbabel for his efforts:

 “On that day’”—it is a declaration of ADONAI-TZVA’OT—‘I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant’—it is a declaration of ADONAI—“‘and I will set you like a signet ring. For I have chosen you.’” It is a declaration of ADONAI-TZVA’OT.” Haggai 2:23, emphases added

The LORD also spoke to the Prophet Zechariah about this:

“Again the word of ADONAI came to me saying: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this House. His hands will also finish it. Then you will know that ADONAI-TZVA’OT has sent me to you.” Zechariah 4:8-9

Haggai’s prophecy acknowledges that the people viewed the Second Temple as “nothing” compared to the first Temple. But the LORD encourages Zerubbabel to be strong and to persist in faith:

“In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying:  “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying: ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? 

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’

For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:1-9, emphases added

Have you ever worked so hard on a project, but those around you viewed you with contempt? Maybe they thought your idea wouldn’t work or that you were putting too much effort into something that might not be worth it in the end?

The LORD promised that His Spirit would remain among the faithful and that He would fill the Temple with His Glory.

Yeshua (Jesus) later taught in that very Temple – fulfilling Haggai’s prophecy that the glory of this latter temple would be greater than the former!

Lastly, it was in the context of encouraging Zerubbabel that the LORD said the work would be done, not by might, nor by power, but by the power of the Spirit:

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

The dedicating of our lives

This Hanukkah, remember all that the LORD has done!

He is the God of miracles and He can use that which we might consider small or insignificant for His Glory.

If you belong to Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ), your body is the Temple of His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Do you need a rededication? Sanctification (living and walking in holiness) is a process, and sometimes we need to get out the scrub brush and ask the LORD to cleanse us anew. Dedicate your life to Him! That is something I do over and over again because I love Him and I want to consistently be dedicated to Him and His mission.

Here’s a prayerful Hanukkah song about dedicating ourselves to the LORD:

He will use you for His Glory and He will work innumerable miracles in your life if you will trust Him and let your light shine!

Have a very Happy Hanukkah! Chag Chanukah Sameach!

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Ezekiel 38 & 39 describe an invasion from the north

The invasion of Ukraine under orders from the President of Russia has raised many questions as to whether or not these current events relate to Ezekiel‘s prophecies.

“You will come from your place out of the extreme north—you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days. I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me—when I am sanctified through you, Gog, before their eyes.’” Ezekiel 38:15-16 (emphasis added)

Who is Gog? And Magog?

“The word of ADONAI came to me saying: ‘Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.'” Ezekiel 38:1-2a

Scripture does not give many details about Gog, but it is clear that Gog is allied with Magog. The Bible does not specifically state that Gog is the leader of Russia. However, most scholars reasonably interpret Gog as Russian due to Ezekiel’s prophetic declaration that Gog would come from the “extreme north.”

Gog is the ancient name for an historical king who was a foe of Israel. According to Tyndale’s Old Testament Commentary on Ezekiel by John B. Taylor, it is most probable that Gog was Gyges of Lydia (a portion of modern day Turkey). However, scholars do not have consensus as to his exact historic identity. Everyone can agree, though, that Gog makes unholy alliances serving hasatan‘s (satan’s) evil purposes.

Josephus wrote about Magog

The reputable Josephus wrote about Magog and the Scythians: “Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians” (Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, 1.6.1; emphasis added).

You may recall from history class that the Scythians were nomadic Iranians. Their tribes spread as far as Mongolia, Siberia and Ukraine. If you take out a map and look at the amount of terrain they covered, you will be astounded.

Ezekiel 38:5-6 “With them will be Persia, Cush, and Put, all of them with shield and helmet, Gomer and all his troops, the house of Togarmah from the extreme north and all his troops – many peoples with you.”

Gog’s alliances with Persia (modern day Iran), Cush and Put (Northern Africa), and Togarmah (Armenia) are already formed. The Scythians (Magogites) and Gomer inhabited lands north of the Black Sea. In order for Gog to increase his alliances with Magog, the entire region north of the Black Sea will ultimately serve Gog.

Notice, present day Ukraine is directly north of the Black Sea.

If Ukraine is part of this future alliance, it would seem to suggest that sooner or later, Ukraine will indeed fall to Russia and will eventually adopt the spirit of Gog’s hostile attitude toward Israel.

The invasion of Crimea was a precursor to all of this, as that region is now also under Russian rule.

The spirit of gog at work

Indeed, the spirit of Gog continues to be at work in our modern world.

Remember, Gog is prophesied by Ezekiel to “come up against” the LORD’s “people Israel” like a “cloud covering the land.”

The Russian President has chosen to invade Ukraine. Are you aware that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish? According to the Jerusalem Channel, President Zelenskyy is the grandson of a Holocaust survivor. Ukraine has a long history of being home to many Jewish families.

Russia – Gog – is coming against the LORD’s people Israel. Gog has come in with tanks and missiles like a cloud covering the land. In the future, Gog will attack the nation of Israel.

End-time battle against the nation of Israel

“When the thousand years has ended, satan shall be released from his prison, and he shall come out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for the battle. Their number is like the sand of the sea. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the kedoshim (the saints) and the beloved city – but fire fell from heaven and consumed them.” Revelation 20:7-9

As you can see, Gog will remain an integral part of satan’s team even until armageddon. The Good News is, when Jerusalem is besieged for the last time, Gog will be no more.

Ezekiel has prophesied these events and we are seeing them come to pass.

Look straight at the enemy and do not fear

Did you notice in Ezekiel 38:2 the LORD tells Ezekiel to set his face toward Gog?

Ezekiel is to stand firm and look at the reality of Gog’s ambitions. Gog devises evil in his heart to invade the unwalled villages and the quiet people living securely. The prophet is told to prophesy against him that God the Most High will “put hooks into [their] jaws.”

Yikes. It is a lot of violence. But the LORD’s people are to confront evil and remain strong in their faith. We are not to look away. We are to look forward and look toward the enemy, recognizing that victory will come.

The LORD says the purpose of all of this is “I will make Myself known in the eyes of many nations, and they will know that I am ADONAI.” (Ezekiel 38:23).

Meanwhile, while the war in Ukraine is so hard to watch, we must pray for all of the innocent families and especially the children. We must remain confident in the LORD.

The LORD’s people are to confront evil and be strong in their faith.

“Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear.
Though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident.” Psalm 27:3

We pray for a Purim victory. That Haman’s plan would fail and God’s people would prevail!

Please pray for the people of Ukraine. I hope that through Biblical prophecy, you can find hope that even when it doesn’t seem like it, the LORD is in control and there is hope. Please leave a comment so we know you are praying with us and we can pray for you, too!

Parashat Balak (B’midbar/Numbers 22-25) 5781 B”H (Updated 7/15/22 5782, 10/23/23 5784)

A king and a prophet-for-profit (Balak and Balaam)

Numbers 22-25 contains the complex account of King Balak of Moab and Balaam, a pagan prophet-for-hire.

King Balak was terrified of what would come to his kingdom once the Israelites arrived.

Israel had just decimated the Amorites, so this king had reason to be concerned.

Balak’s fear rubbed off on his people. Numbers 22:3 says “Moab was filled with dread because of B’nei Y’Israel [the children of Israel].” The Moabites knew Israel was strong, both in number and in power.

King Balak believed in the supernatural realm. He professed faith in Balaam’s powers: “I know that whoever you bless will be blessed and whoever you curse will be accursed!” (Num.22:6). Clearly, Balaam had a reputation as a divination expert in the region. Balaam has been called a “prophet for profit” and the “seer who couldn’t see.” He didn’t get these nicknames for no reason. He had a prophetic gifting and even interacted with the LORD God of Israel, but he was much more interested in collecting divination fees than seeking the will of ADONAI.

A Talking Donkey, Border-line Animal Abuse, and a Message

King Balak wanted Prophet Balaam to curse Israel in hopes that he could fight against the Israelites and win.

Balaam had every intention of fulfilling the king’s request through his oracles, but the God of Israel told him not to curse Israel because they are blessed.

If you have never read the account, I encourage you to do so because you will read about a talking donkey, border-line animal abuse, and a special messenger/angel of the LORD with a message for this selfish prophet.

Why rely on the media to inform you of stuff that is “strange but true?” You can’t make this stuff up, nor would you want to. Read Numbers 22 for yourself here.

The error of Balaam described by Jude (Judah) and Peter

Once a pagan, always a pagan, in the case of Balaam. This is not a redemption story.

The lost man, in this case, Balaam, despite encountering the living presence of the Almighty, doesn’t end up found in the sense of being saved.

He was found guilty.

Peddling prophecies.

Desirous of personal financial gain.

Peter writes that Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness.”

"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet."  2 Peter 2:15-16, emphases added

G.K.Beale and D.A. Carson’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament describe Balaam’s sin:

“The rebuke that Balaam received from the donkey . . . was the result of miraculous intervention by God, but Peter emphasizes the ironic symbolism: Balaam’s sin was irrational, and he was rebuked by an irrational beast.”

Beale, 1056

Likewise, Judah (known more commonly in English as Jude) categorizes Balaam right along with other ungodly people who have gone before, from the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, and Korah, all acting “like animals” who have no reason.

"Woe to them!  For they went the way of Cain; they were consumed for pay in Balaam's error; and in Korah's rebellion they have been destroyed.  These people are hidden rocky reefs at your love feasts - shamelessly feasting with you, tending only to themselves.  They are waterless clouds, carried along by winds; fruitless trees in ate autumn, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, foaming up there own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever."  Judah (Jude) 1:11-13, emphasis added

The gloom of utter darkness.

Well, that sounds horrible.

And it is!

And it is real!

What we can learn from the false doctrine of Balaam

Balaam thought “a little sin” wouldn’t do any harm. That just wasn’t true.

Balaam’s demise should be a lesson to the lukewarm. There are so many people who attend churches and congregations, yet have little love in their hearts. So many people claim to be pastors and teachers, prophets and evangelists, but they either have given up the anointing or have sought to use it for selfish gain.

We must beware of the false doctrines that prevail, and seek only the LORD and His Truth.

Too many believers today think that if they have one foot in the door to heaven, they can experiment a bit with the other foot.

That’s a bad idea because before they know it, they will slip on the uneven ground.

Follow the way of the LORD – stay true to Him and His Word, and He will guide You in His Perfect way.

Balaam ended up blessing Israel and prophesying of the coming Messiah!

As much as Balaam didn’t want to admit it, he knew he couldn’t get away with cursing Israel.

He rightly states in Numbers 23:8, “How can I curse one whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce one whom ADONAI has not denounced?”

King Balak becomes desperate, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but look, you’ve actually blessed them!” Numbers 23:11

Balaam continues, “There is no sorcery effective against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel! Now it will be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘See what God has done!'” Numbers 23:23

King Balak urges Balaam to just stop already! Balak says, “Do not curse them or bless them at all!” (Numbers 23:25).

Both of these pagan men are starting to understand: Israel is untouchable because Israel belongs to God!

Balaam gives an oracle about the beauty of the Israelites’ tents and the victories that God’s people will continue to enjoy.

In the fourth oracle particularly, Balaam prophesies of the coming of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.

"I see Him, yet not in this location.  For a star will come from Jacob, a scepter will arise from Israel . . . '"  (Numbers 24:17)

The prophecy ends with various descriptions of Israel’s triumphs.

Balaam and Balak, defeated, went their own separate ways. (Numbers 24:25).

Sometimes the enemy will try to raise up all kind of chaos in your life. If you remain faithful to Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Son of God, the devil will eventually have to give up and move on. The victory is guaranteed, if you will continue to trust in Him.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Update 10/23/23:

This morning I received a wonderful question on our Facebook page inbox regarding Numbers 23:21.

“He has not observed iniquity in Jacob,
Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.
The LORD his God is with him,
And the shout of a King is among them.” (NKJV)

This is a rare case in which I actually prefer the NIV translation here:

“No misfortune is seen in Jacob,
    no misery observed in Israel.
The LORD their God is with them;
    the shout of the King is among them.“ (NIV)

My brother in Christ was asking if this would be considered a Messianic prophecy.

I responded that yes, I believe this is a Messianic prophecy because Balaam wanted so very much to curse Israel (but again see Numbers 23:8 in which he discovers that is altogether impossible). The LORD puts His Word into Balaam’s mouth and Balaam ultimately finds himself prophesying about the future – including the coming Messiah.

Israel is at war today.

The Messianic prophecy of Numbers 23:21 is indeed an uplifting promise for us to remember today and to share with our friends in Israel.

There shall be a time when “no misfortune is seen in Jacob”

and “no misery observed in Israel.”

This verse gives us the certainty that we know the LORD their God is with them – the King, the Lion of Judah, and ultimately Israel will have victory and the shout of our King will be heard.

Maranatha!

Please leave a comment below with your thoughts!