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The Heritage of Caleb: A Deep Dive into His Ancestry

THE FAMILY BACKGROUND OF CALEB

Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, married a daughter of Ishmael (Abraham’s son through Hagar) and settled in Mount Seir. From his descendants came fourteen men known as “dukes,” a term from the Hebrew word alluph, meaning a captain of thousands. One of these dukes was named Kenaz. See Genesis chapter 36 for the listing of Esau’s children.

Caleb was the son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah. Jephunneh is described as a “Kenezite,” leading to the theory that he may have been the son of Kenaz, a duke, who married an Israelite woman from the tribe of Judah, making Caleb his son from this chosen tribe. See Numbers 32:12.

The name Caleb is said to mean “dog,” which might seem odd until you realize that in Akkadian, the related word was a metaphor for a loyal servant of the king. Caleb showed this kind of loyalty to both God and Moses, faithfully following God’s instructions and taking action to claim the land from the Canaanites.

Othniel, the son of Kenaz and a blood relative of Caleb (Judges 1:13), shared the same conquering spirit as Caleb. He later went on to become the first judge of Israel (Judges 3:9-10).

Wife of EsauSons of EsauGrandsons of Esau
 Adah (daughter of Elon the Hittite)Eliphaz1. Duke Teman
2. Duke Omar
3. Duke Zepho
4. Duke Kenaz (Othniel is a descendant, and it is possible that Jephunneh is also a descendant)
5. Duke Korah
6. Duke Gatam
7. Duke Amalek (the father of the Amalekites)
Basemath (Ishmael’s Daughter)Reuel1. Duke Nahath
2. Duke Zerah
3. Duke Shammah
4. Duke Mizzah
Aholibamah (daughter of Anah)Duke Jeush?
Aholibamah (daughter of Anah)Duke Jaalam?
Aholibamah (daughter of Anah)Duke Korah?

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Gideon’s Battle

GIDEON’S THREE HUNDRED-A PREVIEW OF THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON (Judges Chapters 6-8)
The Biblical narrative of Gideon and his three hundred men encodes numerous prophetic parallels that apply to the battle of all battles, the battle of Armageddon, alluded to in Revelation 16:16. The English translation reads, “He (God) gathered them together…”

Recorded in Judges chapters 6 through 8, the Midianites were invading Israel and there were no judges to prevent their invasion. God raised up Gideon and his small army to deliver the Israelites from their captors.

GideonArmageddon
Gideon’s battle occurred during the time of the threshing of the wheat (Judges 6:11)
Christ alludes to the time of the end as the time of “harvest” calling his final harvest of souls for the kingdom the “end of the world” or as some translations say, “the end of an age” (Matthew 13:39, 49)
In ancient times, the wheat harvest was gathered and separated on a threshing floor.In Roman times, rocks or other rough objects were embedded into large wooden boards used to separate the stem and shell from the hard wheat. In Latin this board is called tribulem. The final harvest before the return of the Messiah will occur in the time of the Tribulation.
In Judges 6:25, God instructed Gideon to offer a bullock of seven years.
In Judges 6:27 that 10 men accompanied Gideon at night.		These two numbers are significant in the future Tribulation, as the Tribulation will be seven yours in length
(Dan. 9:27) and there will be ten kings at the end of days when the Messiah returns (see Dan 7:24 & Rev. 17:12)
In Judges 6:33, the children of the east” are mentioned.A similar phrase is sound in Revelation 16:12, John records that the “kings of the east” cross the Euphrates River to join in the battle of Armageddon.
In Judges 6:33 it says, “The Children of the east were gathered together.”.The word “gather” is also used in Zechariah 14:2, when the prophet saw the time of the end and how all nations would be gathered together against Jerusalem for the final battle.
These “Children of the east” “pitched in the valley of Jezeel” This is the same valley where the future nations will gather. In Revelation 16:12, “these kings of the east” are gathering to battle at Armageddon. The area of Armageddon is actually the valley of Jezreel, which today is a two-hundred-square-mile area of open farmland in central Israel.
Prior to Gideon’s war he blew a trumpet (Judges 6:34) to gather his people together.there will be the sound of trumpets at the gathering together of the believers (see 1 Thess 4:16-17)
Gideon began with 32000 men, and the army was reduced to a final group of a “remnant” of three hundred men.The Bible predicts that the Lord will blow
a trumpet (Hebrew shofar) and bring together a remnant (see 1 Thess 4:16 & Isa. 10:20-22)
In the battle, Gideon and his army slew two princes.
1. Ored: name means raven
2. Zeeb, meaning “wolf” (see Judges 7:25)
These two princes were the leaders of the battle. 		At the conclusion of the seven-year Tribulation there will be two men identified.
1. the first beast or Antichrist (see Rev13:1-2)
2. the second beast, the false prophet (a wolf in lamb’s clothing so to speak)
Both will be defeated at the battle of Armageddon (see Rev. 19:20)
We read in Judges 7:25 that the leaders Oreb and Zeeb were slain at the winepress of Zeeb.The word winepress is also used in the book of Revelation it refers to God pouring out his wrath during the Tribulation. John uses the image of the crushing of grapes when he calls this the winepress of the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:19-20)
Gideon’s battle was concluded at a winepress.This battle will be identified with a winepress.
After crossing the Jordan, the men met at Succoth (see Judges 8:15) Sukkot (Succoth) is the Hebrew word for Tabernacles, the seventh and final festival. The Feast of Tabernacles is a prophetic picture of the future kingdom of Christ in which he will reign on earth for one thousand years (see Rev. 20:4)
An interesting phrase in the Gideon
narrative indicates that they “taught” the enemy with thorns and briars (see Judges 8:7, 16)		The prophetic parallel is that when Christ returns, he will tread down his enemies. (Psalm 60:11-12)
Gideon’s three hundred soldiers blew trumpets and broke clay pitchers to create confusion in the camp of the Midianites (see Judges 7:20-22). In Revelation 2:27 we read “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”
The Ishmaelites brought Gideon an offering after the battle concluded (see Judges 8:24-26). These son of Ishmael were Arab descendants from Abraham’s son Ishmael who lived in the area.At the return of Christ, the nations surrounding Israel will be the sons of Esau and Ishmael. The sons of Ishmael will join the other nations in worshipping the Messiah when he returns, as the Bible says: “All nations shall come and worship before thee”
(Zech. 14:16)
In Judges 8:21, Gideon removed the ornaments around the camels’ necks. The Hebrew word for ornaments means “a round disk like the moon.” Ornaments were moon-like emblems placed around the necks of the camelsA common symbol of Islam is the crescent moon, often seen atop mosques worldwide. Today, Israel is surrounded by Islamic nations, and some believe the future Antichrist may come from an Islamic background.
Two statements that summarize Gideon’s leadership are: “The Lord shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23) and the “Country was in quietness” (Judges 8:28).These statements describe the state of the earth at the end of the Tribulation when the Messiah returns. Christ will reign over the nations for a thousand years (see Rev. 20:4), bringing peace throughout this entire period.

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Engaging Children’s Books, Fun Facts and Delicious Recipes

Children’s Bible books

  • For older kids
    • THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright: The Children’s Six Minutes by Bruce S. Wright features a collection of themes exploring growth, kindness, faith, and life’s lessons through various engaging stories and reflections.
    • The Wonder Book of Bible Stories: “The Wonder Book of Bible Stories” by Logan Marshall shares simplified biblical narratives for children, conveying essential moral lessons through engaging tales from the Bible.

Children’s books

  • For younger kids
    • McGuffey Eclectic Primer: textbook focused on early literacy, teaching reading and writing through simple lessons and moral stories for young children.
    • McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader: educational textbook for young readers, combining phonics, sight words, moral lessons, and simple narratives to enhance literacy skills.
    • MCGUFFEY’S SECOND ECLECTIC READER: educational book for children, promoting literacy and moral values through engaging prose, poetry, and vocabulary exercises.
    • The Real Mother Goose: a collection of nursery rhymes, reflecting childhood’s whimsical essence through well-known verses and engaging illustrations.
    • THE GREAT BIG TREASURY OF BEATRIX POTTER: The Great Big Treasury of Beatrix Potter features beloved stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, celebrating whimsical animal adventures.
    • The Tale of Solomon Owl is a whimsical children’s book by Arthur Scott Bailey, exploring themes of friendship and adventure through Solomon Owl’s humorous encounters with forest animals.
    • THE TALE OF JOLLY ROBIN: follows a young bird’s adventures as he learns life skills, values friendship, and explores youthful curiosity through humorous encounters in the wild.
    • Peter and Polly Series: The content describes a series of stories for 1st graders featuring Peter and Polly, exploring seasonal adventures, imaginative play, nature, family, and interactions with pets and animals.
    • The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad: recounts Old Mr. Toad’s humorous nature-filled journeys, emphasizing lessons on friendship, humility, and personal growth amidst various animal encounters.
    • The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: follows Dorothy’s adventures in Oz as she seeks to return home, meeting memorable friends while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
  • For older kids
    • Stories of Don Quixote Written Anew for Children retells key adventures from Cervantes’ novel, preserving its spirit while engagingly presenting them for young readers in a cohesive narrative.
    • Heidi by Johanna Spyri follows a young girl adapting to life in the Swiss Alps with her grandfather, highlighting themes of family, love, and the power of nature.
    • Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss: is a beloved adventure novel by Johann David Wyss about a Swiss family stranded on a deserted island, relying on their creativity and teamwork to survive and build a new life.
    • Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm: follows the spirited Rebecca Randall as she navigates life with her aunts in Riverboro, experiencing adventure, growth, and identity exploration.

Children’s history book

  • For younger kids
    • Great Stories for Little Americans: introduces young readers to American history through engaging tales, fostering national pride and knowledge of heritage via accessible storytelling.
    • The Bird-woman of the Lewis and Clark Expedition: A Supplementary Reader for First and Second Grades- tells Sacajawea’s vital role in guiding the explorers, emphasizing her contributions and experiences during this historic journey.
    • The Story of Mankind: chronicles human history from prehistory to the modern era, highlighting key events, cultures, and figures that shaped civilization.
    • A First Book in American History: A first book in American history: with special reference to the lives and deeds of great Americans. This book chronicles pivotal figures in American history, from Columbus and John Smith to Franklin and Lincoln, highlighting their contributions and the nation’s expansion.
  • For older kids

Poem and stories

  • THE PLYMOUTH HARVEST by Governor Bradford
  • The Real Mother Goose Poems Book: a collection of nursery rhymes, reflecting childhood’s whimsical essence through well-known verses and engaging illustrations.
  • Top Poems for Children by Famous Authors: A list of children’s poems organized by author, with future additions anticipated, includes works by notable poets and authors. [Coming soon]
  • Poems and stories by Bell: Bell, a young poet, shares her love for God through inspiring poems and stories centered on nature, love, and faith, aiming to bless and bring joy to readers.
  • Explore Heartfelt Poems and Stories for Inspiration: Poems and stories to warm your heart.
  • Heartfelt Tales of My Beloved Pets: The author shares stories of various animals that have impacted their life, encouraging love for pets and providing comforting Bible verses for grieving pet owners.

Children bible study

Children recipes

Children fun facts

Pictures

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A First Book in American History, A History of the United States and its People, baking, Bible articles by Bell, Bible Study, Bible Verse Mapping, bread, Cakes /Bar, Candies, cookies, Cool Facts, From the Old Testament, Great Stories for Little Americans, Heidi, Holiday Recipes, microwave cooking, Mother Stories, Party Food, Peter and Polly Series, Pies, Pilgrim's Stories, Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm, Recipes, Stories of Don Quixote Written Anew for Children, Swiss Family Robinson, THE ADVENTURES OF OLD MR. TOAD, The Bird-Woman of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, The Children's Six Minutes, THE GREAT BIG TREASURY OF BEATRIX POTTER, The Real Mother Goose, The Story of Mankind, The Tale of Jolly Robin, The Tale of Solomon Owl, THE TRUE STORY OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS CALLED THE GREAT ADMIRAL, THE WONDER BOOK OF BIBLE STORIES, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Brass Serpent: A Precursor to Christ’s Redemption

THE BRASS SERPENT ON THE POLE Numbers chapter 21

The fiery serpents were venomous snakes that lived in the desert and wilderness. Some wonder why God told Moses to place a serpent on a pole, since the serpent is often seen as a symbol of evil and Satan (see Gen. 3:1; Isa. 27:1; Rev. 20:2), and had caused death to many who were bitten. Christ speaks of the brass serpent when He says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Though He was perfect and without sin in His birth, life, and ministry, the sins of all humanity were placed on Him, much like the scapegoat bearing Israel’s sins on the Day of Atonement. The serpent’s image thus became a symbol of the ultimate sin offering being lifted up. Just as the fiery serpents brought death, unrepentant sin brings death to the soul. Only the cross can undo the serpent’s bite and restore life to those who look to Christ.
Two questions arise in this comparison:

  1. If gold symbolizes divinity, and the brass serpent represented Christ, why was it made of brass instead of gold?
    • First, brass symbolizes humanity, and Christ became flesh, taking on humanity to redeem mankind (see John 1:14)—hence the use of brass.
  2. If the lamb is Christ’s symbol of redemption, why was a serpent placed on the pole instead of a lamb?
    • Secondly, the serpent symbolizes sin, and Christ took on the sins of all humanity before His crucifixion. He served as a substitute, carrying our sins to the cross. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). We read, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross…” (Col. 2:14).

Since brass symbolizes humanity and the serpent symbolizes sin, the serpent on the pole represents the sin of humanity, which Christ overcame and redeemed once and for all at the cross. Refer to the chart below.

The Brass SerpentThe Power of Jesus’ death on the cross
The people complained against God. (Num. 21:5) And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.The world was under sin and death (Rom 5:12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Fiery serpents bit the people (Num. 21:6) And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.The serpent introduced sin (Gen. 3:1-13)
Those bitten died (Num. 21:6) And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.Sin brought death (Rom. 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Moses made a brass serpent (Num. 21:8-9) And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.Christ in human form bore our sins (1 Pet. 2:24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Moses used a pole (Num. 21:8-9) And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.Christ died on a tree (1 Pet. 2:24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Those looking to the brass serpent were healed (Num. 21:9) And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.Those who believe in Christ are saved (Mark 16:16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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Seeking God’s Kingdom: What Matthew 6:33 Teaches Us

But see ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you Matthew 6:33

What Does it Say

It says we should seek God Kingdom.

WORD MEANINGS

  • Seek: G2212
    • ζητέω zētéō, dzay-teh’-o; of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):—be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare G4441.
  • Kingdom: G932
    • βασιλεία basileía, bas-il-i’-ah; from G935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):—kingdom, + reign.
  • Righteousness: G1343
    • δικαιοσύνη dikaiosýnē, dik-ah-yos-oo’-nay; from G1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:—righteousness.

What does it mean?
When you do God, work he Will the give you things you need

Context

Author: Audience:When :Style: Purpose:
Matthew Jews70 ADTeaching To instruct

What happening in the verse

Jesus was teaching

OTHER TRANSLATIONS

  • Amplified
    •  But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33
  • Holman  Christian  Standard
    •  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Matthew 6:33

RELATED VERSES

  • Matthew 5:6
    • Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
  • Luke 12:31
    • But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
  • Matthew 3:2
    •  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
  • Romans 1:17
    • For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

What should we do?

We should seek God’s Kingdom and his righteousness. When we do this God will provide for ours needs.

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Prophecies of Balaam Concerning Israel

THE FOUR PROPHECIES OF BALAAM (Numbers 23:9-17)
Balaam makes some major predictions called “parables” which are actually prophecy concerning Israel.

  • Numbers 23:5-7 And the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
  • Numbers 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
  • Numbers 24:2-3 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, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

The First Prophecy (Numbers 23:9-10)

  • Numbers 23:9-10 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
    • Balaam’s first prophecy predicts that Jacob (Israel) will become a countless multitude as plentiful as dust.
      • God gave Abram (Abraham) a similar prediction when He said Abram’s seed would be numerous as dust. (see Gen. 13:16)
    • Balaam says Israel will “dwell alone” and not be “reckoned among the nations.”
      • From AD 70 to 1948, Israel did not exsis as a nation; thus, other nations did not recognize her.
      • Since 1948, the Jewish state has often stood alone as enemies have risen from within and without. Israel has conducted six major wars.
      • The “fourth part of Israel” may allude to the division of the camps into four sections around the tabernacle. From the mountain, Balaam could not even count one-fourth of the number of people in one section of the camp

The Second Prophecy (Numbers 23:21-24)

  •  Numbers 23:21-24 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
    • Balaam says that Israel has kept its spiritual integrity, steered clear of perverseness, and is destined to become a ruling nation. He speaks of a great lion and a young lion, echoing Jacob’s final blessing to his son Judah. Jacob foretold that Judah would be like a lion and that a ruler would come from him.
      • Genesis 49:9-10 Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
    • Shiloh is referring to the Messiah.


The Third Prophecy (24:5-9)

  • Numbers 24:5-9 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as 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 an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, 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.
    • The promise of blessing on those who bless and cursing on those who curse Israel is the same promise given Abram (Abraham) at the beginning of the Abrahamic covenant.
      • Gen. 12:1-3 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
    • The phrase his seed shall be in many waters may allude to the Jewish people who will eventually dwell throughout the world.
    • As in the second prophecy, the lion emblem represents Judah, the tribe of David, and Jesus Christ.
    • “his king shall be higher than Agag”
      • 1 Samual 15:7-8 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
    • “God brought him forth out of Egypt”
      •  Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

The Fourth Prophecy Numbers 24:17

  • Numbers 24:17-19 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
    • The prophecy “a Star out of Jacob” is believed to be what the wise men allude to when they search for the infant Christ Child and reported, “We have seen his star in the east” (Matt. 2:2).
      • Christ’s birth, accompanied by a unique cosmic sign, occurred in Bethlehem of Judea (see Matt. 2:1).
    • The word Scepter used in Numbers 24:17 relates to rulership; Jacob used the word when he predicted that the sceptre would not depart from Judah until Shiloh (a name used to identify the Messiah) comes (see Gen. 49:10).
    • The phrase “Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion” is about Jesus. He came out of Jacob (Israel).
      • Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

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How Balaam Led Israel into Sin: A Biblical Analysis

THE BALAAM STRATEGY (Numbers Chapters 22-25)
The story of the prophet Balaam offers an important spiritual lesson relevant for believers today. God grants a unique gift to speak blessings or curses into existence. The King of Moab, Balak, tries to hire Balaam to curse the people of Israel.

  • Numbers 22:5-7 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
  • And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

However, every time Balaam opens his mouth to curse, blessings pour out instead. Balak keeps pressuring him with rewards, but Balaam tells the king, “How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? Or how shall I defy whom the Lord has not defied?” (Num. 23:8). After several attempts, Balaam cannot speak evil against Israel. So why is his name viewed so negatively in Scripture? The New Testament mentions Balaam in three passages, and when we put them together, a different side of the story emerges.

  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
  • Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Balaam’s wrongdoing was one of compromise, accepting payment from Balak to plot against God’s people. When his attempt to curse them failed and he could only speak the words God gave him, Balaam devised a plan that would tarnish his name among the Hebrews forever. Knowing he couldn’t directly curse Israel, he realized that if they sinned against God, God Himself would be obliged to bring judgment on them. His new scheme aimed to lead the Hebrew people into breaking God’s commandments, ensuring they brought disfavor and punishment upon themselves.

The plan involved introducing some Moabite women to the young Hebrew men in the Israelite camp. These women could entice the men into acts of sexual immorality, leading to a plague on the nation. Numbers 25:1-3 describes how this unfolded.

  • And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.

The plan works. The women of Moab mix with the sons of the Hebrews, and a plague sweeps through the camp, taking twenty-four thousand lives (see Num. 25:9). Moses calls for harsh punishment for those who broke the rules. With so many people, sin and rebellion could quickly spread and cause the loss of God’s favor.

As believers, when we walk in love and live by the New Covenant, we enjoy God’s blessings in every area of life—spirit, mind, soul, family, finances, and health.

  • 3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

When we drift from the truth and fall into sin, we not only give the enemy an opportunity but also cut off the flow of spiritual blessings. Knowing he can’t curse believers—since we’ve been “redeemed from the curse”

  • Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

The enemy works to tempt us into disobeying God and His Word. Without repentance, we open ourselves to discipline and judgment for our sins.

  • Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
  • For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
  • If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
  • But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

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Understanding the Dove as a Representation of the Holy Spirit

THE DOVE: A PICTURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The DoveCharacteristics of a DoveParallels to the Holy Spirit
WhiteExpresses the color of purityThe Holy Spirit brings purity.
Leviticus 20:26 “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” –
1 Thessalonians 4:7 “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” –
AffectionateExpresses affection by stroking and cooingThe Holy Spirit brings love and affection.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
GentleNever retaliates against its enemies,
when young are attacked it won’t
fight, but cries in distress		We are not to retaliate against enemies; the Spirit makes intercession in time of trouble
Romans 8:26 Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
When hearing strange noisesWill not return after being frightenedThe Spirit will not always strive with men.
Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
When HoveringWings point to the head and not the tailThe Spirit always points people to Christ.
John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Wing feathersHas nine main feathers on its left and right wingsThere are nine gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10) and nine fruits (Gal. 5:22-23) of the Spirit.
Tail feathersHas five main feathers on its tail. The church includes a fivefold ministry.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

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Parallels Between Genesis and Revelation

PARALLELS BETWEEN THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS AND THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE

Genesis Chapters 1 and 2Revelation Chapter 21 and 22
The Heavens are newly created.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.		There will be a new heaven.
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
The earth is newly created.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.		There will be a new earth.
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
A Tree of Life is in the garden.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.		The Tree of Life is the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rivers flow in the garden.
Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted and became into four heads.		There is a river of life in the New Jerusalem
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
No sin exists.
Genesis 1:31 and God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.		No sin will exist on the new earth.
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
There is no pain. Everything is good.
Genesis 1:31 and God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.		No pain will exist on the new earth.
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
There is no sorrow. Everything is good.
Genesis 1:31 and God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.		No sorrow will occur on the new earth.
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
God walks with man.
Genesis 1:15-16 And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:		God will be among men.
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
No death exists.No death takes place on the new earth
The is no curse on the earth. Everything is good.
Genesis 1:31 and God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.		No curse will exist on the new earth
Revelation 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

One day God will reset everything to perfection.

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The Meaning of the Priestly Blessing in Numbers chapter 6

THE PRIESTLY BENEDICTION

According to rabbinical sources, this priestly benediction-consisting of fifteen words- was to be prayed only by the high priest, following the evening and morning daily offerings. The high priest raised both hands above his head and over the people, joining his hands at the thumbs in the shape of the Hebrew Letter Shin, a letter representing the Name of God. He then pronounced seven different blessings over the people. Numbers 6:22-27 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

the Hebrew Letter Shin
  1. The Lord bless you.
    • The Hebrew word Bless is bāraḵ.
      • Strong’s H1288 בָּרַךְ bârak, baw-rak’; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):—× abundantly, × altogether, × at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, × greatly, × indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, × still, thank.
  2. The Lord keep you. The Hebrew word for keep is šāmar.
    •  Strong’s H8104 שָׁמַר shâmar, shaw-mar’; a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:—beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
  3. The Lord make His face shine upon you: This word pânîym is the common Hebrew word for face.
    • פָּנִים pânîym, paw-neem’; plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה pâneh; from H6437); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively);
  4. The Lord be gracious unto you: Gracious in Hebrew is chânan or ḥānan.
    • חָנַן chânan, khaw-nan’; a primitive root (compare H2583); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):—beseech, × fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, × very.
  5. The Lord lift His countenance upon you: The word for countenance is also pânîym. (See number 3)
  6. The Lord give you peace: The Hebrew word for peace here is shâlôwm.
    • שָׁלוֹם shâlôwm, shaw-lome’; or שָׁלֹם shâlôm; from H7999; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace:—× do, familiar, × fare, favour, friend, × great, (good) health, (× perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (× all is, be) well, × wholly.
  7. The priest then spoke the name of the Lord over the people God’s name is significant. God leads the people who exalt His name.

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