Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
This passage of scripture which pertains to God's watch-care over His people will become more and more pertinent as we approach the end of this present world. In all ages past, The Lord has sent His angels to protect those who put their trust in Him, and He has faithfully delivered them from foes, seen and unseen. When Balaam tried to utter curses over the heads of the Hebrews whilst they were asleep, The Lord who sees and knows all went before them and thwarted his wicked designs, by turning the would-be curses into blessings. Balak had on several occasions tried to open up the vulnerabilities of the Hebrews through the dark arts used by the heathen, but as the whole episode unfolded, a number of sacred truths which deal with God's protective watch-care were brought prominently to view, truths which pertain to all generations of the righteous. Let's read:
Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many" .... 5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam" ..... "saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt" ..... 6 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" .... 18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
This first truth revealed in this particular situation should be greatly treasured by all true Christians, for it tells us that the forces of evil are held in check by God Himself, so that the evil plans and purposes of those who hate the divine precepts are restrained from causing harm to us, if God sees fit. It does not mean to say that we will not suffer wrongs or evil from time to time, but what it does say is that whatever happens to us is closely monitored and controlled by God, and this fact is validated through a series of solemn promises made by God to His people. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 28:7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler" .... 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust."
Another sacred truth pertaining to God's protection of His people was also revealed after Balaam stubbornly continued to try different curses from different angles, and from various locations. The reason why Balak chose different placess to try and deliver the curses was not only because of the deep superstitious beliefs held by pagan nations, but also because he had a very cramped knowledge of who God is, and the far reaching extent of His omnipotent power. To try and utter curses in front of God's people or behind their backs will avail nothing, for God is not local in nature as many of the heathen deities were, being restricted to one area. From His throne in the heavens He sees not only all of our actions, but also what we plan to do several years from now, so that He is able to plan and execute wisely and with remarkable precision.
Furthermore, when His blessings are bestowed on His faithful people, not all the forces of earth or hell can reverse or interfere with His promises of protection, except His people were to depart from the path of rectitude. Let's read:
Numbers 22:7 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. 8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. 12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?
In our day we are surrounded by bloodshed and senseless violence on every hand, and many terrorists and evil men and women are becoming more brutal and bold in the slaughter of little children and adults alike. As it is currently, the overwhelming majority of the news we hear from day to day consists of bad news in some form or fashion, and the violence has now become so widespread and common that our minds have become accustomed to the deluge of evil reports, so that we are no longer disturbed as in former days. In these days of uncertainty when everyone seems to be on edge, and many are armed to the tooth, it is of great importance for us to remember that there is still a God in the heavens who sits high and looks low, so that the subjects of His kingdom need not worry about their safety, because we are to focus our energies in saving the lost, not worrying about what evil men can do.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms the promise of protection to the people of God during these turbulent times, and let us always be found faithful, walking in harmony with the principles of righteousness, so that it may be well with us and our children, according to the good and perfect will of God. Let's read:
Psalms 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. "Good night" and God bless!