Balak doesn’t give up but decides to have another go at having Israel cursed (v27-30). The persistence and foolishness of evil is here seen.

Despite the many flaws in Balaam, he did have an understanding that God has to be approached through a sacrifice for sin (v29). In all this, Balaam is learning about God and His ways (v1).

This third oracle begins with Balaam expressing awe at God’s greatness (v3-4). He moves on to speak of Israel’s tents being beautiful (v5), of how they will be fruitful (v6-7) and how their king will be great (v7b). This was at a time when Israel still had no king. The strength of Israel is again highlighted (v8-9). There is an echo of words first spoken to Abraham, those who bless them will be blessed and those who curse them will be cursed (v9b, Genesis 12 v3).

Those in Christ are secure and nothing will separate them from the love of God in Christ (see Romans 8 v37-39).