Numbers 23:19 - A Reflection on God’s Unchanging Word

In Numbers 23:19, the prophet Balaam declares, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" This verse asserts God's unchanging and trustworthy nature, a stark contrast to human fallibility. The Hebrew word for "lie," kāzāb, signifies deceit or falsehood, which is entirely foreign to God's nature. Balaam emphasizes that unlike humans, who are prone to lying and changing their minds, God's word is infallible and His purposes immutable.

This proclamation arises within a larger narrative where Balaam, under divine compulsion, blesses Israel despite King Balak's desire for a curse. The statement in Numbers 23:19 functions as a theological affirmation that God's promises are irrevocable. The idea that God does not repent—using the Hebrew term nāḥam, meaning to change one's mind or to relent—underscores the certainty of His will. God's character stands in stark contrast to that of humans, who often waver and reconsider their decisions, providing a sense of security and stability in His promises.

The reliability of God's word is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. In 1 Samuel 15:29, the prophet Samuel echoes this truth, saying, "Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind." Here, the consistency of God's will is highlighted again, confirming that His plans remain steadfast.

The New Testament also affirms this divine attribute. In Titus 1:2, Paul writes of "the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago." The Greek term used here, apseudēs, meaning "unable to lie," reinforces the message found in Numbers 23:19. God's promises, particularly those concerning salvation and eternal life, are absolutely dependable, offering believers reassurance and confidence in their faith.

Numbers 23:19 also carry implications for understanding the nature of prophecy. Unlike human predictions, which are subject to error and revision, divine prophecy is inevitable because it emanates from an unchanging God. The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the Word of God, declares, "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Isa 55:11). This reinforces the idea that God's declarations are not mere possibilities but are guaranteed to come to pass.

The trustworthiness of God's word is a foundation for faith. As Hebrews 6:18 states, "It is impossible for God to lie, "offering believers strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before them. This assurance allows believers to confidently trust God's promises, knowing that what He has spoken will be fulfilled.

Numbers 23:19, therefore, provides a profound reminder of the nature of God: unchanging, truthful, and reliable. In a world where human words often fail, God's word remains a steadfast foundation, offering assurance and hope to His people.