In this very sublime parable, Israel’s blessedness and security are made to depend, not on themselves, but upon the truth and faithfulness of Jehovah. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent.” This places Israel upon safe ground. God must be true to Himself. Is there any power that can possibly prevent Him from fulfilling His word and oath? Surely not. “_He hath blessed_; and I cannot reverse it.” God _will_ not, and Satan _cannot_ reverse the blessing. Thus all is settled. “It is ordered in all things and sure.” In the previous parable, it was, “God hath _not cursed_;” here, it is, “He _hath blessed_.” There is very manifest advance. As Balak conducts the money-loving prophet from place to place, Jehovah takes occasion to bring out fresh features of beauty in His people, and fresh points of security in their position. Thus it is not merely that they are a separated people dwelling alone; but they are a justified people, having the Lord their God _with_ them, and the shout of a King _among_ them. “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel.” The enemy may say, There is iniquity and perverseness there all the while. Yes, but who can make Jehovah behold it, when He Himself has been pleased to blot it all out as a thick cloud for His name’s sake? If He has cast it behind His back, who can bring it before His face? “It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth?” God sees His people so thoroughly delivered from all that could be against them, that He can take up His abode in their midst, and cause His voice to be heard amongst them. Well, therefore, may we exclaim, “‘What hath God wrought!’—it is not, What hath Israel wrought!” Balak and Balaam would have found plenty to do in the way of cursing had Israel’s work been in question. The Lord be praised, it is on what He hath wrought that His people stand, and their foundation is as stable as the throne of God. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” If God stands right between us and every foe, what have we to _fear?_ If He undertakes, on our behalf, to answer every accuser, then assuredly perfect peace is our portion. However, the king of Moab still fondly hoped and sedulously sought to gain his end. And doubtless Balaam did the same, for they were leagued together against the Israel of God, thus reminding us forcibly of the beast and the false prophet, who are yet to arise and play an awfully solemn part in connection with Israel’s future, as presented on the apocalyptic page.