A great question!
In the Bible, Psalm 115:3 says, "Our God is in heaven; He does all things well." And Job 36:5 declares, "God is mighty, and when He speaks, who can stop Him?"
The phrase "God is not a man" in Hosea 11:9 and Numbers 23:19 is often translated as "There is no divinity like the Lord" (NKJV). This verse does not mean that God cannot be described using human language or comparisons. Rather, it emphasizes God's uniqueness and transcendence over human limitations.
In this context, "not a man" highlights the difference between God's nature and humanity's. Just as humans are finite, mortal, and prone to error, God is infinite, eternal, and perfect. The verse does not suggest that God cannot be described using anthropomorphic language (language that describes God in human terms) or that He is unable to relate to humans.
In fact, throughout the Bible, God uses various forms of anthropomorphism to describe Himself or His actions, such as "God's arm" (Psalm 89:13), "His eye" (Proverbs 15:3), or "His heart" (Hebrews 8:10). These descriptions do not imply that God is limited by human nature but rather illustrate His ability to relate to humans in a way that is meaningful and understandable to us.
Regarding the idea of God lying, it's important to note that Scripture declares God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). This is because He is the ultimate source of truth, and His nature is consistent with His character. As Psalm 119:142 says, "Truthful are Your testimonies; holiness is fitting to Your house."
In this sense, God's word is considered a trustworthy revelation of Himself and His plans for humanity (John 17:3-5). When the Bible speaks about God's actions or promises, we can have confidence that they reflect His true character and intentions.
I hope this helps clarify these important biblical concepts!
A great verse!
"Holy and righteous is He, for there is no unrighteousness in Him. There is none who can deliver from His hand, if it be His intention to destroy... What is man, that He would inform him? And as for the son of man, that He would instruct him? ...For God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and shall He not do? Or has He spoken, and shall He not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:21-23, NKJV)
In this passage, Balaam, a prophet, is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab, who wants him to curse Israel. But Balaam refuses, saying that God is not a man who can lie or repent like humans do. He's emphasizing that God's character is different from ours.
God is holy and righteous, with no evil or unrighteousness in Him. His ways are not like human ways; He doesn't change His mind like we do (Numbers 23:19). When God speaks, He always fulfills what He says (v. 20).
The phrase "For God is not a man" has become a common biblical expression to emphasize God's uniqueness and the reliability of His Word. It underscores that humans can't compare themselves to God; we're subject to change, but God remains unchanged.
In many ways, this verse sets the tone for understanding God's character and the nature of His promises. It's a powerful reminder that our God is faithful, trustworthy, and always true to His word!
23:19 is a fascinating Bible reference. In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, Genesis 23:19 says:
"Between them was the land marked out, and Caleb gave his fields unto Cushan-haruthoth, and to the children of Rechab."
This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the division of the Promised Land among the Israelites after Joshua's death. In this specific verse, we see Caleb, one of the twelve spies who explored Canaan with Joshua, giving some of his land to two groups: the Cushan-haruthoth and the children of Rechab.
The Cushan-haruthoth are mentioned only here in Scripture, and their identity is unclear. Some scholars speculate they might be related to the Cushites or Ethiopians, while others propose they were a group of people living in the region. The children of Rechab, on the other hand, are a known tribe descended from Rechab, who was an Ammonite (2 Samuel 16:5-13; Jeremiah 35).
This verse might seem insignificant at first glance, but it actually highlights Caleb's generosity and willingness to share his inheritance with others. This trait is reflective of the biblical values of hospitality and stewardship.
What specific aspect of this passage would you like me to explore further?
A great verse!
"What about God says he will not be like a man, that he should lie?" (Numbers 23:19, NKJV)
This verse is part of a larger passage where the prophet Balaam is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab. Balak has hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, but God has other plans.
In this specific verse, Balaam is acknowledging that God is not like a human being (man) and therefore cannot lie. The phrase "not a man" is a play on words in Hebrew, as it can also mean "not a human" or "not one of us." So, essentially, Balaam is saying: "What about God? He's not one of us humans who are prone to lying. If we were to expect God to lie, that would be absurd!"
This verse highlights several important aspects of God's character:
1. **God is not human**: This phrase emphasizes the fundamental difference between God and humanity. Humans are flawed, finite, and prone to mistakes, while God is eternal, infinite, and perfect.
2. **God cannot lie**: Since God is not a human, He cannot lie or deceive like humans do. His word is truth, and He always speaks in accordance with His character.
3. **God's word is reliable**: As the ultimate authority, God's words are trustworthy and dependable. When He speaks, we can be confident that it will come to pass.
4. **God's character is consistent**: This verse reinforces the idea that God's nature is consistent throughout Scripture. He is a God of truth, justice, mercy, and love.
In the context of Numbers 23-24, this verse serves as a reminder that God's word cannot be manipulated or altered by human attempts to curse or bless others. It also sets the stage for Balaam's subsequent pronouncements, which will ultimately affirm God's sovereignty and blessing over the Israelites.
A great choice!
Numbers 23:19 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not make it good? hath he spoken, and shall he not fulfill?"
This verse is often referred to as a statement of God's character and His commitment to truth. The main idea is that God cannot lie or go back on His word, just as humans can't change their minds about something once they've decided.
The phrase "God is not a man" suggests that God is not subject to the same limitations and frailties as human beings. He is not bound by the same rules of time and space, nor is He prone to making mistakes or changing His mind like we do.
This verse has been used by many to establish trust in God's Word and character. It's a powerful reminder that when God speaks, it is absolute truth, and He will always follow through on what He has said.
A great verse!
"Hath God said? What about God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man, that he should repent?" (Numbers 23:19)
This verse is a declaration by Balaam, a prophet hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. However, despite being paid and encouraged by Balak, Balaam refused to do so, declaring God's truth instead.
Let's break it down:
* "What about God" - This phrase is often translated as "Hath God said?" which is a rhetorical question asking if anyone can dispute or contradict what God has spoken.
* "Is not a man" - Balaam is saying that God is not like human beings, who are prone to lying and making mistakes. He's emphasizing God's absolute truthfulness and integrity.
* "That he should lie" - Since humans are capable of lying, Balaam is contrasting God's character with humanity's tendency to deceive. This emphasizes God's commitment to honesty and faithfulness.
* "Nor the son of man" - The phrase "son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam) was a common way to refer to human beings in ancient Israel. By using this phrase, Balaam is highlighting the difference between humanity and God. Just as humans are prone to repenting or changing their minds, God does not.
* "That he should repent" - This statement underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises and decisions. Unlike human beings who can change their minds or regret their actions, God is unchangeable and immutable.
In essence, Balaam is saying that God is not a human-like deity who can be swayed by circumstances or tempted to lie. Instead, He is the absolute, eternal, and unchanging God who always speaks the truth and keeps His promises.
This verse has been used throughout history as a powerful affirmation of God's character and a warning against questioning or doubting His word.
A fascinating topic!
The phrase "God is not a man" is a biblical expression that highlights the unique nature of God and distinguishes Him from human beings. This phrase appears in several places in the Bible, including Psalm 90:2, Isaiah 31:3, and Hosea 11:9.
In these passages, the phrase "God is not a man" serves as a reminder that God is unlike any human being or mortal creature. Here are some possible interpretations:
1. **Divine nature**: The phrase emphasizes that God's nature is fundamentally different from humanity's. Just as humans have physical bodies and limitations, God exists beyond the constraints of space and time. This distinction underscores the idea that God is a spiritual Being, not a physical or material one.
2. **Infinite and eternal**: "God is not a man" can also imply that God's existence is timeless and boundless, unlike human beings who are finite and mortal. This phrase highlights God's transcendence over human understanding and experience.
3. **Immutable and unchanging**: In contrast to humans, who are prone to change and error, the phrase "God is not a man" suggests that God remains constant, faithful, and reliable. God does not change His mind or behave erratically like humans do.
4. **Omnipotent and sovereign**: The phrase can also convey God's absolute power, wisdom, and authority, setting Him apart from human beings who are limited in their capabilities and understanding.
5. **Theological implications**: This expression has significant theological implications, emphasizing that God is not subject to the same constraints or limitations as humans. It underscores the idea that God is the ultimate authority, creator, and sustainer of all things.
In summary, "God is not a man" serves as a reminder of God's uniqueness, setting Him apart from human beings in terms of His nature, existence, and characteristics. This phrase highlights the vast chasm between the finite and the infinite, emphasizing God's transcendence, power, wisdom, and sovereignty.
A specific Bible verse!
23:19 refers to the passage in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, specifically in the book of Numbers:
Numbers 23:19 - "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not make it good?"
In this passage, the prophet Balaam (a non-Israelite) is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab. Balak had hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, but after seeing the vast numbers of them and being confronted by God, Balaam could not go through with the curse.
In this verse, Balaam is essentially saying that God is unlike human beings who can lie or change their minds (repent). Instead, God's word is reliable and unchangeable. The phrase "hath he said, and shall he not make it good?" suggests that when God speaks, He always intends to fulfill His promise.
This passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history, but some common themes include:
1. God's reliability: The verse emphasizes the trustworthiness of God's word, reassuring us that His promises are binding and will be fulfilled.
2. God's unchangeableness: Unlike human beings who can change their minds or lie, God is immutable and consistent in His actions and plans.
3. The importance of keeping God's Word: Balaam's statement encourages us to take God's word seriously and rely on it as our guide.
Overall, Numbers 23:19 highlights the character of a faithful God, who is reliable, unchanging, and committed to fulfilling His promises.