The first reading today probably strikes you as an odd one to choose leading up to Christmas – at least until you arrive at the final verse of the reading: “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel” (Num 24:17). I suspect most people read that and think, “Oh, makes sense now, Balaam is talking about the Star of Bethlehem.” Maybe. Let’s consider the backstory that brings us to this verse.

The story unfolds during the Exodus period as the Israelites moved towards the Promised Land. Chapter 21 in the Book of Numbers records the Israelites, seeking passage through the Amorite territory, sent messengers to King Sihon with a peaceful request to travel along the king’s highway without disturbing fields or vineyards. However, Sihon refused and mobilized his army to confront Israel. In the ensuing battle, the Israelites, with divine assistance, defeated the Amorites and captured their cities. This was a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to Israel and His covenant commitment to His promises.

“Then the Israelites moved on and encamped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jericho stretch of the Jordan. Now Balak, son of Zippor, saw all that Israel did to the Amorites.” (Num 22:1-2) Fearing they would overwhelm his kingdom, Balak sought the help of Balaam, a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse. He sent messengers to summon Balaam, offering riches if he would curse Israel.

Initially, Balaam sought God’s guidance, and God forbade him from going with Balak’s messengers. However, when Balak sent higher-ranking officials with greater rewards, Balaam eventually agreed to go, but only under God’s instructions. Along the way, God’s anger was kindled because of Balaam’s intentions, and the Angel of the Lord confronted him. At first only Balaam’s donkey saw the angel and turned away from the road, saving Balaam’s life. Eventually Balaam was able to see the Angel, was confronted about his intentions, acknowledged his error, and committed to speaking only what God instructed.

When Balaam arrived, Balak took him to various locations to view the Israelite camp, hoping Balaam would curse them. Instead, each time Balaam opened his mouth, God caused him to bless Israel, reaffirming His protection and favor over His people. This culminates in Numbers 24, where Balaam delivers his most powerful blessings and prophesied Israel’s future dominance. Part of those blessings includes: “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel” (Num 24:17).

In modern times we tend to associate this as a prophecy of the Star of Bethlehem that the magi follow to find the Infant Jesus. But many of the early church writers understood this as a Messianic prophecy, although it is not referred to anywhere in the New Testament. In this sense the star is Christ himself, just as He is the staff from Israel (cf Isaiah 11:1).

God has led his people from slavery in Egypt to the plains of Moab which are located directly across the Jordan River from the Promised Land. The prophecy continues the narrative of Numbers: God will continue to lead His people – in the short term to the promised land of Israel; in the long run to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God. Joshua will carry “the staff” across the Jordan River, but only the promised Christ can lead us to the true Kingdom.

And that is why the Church offers us this reading in the days before Christmas.

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Image credit: Balaam and the Angel |Gustav Jäger, 1863 | Wikimedia Commons | PD-US