Welcome to Day 44 of Word for Word: The Bible.

In this episode, we continue our journey through the wilderness with a complete, word-for-word reading of Numbers chapters 23–26. As Israel remains camped on the plains of Moab near the Promised Land, we witness a dramatic contrast between God’s unshakable blessing and Israel’s vulnerability to compromise.

Today’s reading includes:

• Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel and God turning those curses into blessing
• The prophecy of a coming ruler — “a star out of Jacob” and a scepter rising from Israel
• The failure of external opposition to overturn what God has blessed
• Israel’s sin at Baal of Peor and the resulting plague
• Phinehas’ zeal and the covenant of peace granted to his line
• The second census and the counting of a new generation prepared to inherit the land

These chapters reveal a powerful tension. While no enemy can undo God’s promises from the outside, compromise from within still brings real consequences. Yet even in judgment, God preserves His people and prepares a renewed generation to move forward.

The census in Numbers 26 marks a transition. The wilderness generation is nearly gone, and a new generation stands ready to receive the inheritance promised long ago. God’s purposes continue—not because His people are flawless, but because His promises remain faithful.

Each episode of Word for Word: The Bible includes:

• A brief introduction to provide context
• A complete, unabridged reading of the day’s chapters
• A short reflection highlighting key themes
• A closing prayer

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Join us tomorrow as we continue through the book of Numbers.