God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
God
1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
Psalm 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
or hath he
1 Chronicles 17:17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
Micah 7:20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
or a son of man, that He should change His mind
The term "son of man" is used to denote humanity, emphasizing human limitations and changeability. In contrast, God's immutability is highlighted here (Malachi 3:6). This phrase reassures believers of God's steadfastness, as seen in His unchanging nature throughout the Old Testament, such as His consistent deliverance of Israel (Exodus 3:7-8).
Does He speak and not act?
This rhetorical question underscores God's faithfulness in action. When God speaks, His words are powerful and effective (Isaiah 55:11). Historical examples include the fulfillment of prophecies, such as the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:41) and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23).
Does He promise and not fulfill?
This phrase assures the fulfillment of God's promises, a central theme in Scripture. The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) and its fulfillment in the nation of Israel and ultimately in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16) serve as key examples. God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of biblical theology, providing hope and assurance to believers.
- The verse begins by reminding us that the Lord is fundamentally different from His creation. He is eternal, infinite, perfectly holy (Isaiah 46:9: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me”).
- Human nature is limited and fallible; God’s nature is unlimited and flawless. Knowing this distinction guards us from projecting human weakness onto Him (Psalm 50:21).
- Because God is not a creature, His character sets the standard for all truth and righteousness (Psalm 18:30).
- Lying springs from sin and limitation, neither of which exists in God. Scripture is unequivocal: “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18) and “God, who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).
- Every word in Scripture is entirely dependable; no hidden agenda, no half-truth (John 17:17).
- In practical terms, when we read a promise or warning in the Bible, we may bank on it without reservation.
- People can be fickle, but God’s purposes never wobble. “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind” (1 Samuel 15:29).
- His immutability steadies our faith: the same righteousness that judged sin at the Cross still forgives repentant sinners today (James 1:17).
- When circumstances shift, God’s unchanging character anchors believers.
- God’s utterance is always effective. “So My word that goes out from My mouth will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11).
- From creation (“For He spoke, and it came to be,” Psalm 33:9) to final judgment, His declarations shape reality.
- This means every prophetic word—whether already fulfilled in Christ’s first coming or awaiting His return—carries absolute certainty.
- History testifies that every divine promise stands. Joshua could say, “Not one of all the good promises the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled” (Joshua 23:14).
- The ultimate confirmation is Christ: “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
- Because God’s track record is flawless, believers may trust future promises—resurrection, eternal life, His abiding presence—with unwavering confidence (Romans 4:20-21).
Numbers 23:19 slices through human doubt by presenting a four-fold assurance: God is unlike us, He never lies, He never wavers, and He always backs His word with action. When He speaks, reality bends; when He promises, fulfillment is inevitable. Therefore, our response is simple—take Him at His word, rest in His unchanging character, and live in glad expectation of every promise still to come.
(19) Neither the son of man, that he should repent.--The adoption of these words, with slight variation, by Samuel (1Samuel 15:29) affords evidence of his familiarity with this portion of the Pentateuch.