Numbers 24:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Bil'am answered Balak, "Didn't I tell the messengers you sent me

Berean Standard Bible:

Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me

American Standard Version:

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers that thou sentest unto me, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Balaam^{H1109} said^{H559} unto Balak^{H1111}, Spake^{H1696} I not also to thy messengers^{H4397} which thou sentest^{H7971} unto me, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 24:12

**Themes:**
Numbers 24:12 is part of the narrative involving Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and Balak, the king of Moab. The overarching themes of this verse include:

1. **Prophetic Integrity:** Balaam reminds Balak that he has consistently communicated the messages given to him by God, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and faithfulness in prophetic duties.
2. **Divine Sovereignty:** The verse underscores the theme that God's will cannot be manipulated or altered by human desires, as Balaam can only speak what God puts in his mouth.
3. **Israel's Blessing:** Despite Balak's intentions to have Balaam curse Israel, Balaam repeatedly blesses them, highlighting God's protection and favor over His people.

**Historical Context:**
The verse is set during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Balak, fearing the growing power of the Israelites, seeks to hire Balaam to curse them, hoping to weaken or defeat them in battle. However, each time Balaam attempts to curse Israel, he is compelled by God to bless them instead.

In Numbers 24:12, Balaam refers back to his previous statements to Balak's messengers, reiterating that he has no power to say anything contrary to what God has commanded, thus confirming God's sovereign will over human affairs. This event occurs near the end of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, just before they enter Canaan, and it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people despite the schemes of their enemies.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1109
   There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בִּלְעָם
   Transliteration: Bilʻâm
   Pronunciation: bil-awm'
   Description: probably from בַּל and עַם; not (of the) people, i.e. foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine; Balaam, Bileam.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1111
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּלָק
   Transliteration: Bâlâq
   Pronunciation: baw-lawk'
   Description: from בָּלַק; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king; Balak.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1696
   There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָבַר
   Transliteration: dâbar
   Pronunciation: daw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4397
   There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֲלְאָךְ
   Transliteration: mălʼâk
   Pronunciation: mal-awk'
   Description: from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher); ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).