Deuteronomy 23:5

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Nevertheless the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} would {H14} not hearken {H8085} unto Balaam {H1109}; but the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} turned {H2015} the curse {H7045} into a blessing {H1293} unto thee, because the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} loved {H157} thee.

But ADONAI your God would not listen to Bil'am; rather, ADONAI your God turned the curse into a blessing for you; because ADONAI your God loved you.

Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

Nevertheless Jehovah thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but Jehovah thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because Jehovah thy God loved thee.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:5 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and protective love for His people, Israel. It recounts a specific instance where divine intervention thwarted an enemy's malicious intent, transforming an intended curse into a remarkable blessing.

Context

This verse refers to the historical event detailed in the books of Numbers chapters 22 through 24. Balak, the king of Moab, deeply feared the Israelites as they approached his territory. In desperation, he hired a renowned prophet-for-hire named Balaam to curse Israel, hoping to weaken them and drive them out. Despite Balak's persistent efforts and Balaam's initial willingness, the LORD repeatedly prevented Balaam from uttering a curse. Instead, Balaam was compelled by God to pronounce blessings upon Israel, much to Balak's frustration. This verse in Deuteronomy serves as a summary and a reminder of that significant divine intervention as part of the laws concerning who may enter the assembly of the LORD.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Protection: The verse highlights God's absolute control over all circumstances, even over the actions of those who oppose His people. He "would not hearken unto Balaam," meaning He would not allow Balaam's intentions to succeed. This demonstrates God's active involvement in defending His covenant people from harm, even when they are unaware of the spiritual battles being waged on their behalf.
  • Divine Transformation of Evil: A central message is God's ability to "turned the curse into a blessing." This isn't merely passive resistance; it's an active reversal. What was meant for harm was divinely repurposed for good. This theme resonates with later biblical principles, such as God working all things together for good for those who love Him.
  • God's Unconditional Love: The ultimate reason given for God's intervention is profoundly simple yet powerful: "because the LORD thy God loved thee." This love (Hebrew: ahavah) is the foundation of His covenant relationship with Israel and the driving force behind His protective and benevolent actions. It underscores that God's actions are rooted in His character of love, not merely in Israel's merit. This foundational love is a recurring theme throughout scripture.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "would not hearken unto Balaam" emphasizes God's unwavering refusal to permit Balaam's evil intentions. The Hebrew word for "turned" (haphak) implies a complete reversal or transformation, underscoring that God didn't just stop the curse; He actively changed its very nature into a blessing. The repeated phrase "the LORD thy God" reinforces the personal and covenantal relationship between God and Israel, highlighting His unique commitment to them.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 23:5 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is ever vigilant, watching over His children. Even when faced with opposition, envy, or ill-will from others, we can trust that God's love is our ultimate shield. He has the power to disarm destructive forces and even repurpose difficult situations for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God's sovereign love, knowing that His plans for us are always for blessing, not for harm, as also echoed in Jeremiah 29:11.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 7:7 (16 votes)

    The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people:

  • Deuteronomy 7:8 (16 votes)

    But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

  • Romans 8:31 (15 votes)

    ¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

  • Numbers 24:9 (9 votes)

    He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

  • Ephesians 2:4 (9 votes)

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5 (9 votes)

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 (8 votes)

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;