Numbers 22:12

KJV

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559} unto Balaam {H1109}, Thou shalt not go {H3212} with them; thou shalt not curse {H779} the people {H5971}: for they are blessed {H1288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God answered Bil'am, "You are not to go with them; you are not to curse the people, because they are blessed."

Berean Standard Bible

But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”

American Standard Version

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:12 records a pivotal divine intervention where God explicitly forbids Balaam, a renowned diviner, from accompanying the Moabite emissaries or cursing the Israelites. This command establishes God's unwavering protection over His chosen people and underscores the immutable nature of His blessing upon them, demonstrating His sovereign control over human and spiritual forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point in the narrative of Balaam, which spans [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam's First Encounter with God") through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Prophecies"). Immediately preceding this, [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories") details Israel's victorious encounters with the Amorites and Og, establishing their formidable presence on the plains of Moab. Balak, the Moabite king, and the Midianite elders, overwhelmed by fear due to Israel's vast numbers and recent triumphs, seek a supernatural solution. They dispatch messengers to Balaam, known for his potent blessings and curses. Numbers 22:12 marks God's direct and immediate response to Balaam's initial inquiry, setting the stage for the subsequent dramatic events involving the talking donkey and Balaam's forced blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of divination and the belief in the power of curses and blessings were widespread and deeply ingrained. Individuals like Balaam, who possessed a reputation for spiritual insight and efficacy in pronouncements, were highly sought after by rulers for political and military advantage. Kings would employ such figures to invoke divine favor upon their armies or bring misfortune upon their enemies. Balak's summons of Balaam from Pethor, a city in Mesopotamia (modern-day Turkey), highlights Balaam's widespread renown and the desperate nature of Balak's fear. The Moabites and Midianites, as neighboring peoples, perceived the large Israelite encampment on their border as an existential threat, prompting their reliance on spiritual warfare through Balaam.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:12 powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it asserts God's **Divine Sovereignty** and absolute control over all creation and human affairs. No human or spiritual power, including Balaam's renowned abilities, can thwart God's will or alter His plans for His chosen people. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Irrevocable Blessing** bestowed upon Israel. The phrase "for they [are] blessed" signifies a divinely declared status, rooted in the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), which promised blessing to those who blessed Abraham's descendants and cursing to those who cursed them. This blessing is not conditional on Israel's immediate actions but is a steadfast divine decree that cannot be undone by human malice or supernatural intervention. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Power and Finality of God's Word**, presenting God's command as the ultimate authority that Balaam must obey, regardless of the lucrative offer from Balak.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārûkh_):** This passive participle of the verb בָּרַךְ (_barakh_) signifies a state of being divinely favored, endowed with prosperity, and set apart by God. It denotes an active, ongoing divine endowment that provides protection, success, and flourishing. In this context, it is not merely a wish or a potential state but a declared reality, an immutable status conferred by God Himself. This divine blessing is the ultimate shield against any human or demonic curse.
* **Curse (Hebrew, _qāḇaḇ_):** The verb קָבַב (_qavav_) specifically means "to curse" or "to pronounce a curse." In the ancient world, a curse was understood not just as an ill wish but as a potent verbal act believed to invoke supernatural power to bring about harm, misfortune, or even death. Balak sought Balaam precisely because he believed Balaam's curses had this inherent, effective power. God's prohibition directly confronts this belief, asserting that no human curse can override His divine blessing.
* **Not go (Hebrew, _lōʾ tēlēḵ_):** The strong negative particle לֹא (_loʾ_) combined with the imperfect verb תֵלֵךְ (_telekh_, "you shall go") forms an unequivocal prohibition. This is a direct, absolute command, leaving no room for negotiation or reinterpretation. God is not merely advising Balaam but issuing a non-negotiable directive that encompasses both association with the Moabite messengers and the act of cursing itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God said unto Balaam":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and authority. God directly communicates His will to Balaam, indicating that Balaam is not merely a pagan diviner but someone with whom God chooses to interact, albeit for His own purposes. This direct address underscores the gravity and clarity of the subsequent command.
* **"Thou shalt not go with them":** This is the first explicit prohibition. It forbids Balaam from accompanying the Moabite and Midianite emissaries, thereby preventing him from even commencing the journey that would lead to the intended cursing. This command targets the very first step of Balak's plan, demonstrating God's preemptive control.
* **"thou shalt not curse the people":** This is the second, equally emphatic prohibition, addressing the core purpose for which Balaam was summoned. God directly forbids the act of cursing Israel, making it clear that such an act would be a direct defiance of His will and an attack on His chosen nation. This command is absolute and without qualification.
* **"for they [are] blessed":** This final clause provides the divine rationale and the immutable truth behind the prohibitions. Israel's status as "blessed" by God is the ultimate reason why no curse can prevail against them. This is not a temporary state but a fundamental, divinely conferred reality, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign choice of Israel. It renders any attempt to curse them futile and blasphemous.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:12 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where God's direct and authoritative voice issues unequivocal prohibitions. This highlights His absolute sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of His will. The **Repetition** of the negative command "thou shalt not" ("Thou shalt not go... thou shalt not curse...") serves to emphasize the absolute nature of the prohibition, leaving no ambiguity for Balaam. This repetition also creates a sense of divine insistence and firmness. The verse also utilizes **Reason/Justification** ("for they [are] blessed"), providing an immediate and powerful theological basis for the command. This justification elevates the prohibition from a mere arbitrary rule to a declaration of divine truth about Israel's status. Finally, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine resistance Balaam will encounter throughout the narrative, culminating in his inability to curse Israel despite his persistent attempts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:12 profoundly reveals God's active involvement in the protection of His covenant people. It underscores that God's blessing is not merely a passive state but an active, defensive shield against all opposing forces, whether human or spiritual. This divine protection is rooted in His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham, ensuring that His purposes for Israel cannot be thwarted by external malice. The verse asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all powers, demonstrating that even renowned spiritual practitioners like Balaam are subject to His supreme authority. It provides immense comfort, assuring believers that if God has blessed them, no curse or scheme can ultimately prevail against His divine favor.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") - "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us") - "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ") - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:12 offers profound and enduring truths for believers today. Just as God actively protected ancient Israel from the spiritual machinations of their enemies, He continues to protect His people, the Church, from spiritual attacks and the schemes of the adversary. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our identity and security are rooted in God's unshakeable blessing and sovereign will. When we face opposition, criticism, or even spiritual warfare, we can rest in the assurance that if God has blessed us, no curse or negative force can genuinely prevail against His divine favor. This truth calls us to walk in confidence, trusting in God's ultimate control, and to prioritize obedience to His clear commands, even when worldly pressures or personal gain tempt us to deviate. Our blessed status in Christ means we are eternally secure in His love and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "they are blessed" impact your perspective on challenges or opposition you face?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to seek solutions outside of God's clear will, similar to Balaam's initial inclination?**
* **How does God's sovereign protection of Israel encourage you regarding His care for the Church today?**
* **What does it mean practically to live as someone who is "blessed" by God, in light of this verse?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak seek Balaam to curse Israel?**

Answer: Balak, the King of Moab, along with the elders of Midian, was overwhelmed with fear and dread at the sheer number and recent military victories of the Israelites, who were encamped on the plains of Moab. In the ancient Near East, it was a common belief that powerful spiritual figures, like Balaam, could invoke divine curses upon enemies or blessings upon allies, thereby influencing the outcome of conflicts. Balak sought to neutralize the perceived threat of Israel through supernatural means, believing that a curse from Balaam would weaken them and allow Moab to defeat them. This desperate act highlights the deep-seated fear and the prevalent cultural reliance on divination and sorcery in that era.

**What is the significance of God stating, "for they [are] blessed"?**

Answer: This phrase is the theological linchpin of the verse. It signifies that Israel's favored status is not conditional or temporary, but a divinely declared and immutable reality. It points back to God's covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), where God promised to bless those who blessed Abraham's descendants and curse those who cursed them. Therefore, Israel's blessing is a direct result of God's sovereign choice and faithfulness to His covenant. It means that any attempt by Balaam or anyone else to curse them is fundamentally futile, as it goes against God's established will and active protection. God's blessing acts as an impenetrable shield.

**Did Balaam fully obey God's command in Numbers 22:12?**

Answer: While Balaam initially relays God's command to the Moabite messengers and sends them away (as seen in [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Response")), his subsequent actions reveal a complex and ultimately disobedient heart. When Balak sends more prestigious messengers and offers greater rewards, Balaam again consults God, despite the clear initial prohibition. Although God permits him to go under strict conditions (only to speak what God tells him), Balaam's eagerness for the reward and his later counsel to Balak to tempt Israel into sin ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel")) demonstrate that he did not fully embrace the spirit of God's initial, unequivocal command. His journey itself, despite God's conditional permission, showed a desire to pursue the lucrative offer, leading to the famous encounter with the talking donkey in [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22-35 - The Talking Donkey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:12, with its declaration of Israel's immutable blessedness and God's sovereign protection, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as ancient Israel was blessed and untouchable by curses due to God's covenant faithfulness, so too the Church, the new Israel, is eternally blessed in Christ. In Him, all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Christ Himself became a curse for us on the cross, redeeming us from the curse of the law so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through faith ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). Through our union with Christ, we are now "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), a status far surpassing any earthly blessing. Jesus, as our great High Priest, continually blesses His people ([Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser is Blessed by the Greater")), and as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), He has definitively disarmed all spiritual powers and authorities that would seek to curse or condemn us ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, the divine declaration "they are blessed" echoes through the ages, finding its most glorious and permanent reality in the redeemed people of God, eternally secure in their Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Numbers 22:19

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.

Numbers 22:20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?