Numbers 22:13

KJV

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balaam {H1109} rose up {H6965} in the morning {H1242}, and said {H559} unto the princes {H8269} of Balak {H1111}, Get {H3212} you into your land {H776}: for the LORD {H3068} refuseth {H3985} to give me leave {H5414} to go {H1980} with you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bil'am got up in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, "Return to your own land, because ADONAI refuses to give me permission to go with you."

Berean Standard Bible

So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”

American Standard Version

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land; for Jehovah refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:13 records Balaam's initial, seemingly obedient, response to King Balak's envoys, who sought his services to curse the Israelites. After receiving a direct prohibition from the Lord, Balaam informs the Moabite princes that Yahweh has definitively refused to grant him permission to accompany them, thereby preventing him from fulfilling Balak's request. This verse highlights God's immediate and unyielding sovereignty over human schemes and His unwavering protection of His chosen people, Israel, against any intended harm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following King Balak's desperate attempt to counteract the perceived threat of the numerous Israelites encamped on his border. In [Numbers 22:1-6](/numbers/22-1-6 "Numbers 22:1-6 - Balak's Fear and Summons to Balaam"), Balak, terrified by Israel's recent victories, dispatches high-ranking officials to Balaam, a renowned diviner, with a substantial fee, to curse the advancing nation. The narrative immediately preceding this verse, [Numbers 22:7-12](/numbers/22-7-12 "Numbers 22:7-12 - Balak's Messengers and God's Command to Balaam"), details Balaam's initial consultation with God, where the Lord explicitly commands him: "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." Thus, [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Refusal to Balak's Princes") serves as Balaam's direct, albeit temporary, communication of this divine prohibition to Balak's princes, setting the stage for Balak's persistent efforts and Balaam's subsequent, complex journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of professional diviners and seers like Balaam was common and highly valued. These individuals were believed to possess supernatural powers to invoke blessings or curses, often for hire, influencing military outcomes or personal fortunes. Kings and nations frequently employed them to gain an advantage over adversaries, viewing their pronouncements as carrying divine authority. Balak's actions reflect this cultural belief, as he sought a spiritual weapon against Israel, whom he perceived as an overwhelming military threat after their defeat of the Amorites (cf. [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og")). The Moabites, like other peoples in the region, would have understood the gravity of a divine curse and the perceived power of a prophet whose words were believed to carry divine authority. Israel's presence on Moab's border would have been a significant geopolitical concern, making Balak's desperate appeal to Balaam culturally understandable.

* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Refusal") powerfully underscores several core themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; despite Balak's fear and the tempting offers, God's will for Israel, His chosen people, cannot be circumvented by human or even spiritual machinations. The Lord's definitive "refuseth" highlights His ultimate control over all circumstances and His unchangeable plan, echoing themes found throughout [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **God's Protection of Israel**, affirming His covenant promises. God actively intervenes to shield His people from a curse, declaring them "blessed," a divine favor that no human or demonic power can undo. This protective stance is consistent with God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham (cf. [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing and Cursing Abraham's Descendants")). Finally, it introduces the theme of **Balaam's Initial Obedience**, which, while commendable at this juncture, contrasts sharply with his later actions, revealing the complex and ultimately flawed nature of the prophet who sought to serve both God and personal gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **refuseth (Hebrew, מָאֵן, _ma'en'_):** This verb (H3985) carries a strong and definitive connotation of denial, rejection, or refusal. It is not merely a suggestion or a preference, but an unyielding and absolute prohibition. When Balaam states "the LORD refuseth," he conveys that God's command is firm, leaving no room for negotiation, compromise, or misinterpretation regarding His will. This emphasizes the absolute nature of God's authority and His unchangeable purpose concerning Israel's blessing.
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהֹוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term (H3068) refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and unique relationship with Israel. By explicitly naming "the LORD" as the one who refuses, Balaam attributes the decision to the supreme divine authority, not to his own will or lack of power. This highlights that the prohibition is not a personal choice but a divine decree from the sovereign God of Israel.
* **give me leave (Hebrew, נָתַן, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414), meaning "to give," "to permit," or "to grant leave," in this context signifies the specific permission Balaam sought to accompany the princes. The Lord's refusal to "give me leave" directly counters Balaam's desire to go with them, indicating a direct obstruction of his intended path and a divine denial of his request to engage in the very act (cursing Israel) for which he was summoned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam rose up in the morning":** This phrase indicates an immediate and decisive action on Balaam's part, following his nocturnal encounter with God. It suggests a prompt communication of the divine word, implying that he did not delay in conveying the Lord's clear instruction. The rising "in the morning" signifies the conclusion of his overnight deliberation and divine revelation.
* **"and said unto the princes of Balak":** Balaam directly addresses Balak's high-ranking emissaries, indicating a formal and direct communication. His words are not whispered or indirect but are a clear declaration to those who represent the king, ensuring that the message reaches its intended recipient without ambiguity.
* **"Get you into your land":** This imperative is a polite but firm dismissal. Balaam is effectively telling them that their mission has failed and that they should return home. It signals the finality of his decision to not accompany them, and by extension, the failure of Balak's initial plan to enlist Balaam's services.
* **"for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you":** This clause provides the explicit and authoritative reason for Balaam's refusal. By attributing the denial directly to "the LORD" (Yahweh), Balaam makes it clear that his decision is not his own, but a direct consequence of a divine prohibition. This statement underscores God's sovereignty over Balaam and the situation, asserting that His will is paramount and cannot be overridden by human desires or inducements. It frames the refusal as an act of divine will, not a personal choice.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Refusal") employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. A central device is the **Divine Command/Response Narrative**, where God issues a direct and unequivocal order ("Thou shalt not go..."), and Balaam, at this point, articulates his adherence to it. This establishes a pattern of divine authority and human (initial) obedience, which will be dramatically tested and ultimately broken later in the story. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Balaam's initial obedience, though seemingly complete, subtly hints at the underlying tension between his desire for divine approval and his covetousness. This internal conflict will eventually lead him to seek loopholes or alternative ways to fulfill Balak's wishes, despite God's clear word. The **Irony** lies in Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, being the recipient and initial communicator of God's unwavering protection over Israel. This truth, that God's people are blessed and cannot be cursed, is delivered to Balak, the king of Moab, who is unwilling to accept it, highlighting his futile opposition to divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:13 serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that no human scheme, political power, or spiritual force can thwart the divine will or undo the blessings God has pronounced upon His people. This initial refusal by Balaam, mandated by God, establishes a foundational truth: God's protection of Israel is not contingent on their performance or the absence of enemies, but on His own faithful character and unchangeable purpose. It underscores that those whom God has blessed are truly blessed, and any attempt to curse them is futile, for His word stands firm.

* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart, But the Lord's Purpose Will Prevail")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God clearly said "no" to Balaam, we are called to discern and accept divine prohibitions in our own lives, even when opportunities seem appealing, lucrative, or socially advantageous. This requires a deep trust in God's wisdom and goodness, believing that His "no" is always for our ultimate good and aligns with His perfect will. We can draw immense comfort and confidence from the truth that God remains sovereign over all circumstances and actively protects His people. No curse, scheme, or opposition formed against those who belong to Him can ultimately prosper, for His blessing is unassailable. Balaam's initial, albeit temporary, obedience reminds us of the critical importance of prioritizing God's commands above personal gain, external pressures, or worldly recognition. True wisdom and spiritual flourishing are found in aligning our desires and actions with God's perfect and protective will, recognizing that His plan for us is always one of blessing and not of harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's clear "no" frustrates my plans or desires?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise God's clear commands for personal gain or external approval?**
* **How does the assurance of God's unyielding protection empower me to face opposition or fear?**
* **What does Balaam's initial obedience, contrasted with his later actions, teach me about the nature of true faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why did God initially forbid Balaam from going, yet later permit him?**

Answer: God's initial prohibition in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Command to Balaam") was absolute: "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." This was God's perfect will, reflecting His unchangeable blessing upon Israel. However, when Balak sent a second, more prestigious delegation with greater promises, Balaam, despite knowing God's clear will, still sought God's permission again, indicating a lingering desire for the rewards. In [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God's Second Command to Balaam"), God tells Balaam, "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." This is often interpreted not as a change in God's will, but as God giving Balaam over to his own stubborn desire, while simultaneously asserting His sovereign control over Balaam's actions. God knew Balaam's heart and allowed him to proceed, but only under the strict condition that Balaam would speak only what God commanded, ensuring that Israel would remain blessed. This demonstrates God's ability to use even the flawed choices of individuals to accomplish His ultimate purposes, turning potential curses into blessings.

**What does Balaam's initial obedience reveal about his character?**

Answer: Balaam's initial obedience in [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Refusal") reveals a complex and conflicted character. On one hand, it shows that he genuinely had a relationship with Yahweh and recognized God's authority and power, at least intellectually. He understood that he could not curse whom God had blessed, and he initially prioritized God's clear command over the king's enticing offer. This suggests a certain level of fear of God and a desire to maintain his prophetic credibility. However, his subsequent actions, particularly his willingness to re-consult God after a clear "no" and his later advice to Balak to entice Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16, [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam")), expose a deeper flaw: a covetous heart that desired worldly gain and prestige. His initial obedience was genuine but ultimately fragile, overshadowed by his personal ambition, making him a cautionary figure of one who knew God's will but was ultimately led astray by greed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine refusal to allow Balaam to curse Israel, as declared in [Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam's Initial Refusal"), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and unassailable blessing bestowed upon God's people through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel, God's chosen nation, was declared "blessed" and impervious to any curse from Balak or Balaam, so too are believers in Christ declared eternally blessed and free from the curse of sin and death. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") proclaims that "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us." Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment and the curse that humanity deserved, thereby securing an irreversible blessing for all who believe. No longer are we subject to the condemnation of sin, for there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation for Those in Christ Jesus")). The protection God afforded Israel from Balaam's curses finds its perfect fulfillment in the spiritual security and abundant blessings we receive in Christ, who has blessed us "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ with Every Spiritual Blessing")). Thus, Balaam's inability to curse God's people in the Old Testament points to the glorious truth that in Christ, we are eternally blessed, and no power in heaven or on earth can reverse God's gracious declaration over us.

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.

Numbers 22:14

And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.