Numbers 22:18

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

And Balaam {H1109} answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto the servants {H5650} of Balak {H1111}, If Balak {H1111} would give {H5414} me his house {H1004} full {H4393} of silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, I cannot {H3201} go beyond {H5674} the word {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, to do {H6213} less {H6996} or more {H1419}.

Bil'am answered the servants of Balak, "Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of ADONAI my God to do anything, great or small.

But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of Jehovah my God, to do less or more.

Commentary

Numbers 22:18 presents a pivotal moment in the story of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet or diviner, and Balak, the King of Moab. Faced with an immense offer of wealth to curse the Israelites, Balaam declares his unwavering commitment to obey the direct command of the LORD.

Context

The Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, having recently defeated the Amorites. King Balak, terrified by their presence and past victories, sought to protect his kingdom by hiring Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam, renowned for his ability to bless or curse, was approached by Balak's messengers with lavish gifts. Initially, the LORD had forbidden Balaam from going with them or cursing Israel (Numbers 22:12). However, Balak sent a second, more numerous and honorable delegation, offering even greater riches and prestige. It is to this second, more tempting offer that Balaam responds in this verse, emphasizing that even the greatest worldly rewards cannot sway him from God's explicit instruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Balaam clearly articulates that God's will is supreme and cannot be manipulated or overridden by human desires, power, or wealth. The LORD's word is final.
  • Unwavering Obedience (Initial): Despite his later moral failings and eventual death for leading Israel astray (Numbers 31:16), Balaam here demonstrates an initial, profound understanding that he "cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more." This highlights a moment of clear spiritual resolve.
  • Integrity Under Temptation: The phrase "his house full of silver and gold" represents an extraordinary, almost irresistible temptation. Balaam's declaration underscores the principle that adherence to divine command should outweigh any material gain or worldly honor.
  • The Authority of God's Word: The verse emphasizes the absolute authority and unchangeable nature of God's revelation. What the LORD has declared is settled, and no human agent can alter it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: dabar Yahweh) is significant. Dabar refers not just to a spoken word but often to a decree, an instruction, or an action. It conveys the idea of an authoritative, active communication from God. Balaam's use of "my God" also indicates a personal acknowledgment, at least in this prophetic capacity, of the God of Israel as the source of his divine messages, even though he was not an Israelite.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:18 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Prioritize God's Will: We are called to place God's commands and principles above all worldly enticements, whether they be wealth, power, or popularity. Our ultimate allegiance must be to God, not to gain (Matthew 6:24).
  • Obey God's Word Strictly: Just as Balaam stated he could not do "less or more" than God commanded, we are encouraged to obey God's Word precisely, without adding to it or taking away from it (Deuteronomy 4:2).
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: This verse reassures us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or desires. His purposes will stand, regardless of opposition.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 24:13

    If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

  • 1 Kings 22:14

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:13

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

  • Numbers 23:26

    But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

  • Numbers 22:38

    And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • Acts 8:20

    But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
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