Numbers 22:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:18 captures a pivotal declaration by Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, to the emissaries of Balak, King of Moab. Faced with an offer of immense wealth—"his house full of silver and gold"—to curse the advancing Israelites, Balaam asserts his absolute inability to deviate, either by doing "less or more," from the explicit command of the LORD his God. This statement, while seemingly demonstrating unwavering obedience, stands in stark contrast to Balaam's subsequent actions, yet it powerfully underscores the unchallengeable sovereignty and authority of God's revealed word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22 initiates the complex and enigmatic narrative of Balaam, which spans through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Oracles") and culminates in his death in [Numbers 31:8](/numbers/31-8 "Numbers 31:8 - Balaam's Death"). Following Israel's decisive victories over the Amorites and Og, they are now encamped on the plains of Moab, directly across from Jericho. This verse is Balaam's response to Balak's second, more prestigious delegation, sent after God had initially forbidden Balaam from going with the first group or cursing Israel ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Command to Balaam")). Balaam's declaration here sets up the tension between his stated obedience and his evident desire for the promised rewards, a tension that drives the subsequent narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, around the late Bronze Age (approximately 1400-1200 BC), a period marked by regional conflicts and the rise and fall of various city-states and kingdoms. Kings like Balak often employed diviners or seers, like Balaam, to secure divine favor or curses against enemies, believing such pronouncements held real power. The practice of divination and the belief in curses were widespread in the ancient Near East. The "house full of silver and gold" was not mere hyperbole but represented the ultimate expression of royal patronage and wealth, a temptation of unparalleled magnitude in that cultural milieu, designed to sway even the most principled individual.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the **absolute sovereignty of Yahweh** over all nations and even over the pronouncements of non-Israelite prophets, demonstrating that God's plans for Israel cannot be thwarted by human or demonic machinations. Despite Balaam's later moral compromise and his counsel leading Israel into sin ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel Leads to Sin")), his initial declaration powerfully underscores the **irrevocable nature of God's word and covenant promises** to Israel. This verse also introduces the theme of **temptation and human fallibility**, as Balaam's stated resolve is immediately tested by his subsequent actions, revealing the struggle between divine command and personal desire. Ultimately, it reinforces the **divine protection of Israel**, showing that even when threatened by powerful enemies and spiritual forces, God's steadfast love and purpose prevail, turning a potential curse into a blessing ([Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dāḇār'_):** Translated as "word" in "the word of the LORD," _dāḇār_ is a rich Hebrew term that signifies more than just a spoken utterance. It encompasses a decree, an instruction, a command, a promise, or even an event or matter. It carries the weight of authority and efficacy, implying that God's word is not merely informative but performative—it accomplishes what it declares. Balaam's use of this term emphasizes the active, authoritative nature of God's communication.
* **LORD my God (Hebrew, _YHWH ʾĕlōhay'_):** Balaam's use of "YHWH," the personal covenant name of Israel's God, is significant, especially coming from a non-Israelite. It indicates a direct, personal encounter and recognition of Yahweh's authority over him, at least in a prophetic capacity. The possessive "my God" further suggests a unique, if not entirely exclusive, relationship or acknowledgment of Yahweh as the source of his prophetic power, distinguishing Him from other deities. This phrase underscores the personal nature of the divine revelation Balaam claims to receive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak":** This opening clause sets the scene, identifying the speaker and his audience. Balaam is responding to Balak's second, more insistent delegation, highlighting the mounting pressure and temptation he faces. His answer is a direct address to those who represent the king's immense power and wealth.
* **"If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold":** This is a powerful hypothetical statement, emphasizing the extreme nature of the temptation. "His house full" is a hyperbole, signifying an immeasurable, irresistible fortune. It highlights the magnitude of the worldly reward being offered and underscores the perceived value of Balaam's prophetic services.
* **"I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God":** This is Balaam's central declaration of allegiance. He asserts an absolute inability to transgress or exceed the divine command. This statement reflects a profound understanding of God's sovereignty and the binding nature of His word, positioning it as the ultimate authority above all earthly inducements.
* **"to do less or more":** This phrase further emphasizes the precision and immutability of God's command. Balaam claims he cannot alter God's word in any way—neither diminishing its scope nor adding to its content. This speaks to the absolute authority and completeness of divine revelation, implying that God's will is perfect and requires no human modification.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:18 is rich in literary devices that amplify its meaning and dramatic tension. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the phrase "his house full of silver and gold." This exaggeration vividly portrays the immense, almost unimaginable, wealth offered to Balaam, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the temptation he faces. This rhetorical device serves to magnify Balaam's apparent resolve. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, setting the boundless material riches against the unyielding, authoritative "word of the LORD my God." This juxtaposition highlights the fundamental conflict between worldly gain and divine obedience, establishing the moral dilemma at the heart of the narrative. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, as Balaam's declaration of unwavering obedience, while seemingly noble, subtly hints at the internal struggle and potential for compromise that will define his character throughout the subsequent chapters, ultimately leading to his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:18 serves as a foundational text for understanding the absolute sovereignty of God and the unchallengeable authority of His word. Despite Balaam's later moral failings, his initial declaration articulates a profound theological truth: God's will cannot be bought, manipulated, or circumvented by human power or wealth. This verse underscores that God's purposes for His people are immutable and will be accomplished regardless of opposition, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It also highlights the principle that true obedience to God demands prioritizing His commands above all earthly enticements, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "You Cannot Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Balaam's declaration in Numbers 22:18 presents a powerful, albeit complex, model for reflection on our own allegiance and priorities. While Balaam himself ultimately succumbed to temptation, his initial resolve to place God's word above all earthly gain challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie. In a world that constantly entices with promises of wealth, prestige, and comfort, this verse calls us to a radical commitment: to prioritize God's voice above all competing voices, to value His will above all personal desires, and to obey His commands without reservation or compromise. It reminds us that true spiritual integrity is demonstrated not just in what we say, but in our consistent adherence to God's truth, even when the cost is high or the temptation is immense. Our ultimate security and blessing come from aligning ourselves completely with the unchangeable word of the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "silver and gold" in your life tempts you to compromise your obedience to God's word?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "do less or more" than what God has clearly commanded?**
* **How does Balaam's initial declaration, despite his later actions, challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and the power of His word?**

### FAQ
**Was Balaam a true prophet of the LORD, given his declaration?**

Answer: Balaam was undeniably a recipient of divine revelation from Yahweh, as evidenced by his oracles in Numbers 23-24, which are undeniably from God and bless Israel. His statement in [Numbers 22:18](/numbers/22-18 "Balaam's Declaration of Obedience") strongly suggests a recognition of Yahweh's authority. However, his character is complex and ultimately flawed. While he could hear from God, he was also driven by greed ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "Balaam's Way of Error")) and eventually counseled Balak to entice Israel into idolatry and immorality ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Balaam's Counsel Leads to Sin"), [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "The Teaching of Balaam")). So, he was a prophet in the sense that God spoke through him, but not a faithful or righteous one. His story serves as a warning that one can possess spiritual gifts without possessing true spiritual integrity or salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:18, with Balaam's declaration of absolute submission to "the word of the LORD my God," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Balaam, despite his profound statement, ultimately faltered and sought to circumvent God's will for personal gain, Jesus perfectly embodied this principle of unwavering obedience. He is the living "Word of God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God")), who always did what was pleasing to the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Unlike Balaam, who was tempted by "silver and gold," Christ rejected all worldly kingdoms and glory offered by Satan ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "The Temptation of Jesus")) to fulfill His divine mission. His life was a seamless demonstration of never going "less or more" than the Father's will, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the unchangeable nature of God's word, which Balaam articulated, is perfectly manifested in Christ, for "heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "The Permanence of Jesus' Words")). Jesus is the faithful Prophet, Priest, and King, whose perfect obedience secures salvation where all human efforts, including Balaam's flawed attempts, fall short.

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

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.