Numbers 22:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} came {H935} unto Balaam {H1109} at night {H3915}, and said {H559} unto him, If the men {H582} come {H935} to call {H7121} thee, rise up {H6965}, and go {H3212} with them; but yet {H389} the word {H1697} which I shall say {H1696} unto thee, that shalt thou do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God came to Bil'am during the night and said to him, "If the men have come to summon you, get up and go with them; but do only what I tell you."

Berean Standard Bible

That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:20 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, and his interaction with God concerning King Balak of Moab's fervent desire to curse the advancing Israelites. This verse reveals God's conditional permission for Balaam to accompany Balak's envoys, but it is immediately coupled with an unyielding divine mandate: Balaam is to speak only the words God commands, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over human will and action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative arc in Numbers 22-24. Earlier, King Balak, terrified by the sheer size of the Israelite encampment on the plains of Moab, dispatched messengers to Balaam, a renowned prophet-diviner, to hire him to curse Israel. God initially issued an unequivocal prohibition to Balaam, stating, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam")). However, Balak, undeterred, sent more numerous and prestigious princes with an even more enticing offer of riches and honor. Balaam, perhaps swayed by the allure of wealth, chose to inquire of God a second time, despite the clear initial command. Numbers 22:20 is God's nuanced response to this second inquiry, appearing to be a concession, yet it is profoundly restrictive, setting the stage for the subsequent events where God actively thwarts Balaam's intentions, culminating in the talking donkey incident ([Numbers 22:28](/numbers/22-28 "Numbers 22:28 - The Talking Donkey")) and God's anger at Balaam's journey ([Numbers 22:22](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22 - God's Anger at Balaam")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds as the Israelites are poised on the eastern side of the Jordan River, preparing to enter the Promised Land, causing significant apprehension among the surrounding nations, particularly Moab and Midian. In the ancient Near East, the practice of hiring professional diviners or prophets to pronounce blessings or curses was common, as it was believed such pronouncements held real spiritual power and could influence the outcome of conflicts. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was clearly recognized as someone who could genuinely hear from and speak for a deity, even the God of Israel. Kings like Balak would spare no expense to secure such services, believing that a divine curse could weaken an enemy more effectively than military might. This cultural backdrop highlights the perceived power of Balaam and the desperation of Balak, while simultaneously emphasizing God's unique authority that transcends human magical practices and political maneuvering.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control**. Despite Balaam's apparent desire for personal gain and Balak's persistent efforts, God maintains absolute control over the situation, demonstrating that His plans for His covenant people, Israel, cannot be thwarted by human or demonic forces. The verse also underscores the theme of **Conditional Permission vs. Divine Pleasure**. God's allowance for Balaam to go is not an endorsement of Balaam's covetous heart, but rather a means for God to achieve His own purposes, often in spite of human intentions. This highlights a crucial distinction: God may permit a path that is not His ideal or pleasing will for an individual, often to teach, test, or reveal His greater power. Finally, the narrative explores the complexities of **Obedience and Discerning God's Will**. Balaam's actions reveal a tension between his personal desires and God's clear instructions. While God permits him to go, the subsequent events suggest that Balaam's heart was not fully aligned with God's initial prohibition, even if his actions followed the letter of this conditional permission. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking loopholes in God's commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **'ephes (Hebrew, _'ephes'_):** This word, translated as "but yet" in the KJV, is a crucial conjunction meaning "only," "but," "nevertheless," or "however." Its placement at the beginning of the second clause ("but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do") creates a powerful antithesis. It emphatically limits the preceding permission, transforming it from a free allowance into a severely constrained mandate. Balaam's freedom to go is entirely negated by his absolute lack of freedom to speak anything other than God's precise words.
* **dabar (Hebrew, _dāḇār'_):** Translated as "word," this term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken words but also "matter," "thing," "affair," or "command." In this context, it refers to the specific divine utterance or instruction that God will give Balaam. The emphasis is on the divine origin and authority of the message, which Balaam is strictly bound to deliver without alteration. It underscores that Balaam is to be a mere conduit, not an independent agent.
* **'asah (Hebrew, _'āśâ'_):** This verb means "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to carry out." Its imperative use in the phrase "that shalt thou do" (literally, "that you shall do") highlights the absolute requirement of obedience. Balaam is not given an option; he is commanded to execute precisely what God dictates. This verb emphasizes the active and compulsory nature of Balaam's role as God's unwilling mouthpiece.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God came unto Balaam at night":** This phrase signifies a direct, personal, and authoritative divine encounter. God frequently communicates with His prophets and servants during the night, often through dreams or visions, indicating a special revelation. The setting underscores the solemnity and divine origin of the message Balaam receives.
* **"and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them;":** This clause presents God's conditional permission. The "If" clause acknowledges the reality of Balak's messengers and Balaam's persistent desire to go. While seemingly a reversal of the initial prohibition in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam"), it is not an endorsement of Balaam's motives. Instead, it is a divine allowance, perhaps a test, or a strategic move by God to use Balaam's journey for His own sovereign purposes, despite Balaam's flawed intentions.
* **"but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.":** This is the crucial, non-negotiable condition that completely circumscribes the permission. The strong conjunction "but yet" (Hebrew: `אֶפֶס`, _'ephes_) emphasizes the absolute limitation. Balaam is granted permission to go, but his actions and, more importantly, his words are entirely dictated by God. He is stripped of any independent agency in the matter of blessing or cursing Israel. This clause establishes God's ultimate control over Balaam's prophetic utterances, ensuring His people remain blessed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. A prominent one is the **Conditional Clause** ("If the men come... go with them"), which sets up a specific scenario and its permitted outcome. This is immediately followed by a powerful **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, sharply juxtaposing the granted freedom of movement ("go with them") with the absolute restriction on speech and action ("but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do"). This stark contrast highlights God's sovereignty and Balaam's limited agency. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly indicating that despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's initial desire, no curse will be uttered against Israel, as Balaam is bound by God's word. There is also an element of **Irony** in God using a diviner, who ordinarily operates independently, as a mere puppet to declare His divine will and protect His people, turning the very instrument intended for harm into one of blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:20 profoundly illustrates the unwavering sovereignty of God, demonstrating that His divine will cannot be thwarted by human machinations or even the flawed obedience of His instruments. God's conditional permission to Balaam, coupled with the absolute mandate to speak only His words, reveals a God who is not reactive but supremely in control, capable of using even the covetous desires of a non-Israelite diviner to advance His redemptive purposes for His covenant people. This passage underscores the critical theological distinction between God's permissive will (what He allows) and His perfect will (what He desires), a distinction often blurred by human presumption. Balaam's journey, though permitted, was not pleasing to God, yet God used it to showcase His power and faithfulness to His promises.
* [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [James 1:13-15](/james/1-13-15 "James 1:13-15 - Temptation and Desire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:20 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily on the nature of God's will and the call to genuine obedience. We must diligently learn to distinguish between God's permission and His full pleasure or ideal will. Sometimes, in His sovereignty, God may allow us to pursue a path that is not His best for us, either to test our hearts, to teach us a vital lesson, or to demonstrate His power through our flawed choices. True wisdom lies not in finding loopholes or pushing for a "yes" when God's heart is "no," but in prayerfully seeking and submitting to His perfect will, even when it contradicts our desires or external pressures. Like Balaam, we are called to speak and act according to what God has revealed in His Word, not according to personal gain, popular opinion, or the demands of others. Our ultimate authority must always be God's unchanging Word, recognizing that His purposes will prevail, regardless of our intentions or the opposition we face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between God's permissive will and His perfect, pleasing will in my life's decisions?**
* **In what areas am I tempted to seek personal gain or convenience over God's clear commands or promptings?**
* **What external pressures or internal desires might cause me to re-inquire of God when His initial answer was clear?**
* **How can I ensure my actions and words are truly aligned with God's revealed Word, rather than merely adhering to the letter of a conditional allowance?**

### FAQ
**Why did God seemingly change His mind and allow Balaam to go after initially forbidding it?**

Answer: God did not "change His mind" in the human sense of indecision or regret. His initial, unequivocal "no" in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam") represented His perfect will and desire for Balaam. However, Balaam's persistence, likely fueled by the allure of Balak's increasingly generous offers, led him to re-inquire. In response to Balaam's persistent desire, God granted a *conditional permission* in [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God's Conditional Permission to Balaam"). This was not an endorsement of Balaam's covetous heart, but rather a strategic move by God to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty. God allowed Balaam to go so that He could use him as an unwilling instrument to declare blessings upon Israel, thereby preventing any curses and showcasing His power over all human and spiritual forces. It was a test for Balaam and a means for God to fulfill His own purposes, despite Balaam's flawed motives.

**Was Balaam a true prophet of God, or merely a pagan diviner?**

Answer: Balaam was a complex figure who operated in the ancient Near Eastern tradition of diviners, yet he clearly had genuine encounters with and received direct revelation from the God of Israel. He was recognized by others, including Balak, for his ability to bless and curse effectively. God indeed spoke to him and used him as a mouthpiece to deliver divine oracles. However, Balaam's heart was not fully devoted to God. He was ultimately motivated by greed and personal gain, as evidenced by his willingness to re-inquire of God and his later counsel to Balak to tempt Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Wicked Counsel")). The New Testament condemns Balaam for his "error" and "madness" ([2 Peter 2:15-16](/2_peter/2-15-16 "2 Peter 2:15-16 - The Error of Balaam")) and his "way" ([Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Balaam")), indicating that while he could hear from God, his character and ultimate allegiance were compromised. He was a prophet in the sense that he delivered God's messages, but not a faithful servant of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam, particularly God's absolute control over his words in [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God's Conditional Permission to Balaam"), powerfully foreshadows the perfect and ultimate Word of God, Jesus Christ. Just as Balaam was constrained to speak only what God commanded, Jesus, the incarnate Word, perfectly embodied and spoke the will of the Father, declaring, "I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me" ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks as the Father Taught Him")). Unlike Balaam, who sought personal gain and ultimately succumbed to wickedness, Christ perfectly fulfilled God's will, even to the point of death on the cross. The turning of Balak's intended curses into blessings for Israel through Balaam's constrained prophecies finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who became a curse for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Became a Curse for Us")) so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit. He took upon Himself the ultimate curse of sin, transforming it into eternal blessing and redemption for all who believe. Balaam's failure to truly obey and his eventual demise highlight the need for a perfect mediator and Shepherd, a role perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, who protects His flock from all evil and leads them into abundant life, unlike Balaam who sought to exploit them.

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?

Numbers 23:12

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

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 22:35

And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.