Numbers 22:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Balaam {H1109}, Go {H3212} with the men {H582}: but only {H657} the word {H1697} that I shall speak {H1696} unto thee, that thou shalt speak {H1696}. So Balaam {H1109} went {H3212} with the princes {H8269} of Balak {H1111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the angel of ADONAI said to Bil'am, "No, go on with the men; but you are to say only what I tell you to say." So Bil'am went along with the princes of Balak.

Berean Standard Bible

But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:35 marks the decisive moment in the dramatic encounter between Balaam and the Angel of the LORD. Following Balaam's divine confrontation and the miraculous speaking of his donkey, this verse confirms God's renewed, albeit strictly conditional, permission for Balaam to proceed to King Balak. The core message conveyed is God's absolute sovereignty over Balaam's words, ensuring that only the divine message, not Balak's desired curse, would be uttered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate resolution to the intense confrontation that began in [Numbers 22:22](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22 - The Angel of the LORD Confronts Balaam"). Earlier, God had explicitly forbidden Balaam from accompanying Balak's envoys to curse Israel ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam")). However, after Balak's persistent entreaties and Balaam's repeated inquiry, God granted conditional permission for him to go, but with the strict caveat: "only the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou speak" ([Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God's Conditional Permission")). The subsequent dramatic encounter with the Angel of the LORD, culminating in the donkey's miraculous speech and Balaam's eyes being opened, served to powerfully reinforce this divine mandate. Thus, [Numbers 22:35](/numbers/22-35 "The Angel's Final Command to Balaam") is the Angel's final, direct command, reiterating the condition and allowing Balaam to continue, setting the stage for the prophetic oracles that follow in [Numbers 23](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's First and Second Oracles").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Balaam was a renowned diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia, a region known for its magical and prophetic practices. In the ancient Near East, diviners and seers were believed to possess power to influence events through blessings and curses. King Balak of Moab, fearing the vast Israelite encampment on his border, sought to employ Balaam's services to curse Israel, a common tactic in ancient warfare. The Israelites, having recently defeated the Amorites, were a formidable presence. This cultural backdrop highlights the unique nature of YHWH's control over Balaam. Unlike other deities, YHWH is not manipulable by human divination; instead, He dictates the prophet's very words, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all powers, human or supernatural.

* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [Numbers 22:35](/numbers/22-35 "The Angel's Final Command to Balaam") is God's absolute **sovereignty** over human will and speech. Despite Balak's intent to hire Balaam to curse Israel, God ensures that only His message will be delivered, demonstrating His ultimate power to protect His people and execute His plans, even through an unwilling or morally compromised agent. This also highlights the theme of **divine protection of Israel**, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, whom no curse can touch ([Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the nature of true **prophecy** – it is not a human utterance but the direct word of God, a concept reinforced throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Balaam's conditional obedience, "Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak," also brings to the forefront the theme of **human agency under divine control**, where human actions, especially those with prophetic implications, are ultimately subservient to God's authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, _mal’akh YHWH'_):** This is a significant Old Testament designation, often understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself or a divine messenger acting with God's full authority and speaking as God. In this narrative, the Angel's direct intervention, confrontation, and authoritative speech underscore the divine origin and absolute nature of the command given to Balaam, leaving no doubt that Balaam is dealing directly with the divine will, not merely a lesser spirit.
* **word (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The singular "word" emphasizes that Balaam is to be a mere conduit for a specific, singular divine message, not a source of his own or Balak's desired utterances. This term carries weight, often referring to God's authoritative decree or prophetic utterance. The repetition of the verb "speak" (דָּבַר, _davar_) in relation to this "word" further highlights the precise and non-negotiable nature of Balaam's mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men:"** This clause signifies a reversal of the Angel's initial stance (blocking the way) and God's earlier prohibition. It grants Balaam permission to continue his journey with Balak's envoys. This permission, however, is not a concession to Balaam's will but part of God's larger plan to demonstrate His sovereignty. The confrontation has served its purpose: to humble Balaam and prepare him for the strict condition that follows.
* **"but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak."** This is the absolute, non-negotiable condition that governs Balaam's permission to proceed. It transforms Balaam from an independent diviner into a divinely controlled mouthpiece. His own desires, the king's demands, or any personal gain are rendered irrelevant; his speech must be exclusively God's word. This clause sets the stage for the subsequent oracles, where Balaam, despite his intentions, is compelled to bless Israel.
* **"So Balaam went with the princes of Balak."** This final clause records Balaam's immediate compliance. Having been thoroughly humbled and having his eyes opened to the divine reality, Balaam now understands the gravity of his situation. He proceeds, but no longer with the illusion of independent agency. His journey continues, but his mission is now entirely dictated by the divine will, a stark contrast to his earlier eagerness driven by potential reward.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as the Angel of the LORD directly confronts and commands Balaam, highlighting God's active involvement in human affairs and His determination to protect His people. There is clear **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as the explicit command that Balaam will speak "only the word that I shall speak unto thee" sets up the dramatic irony of the subsequent chapters where Balaam, hired to curse Israel, is compelled to utter blessings instead. This also demonstrates **Irony**, as Balaam, a renowned diviner who typically controls his own prophetic utterances, is now rendered a mere passive instrument, his tongue completely subservient to a higher power. The **Repetition** of the root _davar_ (speak/word) in the key phrase "only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak" underscores the absolute nature of the divine mandate and Balaam's complete lack of autonomy in his prophetic role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:35 powerfully articulates the theme of divine sovereignty, asserting God's absolute control over all circumstances, even the speech of those who might oppose His will. It demonstrates that no human scheme, no matter how potent or well-resourced, can ultimately thwart God's purposes for His chosen people. This verse underscores that true prophecy is not a human enterprise but a divine utterance, emphasizing God's unique ability to communicate His will and ensure its fulfillment. It transforms Balaam from a pagan diviner into an unwilling prophet of YHWH, highlighting God's capacity to use even imperfect or compromised instruments to achieve His holy ends, ultimately turning a potential curse into a blessing for Israel.

* [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")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Balaam, culminating in the divine mandate of Numbers 22:35, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's sovereign will ultimately prevails over all human intentions and machinations. For those who feel overwhelmed by the forces of opposition or the schemes of the ungodly, this passage offers immense comfort and assurance: God is in control, His plans for His people cannot be thwarted, and He can even turn intended harm into blessing. Furthermore, for anyone who speaks on behalf of God, whether in ministry, teaching, or sharing their faith, this verse is a stark call to integrity and faithfulness. We are called to speak "only the word that [God] shall speak," prioritizing divine truth over personal opinions, popular sentiment, or the desire for human approval. It challenges us to be careful stewards of God's revelation, ensuring our words align with His, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Finally, the use of a flawed character like Balaam reminds us of God's incredible grace and power to work through imperfect instruments, demonstrating that our usefulness to God is not contingent on our perfection, but on His sovereign choice and our willingness to submit to His divine word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control to God's sovereign will, trusting that His plans will prevail?**
* **How does the principle of speaking "only the word that I shall speak unto thee" apply to your own communication, especially when sharing spiritual truths?**
* **What comfort do you draw from the fact that God can use imperfect people, even those with mixed motives, to accomplish His divine purposes?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Angel of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mal’akh YHWH_) is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ or a divine messenger who speaks and acts with the full authority of God Himself. In the context of [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and His Donkey"), this Angel is clearly portrayed as a divine being, capable of seeing what Balaam cannot, speaking directly to Balaam, and issuing commands with ultimate authority, demonstrating God's direct intervention in human affairs. The Angel's appearance underscores the divine origin of the message Balaam is about to receive and the absolute sovereignty of God over Balaam's actions and words.

**Why did God allow Balaam to go with Balak's men after initially forbidding it?**

Answer: God's initial prohibition in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam") was clear. However, Balaam's persistence, driven by the lure of reward, led him to inquire again. God's subsequent permission in [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God's Conditional Permission"), reiterated and enforced by the Angel in [Numbers 22:35](/numbers/22-35 "The Angel's Final Command to Balaam"), was not a change of mind but a strategic move to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty. By allowing Balaam to go, God ensured that Balaam would be a public witness to His power, unable to curse Israel and compelled to bless them instead. This served to glorify God, protect Israel, and expose Balaam's mixed motives, proving that God can turn even the intentions of the wicked to serve His divine purposes ([Proverbs 16:4](/proverbs/16-4 "Proverbs 16:4 - The Lord Has Made Everything for its Purpose")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:35, with its emphasis on God's absolute control over Balaam's words and His unwavering protection of Israel, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word" of God, the Logos ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), through whom all things were created and through whom God perfectly reveals Himself. Just as the Angel of the LORD ensured Balaam spoke only God's word, Jesus Himself declared, "For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak" ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). He is the Prophet par excellence, whose every utterance was in perfect alignment with the Father's will. Furthermore, the divine protection of Israel from Balaam's curse foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of turning the curse of sin into an eternal blessing for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became a curse for us, "so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith" ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He, the true Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), rendering all curses powerless against those who are in Him, for whom there is now no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Isaiah 37:26

Hast thou not heard long ago, [how] I have done it; [and] of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities [into] ruinous heaps.

Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

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 22:21

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

Psalms 81:12

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

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.