Numbers 22:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balaam {H1109} said {H559} unto Balak {H1111}, Lo, I am come {H935} unto thee: have I now any power {H3201} at all {H3201} to say {H1696} any thing {H3972}? the word {H1697} that God {H430} putteth {H7760} in my mouth {H6310}, that shall I speak {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bil'am replied to Balak, "Here, I've come to you! But I have no power of my own to say anything. The word that God puts in my mouth is what I will say."

Berean Standard Bible

“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:38 captures the pivotal moment of Balaam's arrival before King Balak, where the Mesopotamian diviner immediately asserts his complete subservience to the divine will. Despite being summoned by Balak to curse the encroaching Israelites, Balaam unequivocally declares that he possesses no independent power or authority to speak; rather, he is compelled to utter only the precise words that God Himself places in his mouth. This declaration sets the theological stage for the entire prophetic narrative, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human intentions and even over the utterances of a pagan prophet, ensuring His unthwartable plan for Israel's blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:38 marks a crucial turning point following a dramatic sequence of events. Balaam, a renowned diviner, has been summoned by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Israelites who are encamped on the plains of Moab, causing great fear. Initially, God explicitly forbids Balaam from going with Balak's envoys, stating, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")). However, when Balak sends more prestigious officials and offers greater rewards, Balaam, despite God's renewed conditional permission, demonstrates a desire for personal gain. This leads to the extraordinary episode of God sending an angel to block Balaam's path, an angel visible only to his donkey, which miraculously speaks to him ([Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22-35 - The Angel of the LORD and Balaam's Donkey")). The angel reiterates God's strict command: Balaam may go, but "only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak" ([Numbers 22:35](/numbers/22-35 "Numbers 22:35 - The Angel's Command to Balaam")). Thus, by the time Balaam arrives before Balak in verse 38, the audience is fully aware of the divine constraint under which he operates, making his immediate declaration of subservience to God's word both a confirmation and a dramatic setup for the unexpected blessings that will follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of hiring foreign diviners or prophets to pronounce blessings or curses was a common and significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and warfare. Kings believed that such pronouncements could influence the outcome of battles or the prosperity of nations. Balak's desperation stemmed from the immense fear of the numerous and powerful Israelite nation, whose recent victories were well-known. Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea, felt directly threatened by Israel's presence. Balaam, from Pethor in Mesopotamia (likely near the Euphrates), was known for his potent blessings and curses, suggesting a widespread reputation. His willingness to travel such a distance for a fee highlights the mercenary nature of some ancient prophetic practices. However, the narrative in Numbers subverts this cultural norm by demonstrating that even a renowned pagan diviner cannot manipulate the divine will of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who maintains absolute control over all human and spiritual powers.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:38 powerfully introduces and reinforces several overarching themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all circumstances and individuals, even those who might seemingly oppose His will or operate outside His direct covenant. Despite Balak's fervent desire for curses and Balaam's initial inclination for reward, God's purpose for Israel could not be thwarted, illustrating that "many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails" ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails")). Secondly, the verse highlights the nature of **Authentic Prophecy and Divine Inspiration**. Balaam's statement, "the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak," defines true prophecy not as the prophet's own opinion or desire, but as a direct, divinely inspired message. This principle is fundamental to understanding how God communicates His will, as seen in Jeremiah's call where God declares, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth" ([Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")). Finally, the narrative confirms **God's Unchanging Purpose and Covenant Faithfulness** to His people. God's plan for Israel, which includes blessing them, is unchangeable. No human or spiritual power can overturn His decrees, reinforcing the truth that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind" ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God Does Not Lie or Change His Mind")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Hebrew, כֹּחַ _koach'_):** This term denotes strength, ability, capacity, or inherent authority. By asking rhetorically, "have I now any power at all to say any thing?", Balaam explicitly denies any personal, independent capability or authority to utter words of his own choosing. He is not merely stating a lack of physical strength, but a complete absence of spiritual or volitional power to deviate from God's directive. This emphasizes his role as a passive instrument, rather than an active agent, in the divine communication.
* **Putteth (Hebrew, נָתַן _natan'_):** This versatile verb means "to give," "to place," or "to put." In this context, it signifies a direct, active, and intentional impartation of words by God into Balaam's mouth. It is not merely an influence or a general idea, but a specific, divinely dictated message. This highlights the concept of verbal inspiration, where the very words spoken by the prophet are given by God, ensuring their accuracy, authority, and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
* **Speak (Hebrew, דָּבַר _dabar'_):** This verb means "to speak," "to say," or "to declare." It implies a direct, verbal communication. The repetition of this verb in the phrase "that shall I speak" emphasizes Balaam's complete submission and compulsion. He is not just receiving a message; he is bound to articulate it precisely as given, without alteration or personal interpretation. This underscores the authoritative nature of the divine utterance that is about to follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee:"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate setting: Balaam's arrival and direct address to King Balak. It acknowledges the purpose of his journey – to fulfill Balak's summons. This sets a tone of anticipation, as Balak expects a curse, but Balaam's subsequent words immediately introduce a profound caveat.
* **"have I now any power at all to say any thing?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to elicit a negative answer and emphatically deny Balaam's personal agency. It's a crucial disclaimer, serving to disabuse Balak of any notion that Balaam's words will be his own or influenced by Balak's desires or payment. It immediately shifts the locus of authority from Balaam to a higher power.
* **"the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak."**: This is the core declaration of the verse and the narrative's central theological assertion. Balaam states unequivocally that he is merely a conduit for divine revelation. His words are not his own; they are divinely originated and divinely imposed. The phrase "that shall I speak" implies an absolute compulsion and commitment to utter precisely what God dictates, regardless of his own desires or Balak's expectations. This statement effectively pre-empts any attempt by Balak to coerce or bribe Balaam into cursing Israel, establishing God's unassailable sovereignty over the situation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:38 employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Balaam's declaration that he can only speak what God puts in his mouth immediately signals that the anticipated curses will not materialize; instead, blessings will follow, much to Balak's dismay. This creates **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience (and Balaam) knows the outcome of the encounter, while Balak remains tragically oblivious, continuing to expect a curse. The **Rhetorical Question**, "have I now any power at all to say any thing?", serves to emphasize Balaam's complete lack of autonomy and to highlight the divine control over his speech. Furthermore, the verse establishes a stark **Contrast** between Balak's human will and desperate political maneuvering, and God's sovereign, unchangeable divine will. This tension drives the subsequent narrative, demonstrating the futility of human opposition against God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:38 is a profound testament to the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating His unyielding control over all creation, including the hearts and mouths of individuals, even those who are not His covenant people or who harbor intentions contrary to His will. This narrative affirms that God's word is supreme and His purposes cannot be thwarted by human machinations, political power, or even the spiritual forces of darkness. It underscores that true prophetic utterance originates solely from God, making the prophet a vessel rather than the source. This divine control over Balaam's speech ensures the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, highlighting His faithfulness and the immutability of His blessings.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:38 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today: God's sovereignty is absolute, and His purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition or the most formidable challenges we face. In a world that often feels chaotic or controlled by powerful, self-serving interests, this verse reminds us to anchor our trust in the God who can even turn a hired curse into a blessing. For those called to speak on behalf of God, whether in formal ministry, evangelism, or daily conversations, Balaam's declaration serves as a vital reminder of humility and submission. Our words must not be our own opinions, desires for popularity, or attempts to manipulate, but rather faithful echoes of God's revealed truth. This calls us to diligent study of His Word, fervent prayer for divine guidance, and a courageous commitment to speak "only what the Lord speaks," even when it is unpopular or goes against prevailing cultural currents. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we seeking personal gain or God's glory? Are we truly conduits of His message, or are we subtly injecting our own agendas?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's declaration challenge our own assumptions about control and influence in our lives and in the world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender your "power to say anything" to God's ultimate will, trusting that His purposes will prevail?**
* **How can we ensure that our words, especially when speaking about faith or truth, truly reflect God's message rather than our own desires, biases, or fears of man?**

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

Answer: Balaam is a complex and paradoxical figure. He was indeed a pagan diviner from Mesopotamia, operating within the ancient Near Eastern tradition of using divination for hire. However, the biblical narrative clearly shows that God (Yahweh) directly communicated with him, used him as a mouthpiece, and even intervened supernaturally in his journey. Balaam recognized Yahweh's power and acknowledged His authority in Numbers 22:38 and subsequent chapters. While his words were divinely inspired in these instances, his personal character was flawed, motivated by greed, and he is later condemned for giving counsel to Balak that led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16; [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Teaching of Balaam")). So, he was a pagan diviner whom God sovereignly chose to use as a prophet for a specific purpose, demonstrating that God can use anyone, even an unwilling or morally compromised individual, to accomplish His will.

**Why did God allow Balaam to go with Balak, after initially forbidding it?**

Answer: God's initial prohibition was clear: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")). However, when Balaam persisted and the Moabite officials returned with greater offers, God allowed him to go, but with a strict and reiterated condition: "only the word that I shall say to you, that you shall speak" ([Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God Permits Balaam to Go with Conditions")). This permission, despite Balaam's apparent greed, served a higher divine purpose. It demonstrated God's absolute control, turning Balak's attempt to curse into an opportunity to publicly bless Israel and display His sovereignty, even over a reluctant and self-serving prophet. The dramatic intervention of the angel of the Lord and the talking donkey ([Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22-35 - The Angel of the LORD and Balaam's Donkey")) further reinforced this divine constraint, ensuring Balaam understood that his words would be God's, not his own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:38, with Balaam's declaration of being a mere conduit for God's words, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. While Balaam was a flawed and unwilling mouthpiece, bound by divine constraint, Jesus perfectly embodies the principle of speaking only what the Father gives Him to say. Jesus consistently affirmed, "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 What the Father Commands")). He declared, "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - Jesus and the Father are One")). Unlike Balaam, who was motivated by greed and later led Israel astray, Jesus perfectly submitted His will to the Father's, speaking words of truth, life, and salvation ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life"); [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession to Jesus")). The inability of Balak or any human power to thwart God's blessing on Israel through Balaam's unwilling prophecy powerfully prefigures the ultimate inability of any earthly or demonic power to thwart God's redemptive plan through Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), rendering their curses powerless and securing eternal blessing for all who believe, fulfilling the very essence of God's unchangeable purpose to bless His people.

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

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

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.

Numbers 23:16

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

Numbers 23:26

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

Psalms 33:10

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: