Numbers 22:6

KJV

Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they [are] too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, [that] we may smite them, and [that] I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest [is] blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212} now therefore, I pray thee, curse {H779} me this people {H5971}; for they are too mighty {H6099} for me: peradventure I shall prevail {H3201}, that we may smite {H5221} them, and that I may drive them out {H1644} of the land {H776}: for I wot {H3045} that he whom thou blessest {H1288} is blessed {H1288}, and he whom thou cursest {H779} is cursed {H779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, please come, and curse this people for me, because they are stronger than I am. Maybe I will be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land, for I know that whomever you bless is in fact blessed, and whomever you curse is in fact cursed."

Berean Standard Bible

So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

American Standard Version

Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:6 presents the urgent and fearful plea of King Balak of Moab to Balaam, a renowned Mesopotamian diviner. Overwhelmed by the vast numbers and recent military successes of the Israelite nation encamped on his border, Balak seeks to employ Balaam's reputed spiritual power to curse the Israelites. His desperate request, "curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me," underscores his profound terror and his belief in Balaam's ability to supernaturally disable an enemy, a conviction explicitly stated in his acknowledgment: "I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed." This verse initiates the dramatic narrative of Balak's attempts to thwart God's plan for Israel through sorcery, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:6 marks the pivotal beginning of the Balaam narrative, which spans from [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam's Encounter with God") through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Final Prophecies"). This section immediately follows Israel's decisive victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel's Victories Over Sihon and Og"). Having successfully navigated the wilderness and established their presence east of the Jordan, the Israelites are now encamped in the plains of Moab, directly threatening Balak's kingdom. Balak's fear, expressed in this verse, is a direct response to Israel's overwhelming numbers and their demonstrated military prowess, which he perceives as an existential threat to his land and people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of hiring seers, diviners, or prophets to invoke blessings or curses upon individuals or nations was widespread and deeply ingrained in cultural and religious beliefs. Kings often sought such spiritual assistance before battles or in times of crisis, believing that divine favor or disfavor could directly influence the outcome of human endeavors. Balak's actions reflect this common practice, viewing Balaam not merely as a wise man but as a powerful spiritual conduit whose pronouncements held tangible, supernatural efficacy. The Moabites, like other nations in the region, were polytheistic, and their understanding of spiritual power was often syncretistic, believing that a powerful diviner could manipulate even the deity of another nation.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:6 introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout the Balaam narrative and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human opposition to God's divine plan**. Balak's attempt to curse Israel is, at its core, an effort to thwart Yahweh's promise to bring His people into the Promised Land, as seen in the covenant made with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **power of spoken words**, particularly blessings and curses, in the ancient worldview, setting the stage for God's demonstration that true spiritual power originates solely from Him, not from human manipulation or pagan rituals. Finally, it emphasizes **divine sovereignty and protection**, as the narrative will ultimately reveal that no human or spiritual force can successfully curse those whom God has chosen to bless, echoing the sentiment found in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curse (Hebrew, _qavav'_):** The verb קָבַב (_qavav_) means "to bind," "to denounce," or "to utter a spell against." It carries a strong connotation of magical or ritualistic cursing, aiming to supernaturally disable or render powerless through spoken words. Balak's choice of this specific verb suggests his desire for Balaam to cast a binding enchantment or spell that would weaken Israel, making them vulnerable to military defeat.
* **Wot (Archaic English):** This archaic English verb means "to know" or "to understand." Balak's declaration, "I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed," emphasizes his firm conviction and confidence in Balaam's perceived spiritual authority. It highlights Balak's pagan understanding of spiritual power, where a diviner's pronouncements were believed to have inherent, independent efficacy.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _barakh'_)/Cursed (Hebrew, _arar'_):** The Hebrew terms בָּרַךְ (_barakh_) for "blessed" and אָרַר (_arar_) for "cursed" carry profound theological weight. _Barakh_ signifies divine favor, prosperity, and well-being, often implying an infusion of life and fruitfulness. _Arar_ denotes divine disfavor, alienation, and ruin, often with lasting and devastating consequences. The stark contrast in Balak's statement sets up the central conflict of the narrative: whether human manipulation can reverse God's divine blessing or impose a curse where God intends favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people;":** Balak's desperate plea to Balaam, revealing his immediate and urgent need for supernatural intervention. The phrase "curse me this people" is a direct command, indicating his belief in Balaam's ability to act as an agent of spiritual harm.
* **"for they [are] too mighty for me:":** This clause articulates Balak's primary motivation: overwhelming fear and a sense of military inadequacy. He acknowledges Israel's superior strength, indicating that conventional warfare is not a viable option, thus necessitating a spiritual solution.
* **"peradventure I shall prevail, [that] we may smite them, and [that] I may drive them out of the land:":** Balak outlines his desired outcome. The "curse" is not an end in itself but a means to an end: to weaken Israel so that Moab can militarily defeat them ("smite them") and expel them from the territory ("drive them out of the land"), thereby removing the perceived threat.
* **"for I wot that he whom thou blessest [is] blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.":** This final clause serves as Balak's justification for seeking Balaam. It is a testament to Balaam's widespread reputation as a potent diviner whose words were believed to carry inherent power to effect divine favor or disfavor. Balak's conviction in Balaam's spiritual authority underscores the pagan worldview prevalent in the ancient Near East regarding the efficacy of such pronouncements.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:6 employs several impactful literary devices. The entire verse is a prime example of **Dialogue**, as it records Balak's direct address to Balaam, immediately establishing the central conflict and the king's desperate state. There is significant **Foreshadowing** in Balak's statement, "I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed." This line ironically foreshadows the very outcome of the narrative, where Balaam, despite Balak's intentions, is compelled by God to bless Israel and is unable to curse them. The statement "they are too mighty for me" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, reflecting Balak's extreme fear and the perceived existential threat, even if Israel's actual military strength against Moab was yet to be tested. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in Balak's reliance on a foreign diviner to curse a people who are under the direct, unshakeable blessing of the one true God, setting up the dramatic reversal that will unfold in subsequent chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:6 introduces the profound theological truth that God's sovereign will and His covenantal blessings cannot be thwarted by human schemes or pagan sorcery. Balak's desperate attempt to manipulate spiritual forces to curse Israel underscores the futility of human opposition to divine purpose. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly His commitment to protect and prosper His chosen people. It demonstrates that true blessing and cursing originate solely from the Lord, not from the pronouncements of human agents, however renowned. The story ultimately reveals that God can even use those outside His covenant, like Balaam, to declare His unchangeable decrees, turning intended curses into blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 26:2](/proverbs/26-2 "Proverbs 26:2 - A Causeless Curse Does Not Alight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:6, and the subsequent narrative, offers profound lessons for believers today. Balak's fear-driven actions remind us that when we perceive overwhelming threats or challenges, our natural inclination might be to seek control through human means, even resorting to desperate or ungodly measures. However, the story powerfully asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances and all powers, both seen and unseen. It encourages us to trust in God's unwavering protection and His unfailing faithfulness to His promises, rather than succumbing to fear or attempting to manipulate spiritual forces for our own ends. Just as God protected Israel from Balak's curses, He continues to be a shield for His people, ensuring that no weapon formed against us shall prosper if we walk in His will. This narrative also cautions against the misuse of spiritual influence or the pursuit of power from sources other than God's revealed truth, emphasizing that true blessing flows from obedience to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears or perceived threats in my life might be causing me to seek solutions outside of God's perfect will?**
* **How does Balak's belief in Balaam's power challenge or affirm my understanding of spiritual authority and the source of true blessing?**
* **In what ways does this narrative encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **How can I ensure that my pursuit of "blessing" aligns with God's purposes, rather than being a self-serving attempt to manipulate spiritual outcomes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak believe Balaam could curse Israel?**

Answer: Balak's belief stemmed from the widespread ancient Near Eastern practice and worldview that powerful diviners or seers could indeed influence divine will and outcomes through their pronouncements. Balaam had a reputation for being able to bless or curse effectively, as Balak explicitly states, "I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed." This was a common pagan belief that spiritual power could be harnessed or manipulated to achieve specific results, such as weakening an enemy nation or ensuring victory in battle. Balak saw Balaam as a spiritual weapon to counteract Israel's overwhelming might, as detailed in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel").

**What does the archaic word "wot" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Wot" is an archaic English verb meaning "to know" or "to understand." In the King James Version, when Balak says, "I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed," he is emphatically stating his firm conviction and knowledge of Balaam's reputed spiritual power. It highlights Balak's certainty in Balaam's ability to act as an effective conduit for divine favor or disfavor.

**Did Balaam actually curse Israel?**

Answer: No, despite Balak's repeated attempts and Balaam's initial willingness to go, Balaam was ultimately unable to curse Israel. Each time Balaam opened his mouth to pronounce a curse, God put words of blessing into his mouth instead. This is powerfully demonstrated in Balaam's oracles in [Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam's First Oracle: How Can I Curse Whom God Has Not Cursed?") and [Numbers 24:10](/numbers/24-10 "Numbers 24:10 - Balak's Anger at Balaam's Blessings"). God's sovereignty over Balaam's will and words ensured that His covenantal blessing on Israel remained intact, turning every intended curse into a blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative initiated in Numbers 22:6, where a pagan king attempts to curse God's chosen people, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Balak's desperate plea to Balaam highlights the futility of human and demonic attempts to thwart God's divine plan of blessing for His people. Ultimately, Balaam was compelled by God to bless Israel, demonstrating that no one can curse whom God has blessed. This divine protection culminates in Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of God's blessing. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the one who bore the curse of sin for humanity, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse") declares, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us." He absorbed the divine judgment that was due to us, transforming potential curses into eternal blessings for all who believe. Furthermore, just as God preserved Israel for His redemptive purposes, so too does He preserve His church, the spiritual Israel, through Christ. The unwavering promise of God's blessing, first seen in His covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - All Families of the Earth Shall Be Blessed")), is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, through whom all the families of the earth are indeed blessed, and against whom no power, earthly or spiritual, can prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail")).

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 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Numbers 23:8

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, [whom] the LORD hath not defied?

Deuteronomy 23:4

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Numbers 22:17

For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

Nehemiah 13:2

Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

Acts 16:16

¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: