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Commentary on Numbers 23 verses 1–12
Here is, I. Great preparation made for the cursing of Israel. That which was aimed at was to engage the God of Israel to forsake them, and either to be on Moab's side or to stand neuter. O the sottishness of superstition, to imagine that God will be at men's beck! Balaam and Balak think to bribe him with altars and sacrifices, offered without any warrant or institution of his: as if he would eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats. Ridiculous nonsense, to think that these would please God, and gain his favour, when there could be in them no exercise either of faith or obedience! Yet, it should seem, they offered these sacrifices to the God of heaven the supreme Numen - Divinity, and not to any of their local deities. But the multiplying of altars was an instance of their degeneracy from the religion of their ancestors, and their apostasy to idolatry; for those that multiplied altars multiplied gods. Ephraim made many altars to sin, Hos 8:11. Thus they liked not to retain God in their knowledge, but became vain in their imaginations; and yet presumptuously expected hereby to gain God over to them from Israel, who had his sanctuary among them, and his anointed altar. Observe here, 1. How very imperious Balaam was, proud to have the command of a king and to give law to princes. Such is the spirit of that wicked one who exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. With what authority does Balaam give orders! Build me here (in the place I have pitched upon) seven altars, of stone or turf. Thus he covers his malice against Israel with a show of devotion, but his sacrifice was an abomination, being brought with such a wicked mind, Pro 21:27. That which he aimed at was not to honour God with the sacrifices of righteousness, but to enrich himself with the wages of unrighteousness. 2. How very obsequious Balak was. The altars were presently built, and the sacrifices prepared, the best of the sort, seven bullocks and seven rams. Balak makes no objection to the charge, nor does he snuff at it, or think it either a weariness or a disparagement to stand by his burnt-offering as Balaam ordered him.
II. The turning of the curse into a blessing, by the overruling power of God, in love to Israel, which is the account Moses gives of it, Deu 23:5.
1.God puts the blessing into the mouth of Balaam. While the sacrifices were burning, Balaam retired; he went solitary, into some dark grove on the top of the high place, Deu 23:3, marg. Thus much he knew, that solitude gives a good opportunity for communion with God; those that would meet with him must retire from the world, and the business and conversation of it, and love to be private, reckoning themselves never less alone than when alone, because the Father is with them. Enter therefore into thy closet, and shut the door, and be assured that God will meet thee if thou seek him in the due order. But Balaam retired with a peradventure only, having some thoughts that God might meet him; but being conscious to himself of guilt, and knowing that God had lately met him in anger, he had reason to speak doubtfully: Peradventure the Lord will come to meet me, Num 23:3. But let not such a man think that he shall receive any favour from God. Nay, it should seem, though he pretended to go and meet with God, he really designed to use enchantments; see Num 24:1. But, whatever he intended. God designed to serve his own glory by him, and therefore met Balaam, Num 23:4. What communion has light with darkness? No friendly communion, we may be sure. Balaam's way was still perverse, and God was still an adversary to him; but, Balak having chosen him for his oracle, God would constrain him to utter such a confession, to the honour of god and Israel, as should render those for ever inexcusable who should appear in arms against them. When Balaam was aware that God met him, probably by an angel, he boasted of his performances: I have prepared seven altars, and offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram. How had he done it? It cost him nothing; it was done at Balak's expense; yet, (1.) He boasts of it, as if he had done some mighty thing. The acts of devotion which are done in hypocrisy are commonly reflected upon with pride and vain glory. Thus the Pharisee went up to the temple to boast of his religion, Luk 18:11, Luk 18:12. (2.) He insists upon it as a reason why God should gratify him in his desire to curse Israel, as if now he had made God his debtor, and might draw upon him for what he pleased. He thinks God is so much beholden to him for these sacrifices that the least he can do in recompense for them is to sacrifice his Israel to the malice of the king of Moab. Note, It is a common cheat that wicked people put upon themselves, to think that by the shows of piety they may prevail with God to countenance them, and connive at them, in their greatest immoralities, especially in persecution, Isa 66:5. However, thought the sacrifice was an abomination, God took the occasion of Balaam's expectation to put a word into his mouth (Num 23:5); for the answer of the tongue if from the Lord, and thus he would show how much those are mistaken who say, With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are our own, Psa 12:4. He that made man's mouth knows how to manage it, and to serve his own purposes by it. This speaks terror to daring sinners, that set their mouth against the heavens. God can make their own tongues to fall upon them, Psa 64:8. And it speaks comfort to God's witnesses, whom at any time he calls out to appear for him; if God put a word into the mouth of Balaam, who would have defied God and Israel, surely he will not be wanting to those who desire to glorify God and edify his people by their testimony, but it shall be given them in that same hour what they should speak.
2.Balaam pronounces the blessing in the ears of Balak. He found him standing by his burnt-sacrifice (Num 23:6), closely attending it, and earnestly expecting the success. those that wold have an answer of peace from God must abide by the sacrifice, and attend on the Lord without distraction, not weary in well doing. Balaam, having fixed himself in the place appointed for his denouncing curses against Israel, which perhaps he had drawn up in form ready to deliver, takes up his parable, and it proves a blessing, Num 23:7. He pronounces Israel safe and happy, and so blesses them.
(1.)He pronounces them safe, and out of the reach of his envenomed darts. [1.] He owns that the design was to curse them, that Balak sent for him out of his own country, and that he came, with that intent, Num 23:7. The message sent to him was, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. Balak intended to make war upon them, and he would have Balaam to bless his arms, and to prophesy and pray for the ruin of Israel. [2.] He owns the design defeated, and his own inability to accomplish it. He could not so much as give them an ill word or an ill wish: How shall I curse those whom God has not cursed? Num 23:8. Not that therefore he would not do it, but therefore he could not do it. this is a fair confession, First, Of the weakness and impotency of his own magic skill, for which others valued him so much, and doubtless he valued himself no less. He was the most celebrated man of that profession, and yet owns himself baffled. God had warned the Israelites not to use divination (Lev 19:31), and this providence gave them a reason for that law, by showing them the weakness and folly of it. As they had seen the magicians of Egypt befooled, so, here, the great conjurer of the east. See Isa 47:12-14. Secondly, It is a confession of the sovereignty and dominion of the divine power. He owns that he could do no more than God would suffer him to do, for God could overrule all his purposes, and turn his counsels headlong. Thirdly, It is a confession of the inviolable security of the people of God. Note, 1. God's Israel are owned and blessed of him. He has not cursed them, for they are delivered from the curse of the law; he has not defied them, nor rejected or abandoned them, though mean and vile. 2. Those that have the good-will of Heaven have the ill-will of hell; the serpent and this seed have an enmity to them. 3. Though the enemies of God's people may prevail far against them, yet they cannot curse them; that is, they cannot do them any real mischief, much less a ruining mischief, for they cannot separate them from the love of God, Rom 8:39.
(2.)He pronounces them happy in three things: -
[1.]Happy in their peculiarity, and distinction from the rest of the nations: From the top of the rock I see him, Num 23:9. And it seems to have been a great surprise to him that whereas, it is probable, they were represented to him as a rude and disorderly rabble, that infested the countries round about in rambling parties, he was them a regular incorporated camp, in which appeared all the marks of discipline and good order; he saw them a people dwelling alone, and foresaw they would continue so, and their singularity would be their unspeakable honour. Persons of quality we call person of distinction; this was Israel's praise, though their enemies turned it to their reproach, that they differed from all the neighbouring nations, not only in their religion and sacred rites, but in their diet, and dress, and common usages, as a people called out of the world, and not to be conformed to it. They never lost their reputation till they mingled among the heathen, Psa 106:35. Note, It is the duty and honour of those that are dedicated to God to be separated from the world, and not to walk according to the course and custom of it. Those who make conscience of peculiar duties may take the comfort of peculiar privileges, which it is probable Balaam has an eye to here. God's Israel shall not stand upon a level with other nations, but be dignified above them all, as a people near to God, and set apart for him.
[2.]Happy in their numbers, not so few and despicable as they were represented to him, but an innumerable company, which made them both honourable and formidable (Num 23:10): Who can count the dust of Jacob? The number of the people was the thing that Balak was vexed at (Num 22:3): Moab was afraid of them, because they were many; and God does here by Balaam promote that fear and vexation, foretelling their further increase. Balak would have him see the utmost part of the people (Num 22:41), hoping the more he saw of them the more he would be exasperated against them, and throw about his curses with the more keenness and rage; but it proved quite contrary: instead of being angry at their numbers, he admired them. The better acquainted we are with God's people the better opinion we have of them. He takes notice of the number, First, Of the dust of Jacob; that is, the people of Jacob, concerning whom it was foretold that they should be as the dust for number, Gen 28:14. Thus he owns the fulfilling of the promise made to the fathers, and expects that it should be yet further accomplished. Perhaps it was part of David's fault in numbering the people that he offered to count the dust of Jacob, which God had said should be innumerable. Secondly, Of the fourth part of Israel, alluding to the form of their camp, which was cast into four squadrons, under four standards. Note, God's Israel are a very great body, his spiritual Israel are so, and they will appear to be so when they shall all be gathered together unto him in the great day, Rev 7:9.
[3.]Happy in their end: Let me die the death of the righteous Israelites, that are in covenant with God, and let my last end, or future state, be like theirs, or my recompence, namely, in the other world. Here, First, It is taken for granted that death is the end of all men; the righteous themselves must die: and it is good for us to think of this with application, as Balaam himself does here, speaking of his own death. Secondly, he goes upon the supposition of the soul's immortality, and a different state on the other side death, to which this is a noble testimony, and an evidence of its being anciently known and believed. For how could the death of the righteous be more desirable than the death of the wicked upon any other account than as it involved happiness in another world, since in the manner and circumstances of dying we see all things come alike to all? Thirdly, He pronounces the righteous truly blessed, not only while they live, but when they die, which makes their death not only more desirable than the death of others, but even more desirable than life itself; for in that sense his wish may be taken. Not only, "When I do die, let me die the death of the righteous;" but, "I could even now be willing to die, on condition that I might die the death of the righteous, and reach my end this moment, provided it might be like his." Very near the place where Balaam now was, on one of the mountains of Moab, not long after this, Moses died, and to that perhaps God, who put this word into his mouth, designed it should have a reference, that by it Moses might be encouraged to go up and die such a death as Balaam himself wished to die. Fourthly, He shows his opinion of religion to be better than his resolution; there are many who desire to die the death of the righteous, but do not endeavour to live the life of the righteous. Gladly would they have their end like theirs, but not their way. They would be saints in heaven, but not saints on earth. This is the desire of the slothful, which kills him, because his hands refuse to labour. This of Balaam's is only a wish, not a prayer, and it is a vain wish, being only a wish for the end, without any care for the means. Thus far this blessing goes, even to death, and beyond it, as far as the last end. Now,
III. We are told, 1. How Balak fretted at it, Num 23:11. He pretended to honour the Lord with his sacrifices, and to wait for the answer God would send him; and yet, when it did not prove according to his mind, he forgot God, and flew into a great passion against Balaam, as if it had been purely his doing: "What hast thou done unto me! How hast thou disappointed me!" Sometimes God makes the enemies of his church a vexation one to another, while he that sits in heaven laughs at them, and the efforts of their impotent malice. 2. How Balaam was forced to acquiesce in it. He submits because he cannot help it, and yet humours the thing with no small address, as if he had been peculiarly conscientious, answering Balak with the gravity of a prophet: Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord has put in my mouth? Num 23:12. Thus a confession of God's overruling power is extorted from a wicked prophet, to the further confusion of a wicked prince.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 23:11 vividly captures the profound frustration of King Balak of Moab, who had meticulously orchestrated the hiring of the prophet Balaam to pronounce a devastating curse upon the advancing Israelites. Instead, Balaam, divinely constrained and compelled, delivered a powerful and comprehensive blessing, completely subverting Balak's intentions and revealing the unassailable sovereignty of God over human schemes and supernatural attempts to thwart His purposes for His chosen people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: The immediate literary context of Numbers 23:11 is the dramatic unfolding of the first of four oracles delivered by Balaam. Following Balak's desperate plea and the initial, divinely-imposed constraint on Balaam's speech in Numbers 22, Balak brings Balaam to a vantage point overlooking a portion of Israel's camp. He prepares seven altars and offers sacrifices, hoping to create an auspicious setting for Balaam to curse Israel. However, when God meets Balaam and puts a word in his mouth, Balaam returns to Balak and delivers a prophecy of blessing and Israel's unique, divinely-protected status, as recorded in Numbers 23:7-10. Balak's outburst in verse 11 is his immediate, enraged reaction to this entirely unexpected and undesired outcome, setting the stage for his subsequent, equally futile attempts to elicit a curse from different locations.
Historical & Cultural Context: Historically, the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, having recently defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, establishing their presence on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River. This rapid advance and their sheer numbers instilled great fear in Balak, the king of Moab, and the Midianites, who were allied with him. Culturally, the practice of hiring professional diviners or seers to pronounce curses or blessings was common in the ancient Near East. It was believed that such pronouncements, especially from powerful figures like Balaam, could supernaturally influence the outcome of conflicts or the destiny of nations. Balak's actions reflect this widespread belief in the efficacy of magical or spiritual warfare, making his disappointment in Numbers 23:11 all the more acute as his culturally accepted solution failed spectacularly due to divine intervention.
Key Themes: Numbers 23:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating that God's will and plan for His people cannot be thwarted by human machinations or even by powerful supernatural attempts. Balaam, despite his reputation and Balak's fervent desire, could only speak what the Lord commanded, highlighting that God is ultimately in control of all events, even the words of those who do not explicitly serve Him. This verse also underscores God's Unchangeable Word and Faithfulness to Covenant Promises. What God has declared blessed, no human or spiritual power can curse. This resonates deeply with the Abrahamic Covenant, particularly the promise in Genesis 12:3 that God would bless those who bless Abraham's descendants and curse those who curse them. Balak's frustration vividly illustrates the Futility of Opposing God's Purposes, revealing that attempts to undermine God's people ultimately lead to the undoing of the opposer's own plans, turning desired curses into undeniable blessings, as seen throughout the narrative of Numbers 22-24.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The dramatic tension in Numbers 23:11 is heightened through several potent literary devices. The most prominent is Irony, specifically situational irony, where the outcome is the direct opposite of what is intended or expected. Balak's elaborate plan to curse Israel through a renowned diviner backfires spectacularly, as Balaam is compelled by God to bless them instead. This creates a powerful sense of the futility of human opposition to divine will. Balak's opening question, "What hast thou done unto me?", serves as a Rhetorical Question, not seeking an answer but expressing his intense frustration, anger, and sense of betrayal. It functions as an Exclamation, conveying his emotional outburst. Furthermore, the verse employs stark Contrast between "curse" (קָבַב, qâbab) and "blessed" (בָּרַךְ, bârak), emphasizing the absolute reversal of Balak's intentions and the unassailable nature of God's favor. This linguistic opposition underscores the central theological message that God's word and purpose cannot be manipulated or thwarted by any earthly or spiritual power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:11 stands as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God, a central theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. It unequivocally declares that God's purposes for His people are unassailable and cannot be thwarted by human schemes, political maneuvering, or even the most potent spiritual attacks. Balak's exasperation highlights the futility of opposing the divine will; what God has determined to bless, no one can curse. This principle extends beyond the specific historical context, assuring believers that God remains faithful to His covenant promises, turning the intentions of adversaries into opportunities to display His glory and confirm His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones. The divine control over Balaam's mouth underscores that even those outside of covenant with God can be instruments, albeit unwilling ones, in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ultimately serving His overarching purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:11 offers profound reassurance and a call to trust in God's unshakeable sovereignty for believers today. In a world often filled with opposition, criticism, and even malicious intent directed towards those who follow Christ, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate purpose for His people will prevail. We can find deep peace in knowing that no human power, no spiritual attack, and no negative word spoken against us can ultimately thwart the blessings and protection that God has ordained for us in Christ. It encourages us to release our anxieties about perceived enemies or challenging circumstances, understanding that God is capable of turning even the most hostile intentions into instruments for His glory and our good. Our security is not in our own strength or ability to defend ourselves, but in the faithful, sovereign God who declares His people blessed. This should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and confidence, empowering us to live boldly, knowing that the One who is for us is greater than any who could be against us, and that His blessings are comprehensive and unassailable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God allow Balaam to go with Balak if He didn't want Israel cursed?
Answer: God's initial prohibition to Balaam in Numbers 22:12 was absolute: "You must not go with them; you must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." However, when Balak's envoys returned with a more enticing offer, Balaam, driven by a desire for gain, pressed the issue. God then permitted him to go, but with a strict condition: "You must do only what I tell you" (Numbers 22:20). This demonstrates God's sovereign control even over the choices of those who are not fully obedient. He allowed Balaam to proceed, not to fulfill Balak's desire, but to demonstrate His own power and faithfulness by forcing Balaam to bless Israel, thereby turning a potential curse into a powerful testimony of His unchangeable word and protection over His people. It was a display of divine power and irony, showcasing that even a renowned diviner could not speak against God's will.
Was Balaam a true prophet of God or a pagan diviner?
Answer: Balaam is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is described as a "diviner" (Joshua 13:22), a term often associated with pagan practices in the ancient Near East. Yet, he clearly communicates with Yahweh, the God of Israel, and is compelled to speak His words, as seen throughout Numbers 22-24. He seems to have had a genuine, albeit flawed and opportunistic, connection to the divine realm, recognizing the power of Israel's God. However, his ultimate motivation appears to be personal gain, leading him later to advise Balak on how to corrupt Israel through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16), for which he eventually perishes. He was not a prophet in the mold of Moses or Samuel, committed to God's covenant, but rather a powerful, self-serving figure whom God sovereignly used to declare His truth despite Balaam's own intentions and moral failings.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Balak's futile attempt to curse Israel foreshadows humanity's desperate attempts to escape the consequences of sin, often through self-effort or spiritual manipulation, only to find God's sovereign plan unfolding in unexpected ways. The greatest "curse" that humanity faced was the curse of sin and death, a consequence of rebellion against God, as described in Genesis 3:17-19. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, turned this ultimate curse into the ultimate blessing through His Son. Jesus became "a curse for us" on the cross (Galatians 3:13), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and its deserved judgment. Through His sacrificial death, He disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15), rendering their accusations and attempts to condemn us utterly powerless. The very act that appeared to be the ultimate defeat—the crucifixion—became the means of our greatest blessing: redemption, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. Thus, just as Balak's intended curse on Israel was turned into a blessing by divine decree, so too was the curse of sin transformed into the glorious blessing of salvation for all who believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In Christ, God's people are truly "blessed altogether," beyond the reach of any curse or opposition, secured by an unchangeable covenant of grace and His triumphant resurrection, ensuring our eternal inheritance in Him (Ephesians 1:3).