Numbers 23:13

KJV

¶ And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balak {H1111} said {H559} unto him, Come {H3212}, I pray thee, with me unto another {H312} place {H4725}, from whence thou mayest see {H7200} them: thou shalt see {H7200} but {H657} the utmost {H7097} part of them, and shalt not see {H7200} them all: and curse {H6895} me them from thence.

Complete Jewish Bible

Balak said to him, "All right, come with me to another place where you can see them. You will see only some of them, not all; but you can curse them for me from there."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”

American Standard Version

And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them; thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:13 captures Balak's persistent, yet ultimately futile, attempt to circumvent God's will concerning Israel. After Balaam's initial oracle resulted in a blessing instead of a curse, the Moabite king, still convinced that a change in perspective could alter divine decree, moves Balaam to a new vantage point. From this location, Balaam would only see a portion of the Israelite camp, a superstitious effort by Balak to diminish the perceived power or divine favor upon the Israelites, hoping this limited view would enable Balaam to finally pronounce a curse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Balaam's first oracle in [Numbers 23:7-10](/numbers/23-7-10 "Numbers 23:7-10 - Balaam's First Oracle"), where, despite Balak's intentions, God compelled Balaam to utter a blessing upon Israel, highlighting their unique separation and immense numbers. Balak's frustration is evident in [Numbers 23:11-12](/numbers/23-11-12 "Numbers 23:11-12 - Balak's Frustration and Balaam's Defense"), where he confronts Balaam, who responds by affirming his inability to speak anything other than what the Lord puts in his mouth. Undeterred by this divine intervention, Balak's proposal in Numbers 23:13 marks his second attempt to manipulate the prophetic outcome, setting the stage for Balaam's subsequent oracles which continue to affirm God's sovereign blessing upon His people. The narrative arc of [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - The Balaam Narratives") consistently demonstrates the futility of human opposition against God's chosen nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, Israel has completed their forty-year wilderness wandering and is encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Their vast numbers and recent victories over the Amorites (as recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel's Victories Over Sihon and Og")) instilled great fear in Balak, the King of Moab, and the surrounding nations ([Numbers 22:3](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3 - Moab's Fear of Israel")). In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for kings to employ diviners or sorcerers to curse their enemies or bless their armies before battle. Balak's repeated attempts reflect this cultural belief in the power of incantations and curses, particularly when uttered by a renowned figure like Balaam. His strategy of changing locations and limiting the view of Israel reveals a superstitious mindset, believing that physical proximity or a complete visual perception could influence the spiritual efficacy of a curse.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 23:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **persistence of opposition** against God's people, as Balak refuses to accept God's initial decree and continues to scheme against Israel, mirroring the ongoing spiritual warfare faced by believers. Secondly, it highlights the **futility of human manipulation against divine will**. Balak's belief that a partial view of Israel would alter God's plan demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and unchangeable nature, a theme explicitly stated later in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man"). Lastly, the verse sets the stage for the powerful affirmation of **God's unchangeable blessing** upon Israel. Despite Balak's relentless efforts, God consistently turns every intended curse into a blessing, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and the security of His chosen people, a truth foundational to understanding God's relationship with Israel throughout their history, as seen in the broader narrative of [the Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus - God Delivers His People") and their journey to the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balak (Hebrew, _Bâlâq'_):** This name (H1111) is derived from a root meaning "waster." The very name of the Moabitish king who seeks to curse Israel ironically foreshadows his own ultimate futility and the wastefulness of his efforts against God's chosen people. His actions throughout the narrative are characterized by a desperate, yet ultimately fruitless, endeavor to undermine divine will.
* **Place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** This word (H4725) refers to a "standing" or a "spot," used widely for a locality. Balak's insistence on moving Balaam to "another place" reveals his superstitious belief that the physical environment or vantage point could influence the spiritual outcome. He treats the divine interaction as a magical formula, where changing the "place" might change the "result," demonstrating his profound misunderstanding of God's omnipresence and unchangeable decree.
* **Utmost part (Hebrew, _qâtseh'_):** This term (H7097) denotes an "extremity," "edge," or "end." Balak's instruction for Balaam to see "but the utmost part of them" reflects a superstitious belief that a partial view would somehow diminish the power, number, or divine protection of the Israelite camp. He likely thought that the overwhelming sight of the entire host was spiritually intimidating or that God's blessing was tied to the full perception of His people. By limiting the view, Balak hoped to reduce the "spiritual weight" of Israel, making it easier for Balaam to pronounce a curse against them, or perhaps to target only a vulnerable "edge" of the nation rather than its divinely protected core.
* **Curse (Hebrew, _qâbab'_):** The verb "curse" (H6895) implies a formal, binding pronouncement of evil or destruction. It is a strong term, often associated with sorcery or magical incantations, intended to bring about harm or misfortune. Balak's repeated command to "curse me them" reveals his desperation and his reliance on Balaam's reputation as a powerful diviner. He sought a definitive, supernaturally enforced declaration of doom upon Israel, believing that such a curse would weaken them or lead to their defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them:"** This clause reveals Balak's persistent, yet misguided, strategy. Having failed in the first location, he assumes the physical vantage point is the issue. His invitation is a plea, indicating his continued reliance on Balaam and his desperate hope for a different outcome. The phrase "another place" suggests a change of tactic based on a superstitious understanding of divine power and influence, as if God's will could be circumvented by a mere change of scenery.
* **"thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all:"** This is the core of Balak's new strategy. He believes that the full sight of Israel's vast numbers is somehow impeding Balaam's ability to curse them, perhaps due to the sheer overwhelming nature of God's blessing upon them. By limiting Balaam's view to only a "fringe" or "edge" of the camp, Balak hopes to mitigate the impact of Israel's divine favor or to make them seem less formidable, thereby enabling a curse to take effect. This highlights his limited, human-centric view of divine power.
* **"and curse me them from thence."** This final clause reiterates Balak's unwavering objective. Despite God's clear intervention in the first oracle, Balak remains fixated on bringing a curse upon Israel. The phrase "from thence" emphasizes his belief that the new location and limited perspective will provide the necessary conditions for Balaam to succeed in his mission, demonstrating his stubborn refusal to accept God's sovereign will and His unchangeable blessing upon His people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:13 effectively employs **Irony** and **Symbolism**. The dramatic irony lies in Balak's belief that a mere change of physical location or a partial view of Israel could alter God's unchangeable decree. The reader knows, through Balaam's previous compelled blessing, that God's will is sovereign and cannot be manipulated by human schemes or superstitious practices, making Balak's efforts pathetically futile. This futility is further emphasized by the **Symbolism** of "the utmost part." Balak intends this partial view to make Israel seem less formidable, but it inadvertently symbolizes his own limited understanding and inability to grasp the full extent of God's blessing and protection over His people. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Balaam's subsequent oracles, where God will again override Balaam's intentions, turning every curse into a blessing and further solidifying the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:13 powerfully illustrates the futility of human attempts to thwart divine purposes. Balak's persistent efforts, despite clear evidence of God's sovereign will, underscore a fundamental theological truth: God's plans for His people are immutable and cannot be manipulated or overcome by human schemes, even those employing supernatural means. This episode serves as a profound demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing that His blessings are secure and His chosen people are divinely protected. It challenges any notion that God's power or favor can be limited by human perception or strategic maneuvering, affirming His absolute sovereignty over all circumstances and His unwavering commitment to those He has blessed.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie") - Directly states God's unchangeable nature, reinforcing the futility of Balak's efforts.
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper") - Affirms God's protection over His people, declaring that no weapon or curse formed against them will prosper.
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?") - A New Testament echo of God's unwavering support for His chosen, rendering all opposition powerless.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Balak's desperate attempts in Numbers 23:13 offer a profound mirror for our own lives. How often do we, like Balak, try to manipulate circumstances, change our perspective, or seek alternative solutions when God's will seems contrary to our desires or fears? This passage reminds us that God's purposes are not contingent upon our limited sight or strategic maneuvering. His blessings and protection over His people are absolute and unchangeable, regardless of the "partial views" or overwhelming opposition we might face. We are called to trust in His complete sovereignty, knowing that if He has blessed us, no curse or human scheme can ultimately prevail. This truth should inspire unwavering confidence and peace, even when the "enemies" of our faith seem persistent or formidable. Our security is found not in our ability to outmaneuver opposition, but in God's unyielding faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be trying to "manipulate" outcomes instead of trusting God's sovereign will?**
* **How does Balak's persistent opposition remind me of the spiritual battles I face, and what comfort can I draw from God's unchangeable nature?**
* **When I feel overwhelmed by the "full sight" of my challenges, how can focusing on God's unwavering blessing, rather than my limited perspective, bring me peace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak believe seeing only "the utmost part" of Israel would help Balaam curse them?**

Answer: Balak's belief stemmed from a superstitious and magical worldview common in the ancient Near East. He likely thought that the overwhelming sight of the entire, vast Israelite camp, clearly under divine favor, was somehow hindering Balaam's ability to pronounce a curse. By limiting the view to just "the utmost part" (the edge or fringe), Balak hoped to diminish the perceived power, divine protection, or sheer numbers of the Israelites in Balaam's mind, making them seem less formidable or perhaps more vulnerable to a curse. It was a misguided attempt to manipulate the spiritual conditions by altering the physical perception, believing that a partial view might allow a curse to take effect where a full view could not. This highlights his misunderstanding of God's absolute sovereignty, as God's will is not subject to human perspective or magical incantations, a truth powerfully articulated in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:13, with Balak's futile attempts to curse Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's blessing in Jesus Christ. Just as Balak could not manipulate God's sovereign plan for Israel, no power, curse, or human scheme could thwart God's redemptive purpose for humanity through His Son. Christ is the ultimate "blessing" promised to Abraham's offspring ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Comes to the Gentiles")), who came to redeem us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross definitively rendered all curses powerless for those who believe in Him. The "partial view" Balak sought to exploit is utterly overcome by the complete and perfect work of Christ, who fully saw and conquered sin and death. In Him, believers are irrevocably blessed and eternally secure, demonstrating that God's plans for His people are unchangeable and ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His victory ensures that [no weapon formed against His church shall prosper](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail"), echoing God's unwavering protection over Israel in the wilderness.

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

Psalms 109:17

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

James 3:9

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Joshua 24:9

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

1 Kings 20:23

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods [are] gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

1 Kings 20:28

And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Numbers 22:41

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost [part] of the people.