Numbers 23:17

KJV

And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he came {H935} to him, behold, he stood {H5324} by his burnt offering {H5930}, and the princes {H8269} of Moab {H4124} with him. And Balak {H1111} said {H559} unto him, What hath the LORD {H3068} spoken {H1696}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He came to him and stood by his burnt offering, with all the princes of Mo'av. Balak asked him, "What did ADONAI say?"

Berean Standard Bible

So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.

American Standard Version

And he came to him, and, lo, he was standing by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath Jehovah spoken?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:17 marks a critical juncture in the unfolding confrontation between Balak, king of Moab, and the prophet Balaam. Following Balaam's initial, divinely compelled blessing of Israel, Balak, stubbornly refusing to accept God's decree, relocates Balaam to a new vantage point, hoping that a change in perspective and renewed sacrifices will yield a different prophetic outcome. This verse vividly captures Balak's impatient return to Balaam, finding the prophet standing by his freshly offered burnt offering, surrounded by the expectant princes of Moab. Balak's direct and urgent question, "What hath the LORD spoken?", underscores his desperate anticipation for a divine word that might finally turn the tide against the encroaching Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned as the immediate prelude to Balaam's second oracle, forming a crucial bridge in the narrative arc of Numbers 22-24. It directly follows Balak's frustrated reaction to Balaam's first blessing of Israel from Kirjath-huzoth, where the prophet, despite Balak's intentions, was divinely constrained to bless rather than curse ([Numbers 23:11-12](/numbers/23-11-12 "Numbers 23:11-12 - Balak's Frustration and Balaam's Constraint")). Undeterred, Balak, driven by a pagan belief in the efficacy of ritual and location, moves Balaam to "the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah," a site from which only a portion of the Israelite camp was visible ([Numbers 23:13-14](/numbers/23-13-14 "Numbers 23:13-14 - Relocation to Pisgah and Renewed Sacrifice")). Here, Balaam again performs the elaborate ritual of seven altars and seven sacrifices, signifying a renewed attempt to solicit a divine word. Balak's swift return and his pointed question in [Numbers 23:17](/numbers/23-17 "Numbers 23:17 - Balak's Urgent Inquiry") build intense anticipation for the second oracle, highlighting the king's persistent but ultimately futile efforts to manipulate God's sovereign will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 23:17 are set against the backdrop of Israel's formidable presence in the plains of Moab, a situation that instilled profound fear in Balak, the Moabite king ([Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")). In the ancient Near East, it was a common practice for kings and nations facing existential threats to employ diviners or prophets to secure divine favor, often through curses against their enemies. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was widely recognized for his potent prophetic abilities, believed to be able to bless or curse effectively ([Numbers 22:6](/numbers/22-6 "Numbers 22:6 - Balaam's Reputation for Blessing and Cursing")). The repeated offering of burnt offerings (Hebrew: _‘ōlāh_) was a prevalent form of worship and petition across various cultures, including Israel and its neighbors, symbolizing complete dedication and an appeal to the deity. Balak's persistent use of this ritual, coupled with his strategic changes of location, reflects a pagan worldview that presumed divine will could be influenced, altered, or even coerced through specific rites, propitiatory offerings, and advantageous geographical vantage points.

* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 23:17](/numbers/23-17 "Numbers 23:17 - Balak's Urgent Inquiry") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and the Immutability of God's Word**. Balak's desperate and repeated attempts to coerce a curse from God through Balaam, despite God's clear and unwavering intention to bless Israel, underscore the profound futility of human schemes against divine purpose. This passage reinforces the foundational truth that God's plans cannot be thwarted, manipulated, or altered by human ritual, desire, or strategic positioning, a concept explicitly articulated in Balaam's subsequent oracle: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent" ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God's Unchanging Nature")). Another key theme is **The Nature of True Prophecy**, contrasting Balaam's initial mercenary inclinations with his ultimate, divinely compelled submission to God's direct word, thereby demonstrating that a true prophet speaks only what the LORD commands, irrespective of personal inclination or external pressure ([Numbers 22:38](/numbers/22-38 "Numbers 22:38 - Balaam's Declaration of Divine Control")). Finally, the verse highlights **The Lord's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as His protective hand and blessing over Israel are powerfully demonstrated even through the mouth of a pagan prophet hired to curse them, thereby fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balak (Hebrew, _Bâlâq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "waster," Balak is identified as the Moabitish king who desperately seeks to thwart Israel's progress. His name itself, perhaps ironically, foreshadows the futility of his efforts, as he ultimately wastes his resources and efforts in opposing God's chosen people. His actions throughout the narrative are characterized by a persistent, yet ultimately fruitless, attempt to manipulate divine will.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘ōlâh'_):** This term refers to a sacrifice that is entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and ascent to the deity. In the context of Balaam's actions at Balak's behest, the _‘ōlāh_ represents a ritualistic attempt to commune with the divine and elicit a specific message or outcome. For Balak, it was the prescribed means by which he hoped to propitiate or influence God's will, aligning with common ancient Near Eastern practices of seeking divine favor through costly offerings.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The use of God's personal, covenant name, _Yᵉhôvâh_ (Jehovah or Yahweh), by Balak in his direct inquiry is profoundly significant. While Balak was a Moabite king who primarily worshipped Chemosh, his direct question about what "the LORD" (Yahweh) has spoken indicates an undeniable acknowledgment of the specific God of Israel, whom Balaam claimed to serve and from whom he received his power. It suggests that even in pagan circles, the reputation and authoritative power of Israel's God were recognized, or at least that Balaam successfully conveyed that his prophetic authority derived from this particular, supreme deity.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to arrange" but used figuratively for words, emphasizes the act of direct, authoritative, and often deliberate communication. Balak is not asking what Balaam _feels_ or _thinks_, but what God _has declared_ or _pronounced_. This highlights the ancient world's understanding of true prophecy as the direct transmission of divine will, and Balak's desperate desire for a definitive, unalterable word from the deity Balaam served, hoping it would be a curse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him."**: This clause vividly depicts Balak's immediate and eager return to Balaam after the prophet had gone to a solitary place to receive a word from the LORD. The phrase "behold, he stood by his burnt offering" paints a static, expectant scene: Balaam is in a posture of readiness, having completed the sacrificial ritual and awaiting the divine encounter. The presence of "the princes of Moab with him" signifies the high stakes and public nature of this encounter, as these officials represent the Moabite nation's collective anxiety, hope, and political investment in a favorable outcome against Israel. Their presence underscores the gravity and official weight of the awaited divine pronouncement.
* **"And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?"**: This is a direct, urgent, and impatient question, devoid of preamble or pleasantries. Balak's inquiry cuts straight to the point, revealing his desperate desire for a divine decree that would aid his military objectives. His specific use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) indicates his understanding that Balaam's prophetic power derived from Israel's God, and he sought a definitive word from this particular deity. The question is not merely a polite inquiry but a demanding request for immediate revelation, demonstrating Balak's profound anxiety and his persistent, though ultimately futile, attempt to manipulate God's will to align with his own.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and underscore its theological message. **Anticipation** is a dominant element, meticulously built through Balak's persistent actions—his repeated relocation of Balaam, his renewed offering of sacrifices, and his impatient return—all culminating in his direct, urgent question. This creates a palpable sense of suspense for the reader, wondering what divine word will follow. **Dramatic Irony** is also powerfully at play; while Balak desperately seeks a curse against Israel, the audience is already fully aware from Balaam's previous oracle and God's clear intentions that only a blessing can issue forth. This stark contrast between Balak's fervent hope and God's predetermined, unchangeable plan adds a profound layer of tension and highlights the ultimate futility of human opposition to divine will. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the sacrificial ritual (seven altars, seven oxen, seven rams) across different locations emphasizes Balak's stubborn persistence and his pagan belief in the efficacy of ritual to sway divine favor, even as it simultaneously underscores the unchanging and unswayable nature of God's purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:17 serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God and the unchangeable nature of His word. Balak's desperate inquiry, "What hath the LORD spoken?", highlights his desire to hear a specific message—a curse against Israel—but the narrative consistently demonstrates that God's will cannot be coerced or manipulated by human rituals, sacrifices, or changes in circumstance. This verse sets the stage for Balaam's second oracle, which, like the first, will reiterate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, irrespective of the intentions of their enemies. It underscores the profound theological truth that God is not subject to human whims or pagan attempts at divination; rather, He is the ultimate authority whose plans are immutable and whose word always accomplishes its intended purpose. This passage therefore encourages unwavering trust in God's steadfast character and His providential control over all events, even when faced with formidable opposition.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God's Immutability and Faithfulness")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a poignant mirror to our own spiritual tendencies. Balak's frantic pursuit of a curse, his repeated attempts to alter God's decree through ritual and changes in location, serves as a powerful reminder of the human inclination to try and manipulate God or bend His will to our own desires. We often find ourselves in situations where we desperately want a particular outcome, and like Balak, we might be tempted to try various "formulas," "strategies," or even "bargains" to convince God to act according to our plans. However, this verse powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty and the immutability of His purposes. It calls us to a posture of humble submission and patient trust, recognizing that God's plans are perfect, cannot be thwarted, and are always for His glory and our ultimate good. Our role is not to dictate to God, but to listen intently for what "the LORD has spoken," and then to align our lives with His revealed will, confident that His blessings are sure and His promises unwavering. This passage encourages us to release our anxieties and manipulative tendencies, resting in the profound peace that comes from knowing God is in sovereign control and His word will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "force God's hand" or manipulate circumstances to get your desired outcome, rather than trusting His sovereign plan?**
* **How does the immutability of God's word, as highlighted in this narrative, bring you comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**
* **What does it mean practically to "wait patiently" for God's word to accomplish its purpose in your life, rather than trying to bend it to your desires?**

### FAQ

**Why was Balak so persistent in seeking a curse against Israel, despite Balaam's initial blessing?**

Answer: Balak's persistence stemmed from a potent combination of intense fear and a deeply ingrained pagan worldview. The sheer size and proximity of the Israelite encampment filled him with dread, as he viewed them as an overwhelming, existential threat to Moab ([Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")). In the ancient Near East, it was commonly believed that divine favor or disfavor could be manipulated through specific rituals, costly sacrifices, and even strategic changes in geographical vantage points, which were thought to influence the "divine eye" or disposition. Balak likely thought that by moving Balaam to a new location (Pisgah, where only a portion of Israel was visible) and offering fresh sacrifices, he could change the divine decree. His desperation and his pagan understanding of the gods' manipulability overruled any rational acceptance of the first blessing, driving him to repeatedly try to force God's hand.

**Why does Balaam use "LORD" (Yahweh), the personal covenant name of Israel's God, instead of a pagan deity name like Chemosh, when speaking to Balak?**

Answer: Balaam's consistent use of "LORD" (Yahweh), the personal covenant name of Israel's God, is highly significant. While Balaam was not an Israelite and may have practiced various forms of divination, the biblical narrative consistently portrays him as someone who recognized the supreme power and unique authority of Israel's God. From his very first encounter with God, Balaam explicitly declared, "I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more" ([Numbers 22:18](/numbers/22-18 "Numbers 22:18 - Balaam's Acknowledgment of God's Authority")). He understood that his prophetic abilities, particularly in this instance, were directly controlled by Yahweh, the God of Israel. Therefore, when speaking to Balak, Balaam accurately refers to the ultimate source of his messages. Balak, in turn, adopts this terminology in his urgent question in [Numbers 23:17](/numbers/23-17 "Numbers 23:17 - Balak's Urgent Inquiry"), indicating that he, too, acknowledged that Balaam's power derived from this specific and uniquely powerful deity, even if he did not worship Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balak and Balaam, culminating in Balak's urgent question in [Numbers 23:17](/numbers/23-17 "Numbers 23:17 - Balak's Urgent Inquiry"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the unthwartable plan of God for salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as Balak's desperate attempts to curse Israel were utterly futile against God's sovereign will to bless His people, so too are all human and demonic efforts to oppose God's redemptive purposes in Christ. The blessings pronounced by Balaam over Israel, particularly the prophecy of a "star" and "scepter" arising from Jacob ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star from Jacob")), foreshadow the ultimate blessing poured out on all humanity through the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the true "star" that "shall come out of Jacob" and the "scepter" that "shall rise out of Israel," fulfilling the prophetic words that Balaam was compelled to utter. God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrated in His protection of Israel from Balak's curses, culminates in the New Covenant established through Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Through Him, we receive the blessing of Abraham, which is the gift of the Spirit by faith, not by works of the law ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). The futility of trying to manipulate God's will, so evident in Balak's actions, is contrasted with the perfect obedience of Christ, who always did the will of His Father, even to death on a cross ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father"); [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). In Christ, God's "spoken" word is not merely a declaration but a person—the Living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"))—who perfectly embodies and accomplishes God's unchangeable plan of grace and salvation for all who believe.

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 23:26

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

Jeremiah 37:17

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

1 Samuel 3:17

And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.