Numbers 23:21

KJV

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God [is] with him, and the shout of a king [is] among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath not beheld {H5027} iniquity {H205} in Jacob {H3290}, neither hath he seen {H7200} perverseness {H5999} in Israel {H3478}: the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} is with him, and the shout {H8643} of a king {H4428} is among them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"No one has seen guilt in Ya'akov, or perceived perversity in Isra'el; ADONAI their God is with them and acclaimed as king among them

Berean Standard Bible

He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.

American Standard Version

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob; Neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: Jehovah his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:21 encapsulates Balaam's divinely compelled declaration, revealing God's unique and gracious perspective on Israel. Despite being summoned by Balak to curse them, Balaam is constrained by the Lord to pronounce a blessing, affirming that God does not behold Israel's iniquity or perverseness in a way that would negate His covenantal promises or allow their enemies to prevail. Instead, the verse powerfully asserts God's intimate, protective presence among His people and proclaims the triumphant acclamation of a king, signifying divine sovereignty, victorious leadership, and Israel's secure status under the Lord's unwavering rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 23:21 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Balaam's oracles (Numbers 22-24), a pivotal section in the book of Numbers. Balak, the king of Moab, deeply apprehensive of the vast Israelite encampment on his borders, seeks to neutralize their threat by hiring Balaam, a renowned Mesopotamian diviner, to curse them. However, God repeatedly intervenes, turning Balaam's intended maledictions into blessings, showcasing His absolute sovereignty over human intentions and even over pagan prophets. This specific verse is part of Balaam's second oracle, delivered from the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah, after Balak's initial attempt to elicit a curse failed. Each successive oracle progressively unveils more profound truths about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, His protective presence with Israel, and His ultimate plan for their future, culminating in significant messianic prophecies that point to a coming King. The verses immediately preceding Numbers 23:21 describe Balaam's ritual preparations and Balak's growing frustration, setting the stage for this surprising and powerful divine pronouncement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Numbers 23:21 is Israel's encampment in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as they near the culmination of their forty-year wilderness journey and prepare to enter the Promised Land. Balak's desperate act of hiring Balaam reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where kings employed diviners, seers, or prophets to invoke divine curses or blessings upon adversaries or allies, believing such pronouncements held inherent, potent spiritual power. Balaam, though not an Israelite, is presented as an individual through whom Yahweh sovereignly chooses to speak, demonstrating God's authority extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations and spiritual powers. The imagery of a "king" and a "shout of a king" resonates deeply with ancient Near Eastern royal ideology, where the visible presence of a powerful king or the acclamation of his victory was a paramount sign of a nation's strength, divine favor, and assured triumph. Israel, however, stood uniquely apart, for their true King was Yahweh Himself, a foundational concept that would profoundly shape their national identity, their unique governance, and their ultimate destiny among the nations.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 23:21 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Covenantal Commitment**. Despite Israel's well-documented history of grumbling, rebellion, and idolatry throughout their wilderness wanderings, God's perspective, as declared by Balaam, is one of steadfast commitment to His promises. This divine "not beholding" of iniquity speaks not to Israel's sinlessness, but to God's redemptive lens, choosing to look beyond their immediate failings to His ultimate purpose and the atonement He would provide. This echoes the enduring nature of God's covenant love, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Election of Israel"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Presence and Protection**. The affirmation "the LORD his God [is] with him" is a recurring and vital motif throughout Israel's history, signifying their unique relationship with Yahweh and serving as the ultimate source of their strength, security, and distinction. This abiding presence ensures their preservation and ultimate victory against all adversaries, a truth consistently affirmed throughout their wilderness journey and eventual entry into Canaan, as promised in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help"). Finally, the "shout of a king" points to **Divine Kingship and Israel's Royal Destiny**. While Israel did not yet possess an earthly monarch, this phrase prophetically foreshadows their future as a kingdom and, more profoundly, points to Yahweh as their true, reigning King, leading them in triumph. It also subtly prepares the reader for the later messianic prophecies within Balaam's oracles (e.g., [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star and Scepter Prophecy")), which speak of a future King who would arise from Israel, bringing ultimate victory and dominion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** This term (H205, אָוֶן) originates from a root perhaps meaning "to pant," leading to concepts of exertion in vain, coming to naught, and strictly, "nothingness." It broadly encompasses trouble, vanity, wickedness, and evil. It can refer to moral evil, idolatry, or even the suffering that results from sin. In Numbers 23:21, Balaam's declaration that God "hath not beheld iniquity" does not suggest Israel's moral perfection, but rather God's sovereign choice to not impute their iniquity in a way that would invalidate His covenant or permit a curse to prevail. It speaks to a profound divine forbearance and a redemptive perspective, where God's ultimate purpose for His people transcends their immediate failings.
* **Perverseness (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** The word (H5999, עָמָל) denotes toil, wearing effort, worry, grievance, mischief, and wickedness. It often carries the connotation of oppressive labor or the fruit of wickedness. Similar to _ʼâven_, its use here emphasizes that God, from His divine vantage point and through the lens of His covenant, chooses not to "see" Israel's moral failings (their perverseness) as a basis for their destruction or for allowing the curses of their enemies to take effect. His focus remains steadfastly on His faithfulness to His promises rather than their immediate unfaithfulness.
* **Shout of a King (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwʻâh melekh'_):** This powerful phrase combines _tᵉrûwʻâh_ (H8643) and _melek_ (H4428). _Tᵉrûwʻâh_ refers to clamor, acclamation of joy, a battle-cry, or the clangor of trumpets (as an alarm, jubilation, or loud noise). _Melek_ simply means "king." Together, _tᵉrûwʻâh melekh_ conveys the triumphant shout of a people whose king is present among them, leading them to victory; the joyful acclamation of a king's coronation or active presence; or even the battle cry of the divine King Himself. In this verse, it powerfully conveys the idea of God's active, victorious, and royal presence among Israel, guaranteeing their triumph and signifying their unique status as a nation under His direct, sovereign rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob":** This is a profound theological statement about God's unique perspective on His chosen people. It does not deny Israel's actual sins, which are extensively documented throughout the Pentateuch. Rather, it speaks to God's covenantal commitment and His redemptive gaze. From His sovereign vantage point, looking through the lens of His ultimate plan and the atonement He would provide, God chooses not to condemn them based on their daily failings in a way that would revoke His promises or allow their enemies to curse them. His focus remains on His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **"neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel":** This clause reiterates and reinforces the first, employing synonymous parallelism. "Israel" is another name for Jacob, emphasizing the collective identity and destiny of the nation. The repetition underscores the certainty and depth of God's unique way of viewing His people. He does not "see" their perverseness in the sense of allowing it to be the basis for their destruction or for the success of their adversaries' curses. This divine "blindness" to their sin is a testament to His grace, His steadfast love, and His unwavering purpose for them, demonstrating a profound commitment that transcends their human shortcomings.
* **"the LORD his God [is] with him":** This phrase provides the foundational reason for God's unique and gracious perspective on Israel. Their God, Yahweh (H3068), the self-existent and eternal One, is intimately and actively present among them. This divine presence (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_ - God) is the ultimate source of Israel's strength, security, and distinction among nations. It signifies God's covenant loyalty, His protective care, and His active intervention, assuring that no curse, no human scheme, and no opposing power can ultimately thwart His plan for His people. It is a powerful affirmation of the Immanuel principle – God with us.
* **"and the shout of a king [is] among them":** This final clause powerfully portrays the glorious outcome and assurance stemming from God's presence. The "shout of a king" can refer to the triumphant acclamation of Israel, celebrating the active presence of their divine King, Yahweh, who leads them to victory. It can also signify the battle cry of the King Himself, ensuring their triumph over all adversaries. This declaration elevates Israel's status, indicating that they are not a vulnerable, wandering people, but a nation under the direct, victorious reign of their sovereign God, whose presence guarantees their ultimate success and royal destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:21 is rich with several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact and prophetic weight. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the opening clauses: "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel." This synonymous parallelism powerfully reinforces the central idea of God's unique, gracious perspective on His people, using two different but related terms for sin (_ʼâven_ and _ʻâmâl_) and two names for the nation (Jacob and Israel) to emphasize the comprehensive nature and certainty of the divine declaration. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "beholding" or "seeing" (or rather, "not seeing") iniquity and perverseness. While God is omniscient and fully aware of Israel's sins, the language attributes human sensory perception to God to convey His deliberate, covenantal choice to not account their sins against them in a condemning way that would undermine His promises or allow them to be cursed. Finally, **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** are powerfully employed in the phrase "the shout of a king is among them." This is not a literal description of an earthly monarch's shout at that moment, but it symbolizes God's active, victorious, and royal presence, ensuring triumph and sovereignty for His people. It is a potent metaphor for divine leadership, the guaranteed success of those under God's reign, and the ultimate destiny of Israel as a kingdom ruled by God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:21 stands as a profound statement about God's unmerited favor and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It does not suggest Israel was sinless; indeed, their rebellion is a recurring theme in Numbers. Rather, it reveals God's sovereign choice to look upon them through the lens of His redemptive plan, choosing not to impute their iniquity in a way that would nullify His promises or allow them to be cursed. This divine perspective is rooted in His faithfulness and grace, not in Israel's performance. It underscores that God's covenant with Israel was based on His election and steadfast love, guaranteeing His presence and protection despite their failings. The "shout of a king" signifies God's active, victorious reign among them, ensuring their ultimate triumph and highlighting their unique status as a nation under divine kingship. This verse provides immense comfort, demonstrating that God's love and purposes for His chosen ones are steadfast, transcending their immediate shortcomings, and assuring them of His protective presence.

* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant Promise of Forgiveness")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help")
* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Election of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:21 offers immense encouragement and a profound theological truth for believers today, revealing the very heart of God's grace: His willingness to look beyond our immediate failings to His ultimate redemptive purpose for us. Just as He did not "behold iniquity" in Israel in a condemnatory way that would void His covenant, so too, for those in Christ, God views us through the perfect righteousness of His Son. This liberating truth frees us from the burden of striving to earn His favor and instead invites us into a deeper trust in His unmerited love, steadfast faithfulness, and finished work on the cross. Knowing that "the LORD his God is with him" assures us of His constant, active presence, His unwavering protection, and His divine power at work in our lives, even amidst our weaknesses and the challenges we face. The "shout of a king" among us signifies the victorious reign of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has triumphed decisively over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries. This should inspire us to live with profound confidence, knowing that no curse, no accusation, and no challenge can ultimately prevail against us when the King of Kings is our defender, our guide, and the very source of our identity. It calls us to rest in His sovereign rule and to walk in the assurance of His victorious presence, living as citizens of His unshakable kingdom, empowered by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's choice to "not behold iniquity" in Israel challenge your understanding of His justice and mercy, particularly in light of His holiness?**
* **In what specific ways does the assurance of God's constant presence ("the LORD his God is with him") impact your daily walk and your response to life's challenges and uncertainties?**
* **What does "the shout of a king is among them" mean for your identity, confidence, and sense of security as a follower of Christ today, knowing He reigns victoriously?**
* **How can the truth of God's unwavering faithfulness, as powerfully demonstrated in this verse, deepen your trust in His promises and purposes for your own life?**

### FAQ
**Does Numbers 23:21 imply that ancient Israel was sinless, or that God overlooked their sins?**

Answer: No, Numbers 23:21 does not imply that ancient Israel was sinless, nor does it suggest that God simply overlooked their sins in a passive sense. The Old Testament, particularly the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, provides abundant and clear evidence of Israel's frequent rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience (e.g., the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"), or their murmuring and rebellion at Kadesh Barnea in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea")). Rather, the statement "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel" speaks to God's unique covenantal perspective and His sovereign grace. From His divine vantage point, looking through the lens of His ultimate redemptive plan and the atonement He would provide, God chose not to impute their sins in a way that would nullify His promises, revoke His covenant, or allow their enemies' curses to prevail. It signifies His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant, which was based on His election and grace, not on Israel's perfect performance. This declaration foreshadows a deeper truth about God's willingness to forgive and remember sin no more for those He has chosen and redeemed, a truth ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both the true Israel and the King whose "shout" brings ultimate victory and eternal triumph. The declaration that God "hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel" is not an endorsement of Israel's inherent sinlessness, but a powerful prophetic foreshadowing of the perfect righteousness God would provide through His Son. In Christ, God truly sees no iniquity in His redeemed people, for He "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, believers are declared righteous and are seen by God as "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), their sins having been fully paid for and remembered no more by God ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God Will Remember Their Sins No More")). Furthermore, the promise that "the LORD his God [is] with him" finds its ultimate reality in Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel Prophecy")), who promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Finally, "the shout of a king [is] among them" points directly to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), whose triumphant resurrection and ascension established His eternal reign. His "shout" is the victorious cry of redemption, the call to salvation, and the assurance of His sovereign rule over all things, ensuring that no curse, no accusation, and no power can prevail against His redeemed people, who now live under the glorious banner of their conquering King.

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 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

Romans 4:7

[Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Romans 4:8

Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Exodus 29:45

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

Exodus 29:46

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.