Numbers 23:23

KJV

Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely there is no enchantment {H5173} against Jacob {H3290}, neither is there any divination {H7081} against Israel {H3478}: according to this time {H6256} it shall be said {H559} of Jacob {H3290} and of Israel {H3478}, What hath God {H410} wrought {H6466}!

Complete Jewish Bible

thus one can't put a spell on Ya'akov, no magic will work against Isra'el. It can now be said of Ya'akov and Isra'el, 'What is this that God has done?!'

Berean Standard Bible

For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’

American Standard Version

Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob; Neither is there any divination with Israel: Now shall it be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:23 presents a profound declaration from Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet divinely compelled to bless Israel despite Moabite King Balak's intent for a curse. This verse powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty and impenetrable protection over His covenant people, proclaiming that no human or demonic enchantment or divination can prevail against them. It culminates in a prophetic exclamation, foretelling a future where generations will marvel at the undeniable, miraculous works God has performed on behalf of Jacob and Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of Balaam's third oracle, found in [Numbers 23:18-24](/numbers/23-18-24 "Numbers 23:18-24 - Balaam's Third Oracle"). Following two previous attempts by Balak to induce a curse upon Israel, God supernaturally constrained Balaam to utter blessings instead ([Numbers 23:7-10](/numbers/23-7-10 "Numbers 23:7-10 - Balaam's First Oracle") and [Numbers 23:18-24](/numbers/23-18-24 "Numbers 23:18-24 - Balaam's Second Oracle")). This third oracle continues to develop the overarching theme of God's unchangeable purpose and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The immediate preceding verse, [Numbers 23:22](/numbers/23-22 "Numbers 23:22 - God brought them out of Egypt"), sets the stage by depicting God bringing Israel out of Egypt with the strength of a wild ox, thereby establishing the divine power that undergirds their invincibility. The subsequent verse, [Numbers 23:24](/numbers/23-24 "Numbers 23:24 - Israel's Lion-like Strength"), further extends this imagery, portraying Israel as a powerful, victorious nation, which reinforces the concept of God's active protection and empowerment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting places the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Balak, the King of Moab, was gripped by fear at the sheer multitude of the Israelite nation and sought to employ Balaam, a renowned diviner from Mesopotamia, to curse them. In the ancient Near East, practices such as divination, sorcery, and the belief in the efficacy of curses were deeply ingrained cultural norms. Kings frequently hired seers or prophets to manipulate perceived spiritual forces for military advantage or national protection. This pervasive cultural backdrop dramatically highlights the radical nature of God's intervention in this narrative: He not only utterly nullified these pagan practices but also subverted them, compelling the very diviner hired to curse to instead declare His own supreme authority and blessing. This served as an undeniable testament to both Israel and the surrounding nations that the God of Israel was utterly unique, sovereign, and supreme over all perceived spiritual powers and human schemes.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 23:23 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, asserting God's absolute control over all circumstances, including the words of men and the efficacy of pagan rituals. No force, human or spiritual, can thwart God's immutable plan for His chosen people, a truth echoed in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Pagan Practices**, explicitly negating the power of "enchantment" and "divination" against God's people. This stands in stark contrast to the common beliefs of the time and reinforces God's strict prohibitions against such practices for Israel, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord"). Finally, the exclamation "What hath God wrought!" points to the theme of **God's Mighty and Undeniable Works**, implying a future filled with miraculous interventions and successes for Israel that will be so clearly divine in origin that all observers will be compelled to acknowledge God's hand. This echoes the promise that God would turn curses into blessings, as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God turns the curse into a blessing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enchantment (Hebrew, _nachash'_):** From H5173, this Hebrew term refers to various forms of sorcery, omen-seeking, or the practice of divination, sometimes specifically associated with snake charming or interpreting omens. It implies a subtle, insidious attempt to manipulate or predict events through secret, often illicit, arts. Its use here emphasizes that even the most cunning or hidden magical practices are utterly powerless against God's protective hand over Israel.
* **Divination (Hebrew, _qeçem'_):** From H7081, this is a broader term for fortune-telling, necromancy, or seeking supernatural knowledge through ungodly means, including its associated fees or oracles. While _nachash_ might imply specific techniques, _qeçem_ encompasses the general pursuit of illicit supernatural power or knowledge to influence outcomes. The pairing of these terms signifies the comprehensive futility of all pagan attempts to harm or control God's people.
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _pâʻal'_):** From H6466, a primitive root meaning "to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise." When combined with "God" (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_ from H410, meaning strength, mighty, the Almighty), the phrase "What hath God wrought!" (מַה־פָּעַל אֵל) becomes a powerful exclamation. It is an expression of awe, wonder, and recognition of unique, undeniable divine action, emphasizing that God's works are so profound and evident that they compel astonished acknowledgment from all who witness them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel":** This opening clause is a definitive, absolute declaration of divine protection. It asserts that no form of pagan magic, sorcery, or illicit supernatural manipulation—whether subtle or overt, specific or general—can succeed in harming or cursing God's chosen people, identified by their ancestral names, Jacob and Israel. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual powers and human schemes, rendering all attempts to undermine His will utterly impotent and futile.
* **"according to this time":** This phrase indicates that the declaration is not merely a timeless theological truth but also a specific, immediate pronouncement for the present moment and the unfolding future of Israel. It signifies that from this point forward, the reality of God's protective hand will be evident and undeniable in their history and experiences, serving as a powerful testament to His ongoing and active divine intervention.
* **"it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel":** This is a profound prophetic statement, indicating that the future actions of God on behalf of His people will be so clear, so miraculous, and so undeniable that they will become a common, acknowledged truth. It implies that both within Israel and among the surrounding nations, there will be a widespread recognition and testimony to God's unique and powerful involvement in their destiny.
* **"What hath God wrought!":** This climactic exclamation encapsulates the awe, wonder, and profound admiration that will accompany the recognition of God's deeds. It is a rhetorical question that demands no answer but rather evokes deep reverence for God's powerful, effective, and often unexpected works. It signifies that Israel's triumphs, deliverances, and blessings will be so obviously attributable to divine power that human agency will be overshadowed, and God alone will receive the glory and astonished acknowledgment.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:23 is rich in **Parallelism**, a characteristic feature of Hebrew poetry and prophetic speech. The synonymous pairing of "Jacob" and "Israel" reinforces the singular identity of God's covenant people, while "enchantment" and "divination" are also paralleled to emphasize the comprehensive futility of all pagan practices. The phrase "What hath God wrought!" functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Exclamation**, designed not to elicit an answer but to evoke profound awe and wonder at God's undeniable actions. There is also a strong element of **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, as Balaam's words declare a future reality where God's works on behalf of Israel will be undeniably evident to all. Finally, the entire narrative surrounding Balaam's oracles is imbued with **Irony**, as the very individual hired to curse Israel is supernaturally compelled to bless them, thereby highlighting God's supreme control and the ultimate impotence of human and demonic opposition to His divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His absolute sovereignty, and His impenetrable protection over His chosen people. It assures believers that no scheme of the enemy, no human malice, and no spiritual attack can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan or prevail against those who are in covenant with Him. This truth provides immense comfort and peace, reminding us that our security is not based on our strength or wisdom, but on the omnipotence and faithfulness of God, who actively works on behalf of His own. It calls us to trust in His unseen hand, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that His purposes for us cannot be undone by any external force, and that His power far surpasses any earthly or spiritual opposition.

* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can be against us?")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord will keep you from all evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound comfort and a compelling call to worship for believers today. In a world often filled with fear, uncertainty, and spiritual opposition, Numbers 23:23 reminds us that our ultimate security rests solely in the sovereign protection of God. Just as He shielded ancient Israel from the malevolent curses of Balaam, He continues to watch over His people, ensuring that no weapon formed against us will ultimately prosper or derail His divine purposes. This truth empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that even when we encounter adversity, it cannot separate us from God's unwavering love or thwart His overarching plan for our lives. Moreover, the exclamation "What hath God wrought!" serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and active recognition. We are called to actively discern and declare God's mighty works in our personal lives, in our families, in our communities, and in the world around us. When we witness His hand at work, turning difficult situations into testimonies of His grace, providing unexpected breakthroughs, bringing about justice, or transforming hearts, we should join in this ancient exclamation of awe and wonder. This practice strengthens our faith, fosters a deeper, more intimate relationship with our active and present God, and allows us to bear compelling witness to His ongoing involvement in history and in the lives of His beloved people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen your trust in God's sovereign protection over your life, especially when facing spiritual or worldly opposition?**
* **In what specific ways have you personally witnessed God "wroughting" mighty works, turning what seemed like a curse into a blessing?**
* **How can believers actively declare "What hath God wrought!" in a world that often ignores or attributes God's hand to mere chance or human effort?**

### FAQ
**Was Balaam a true prophet of God, or a pagan diviner?**

Answer: Balaam was primarily a diviner from Mesopotamia, known for his ability to pronounce blessings and curses, often for hire. He was not a faithful prophet of Yahweh in the same vein as Moses or Samuel. However, in the narrative of Numbers, God uniquely chose to speak through him, even compelling him against his will, to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all spiritual powers and human intentions. Despite Balaam's pagan background and his later counsel to Balak that led Israel into sin ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel")), God used him as an unwilling instrument to declare His divine purposes, highlighting that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition. The New Testament warns against "the way of Balaam" ([2 Peter 2:15-16](/2_peter/2-15-16 "2 Peter 2:15-16 - Balaam's Error")), emphasizing his covetousness and unfaithfulness despite being used by God.

**Does this verse mean believers will never experience hardship or attack?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise an absence of hardship or attack for believers. Instead, it specifically declares that no *enchantment* or *divination* (pagan magic, curses, or illicit spiritual manipulation) can ultimately succeed against God's people, nor can any evil scheme thwart His ultimate plan for them. Believers *will* face trials, tribulations, and spiritual attacks in this world, as Jesus Himself warned ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the world you will have tribulation")). However, the profound assurance of Numbers 23:23 is that these hardships cannot separate us from God's love or derail His ultimate purposes for our lives. God's protection ensures that while we may suffer, the enemy's curses are nullified, and His sovereign hand will ultimately work all things for our good and His glory, as affirmed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All things work together for good") and [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:23 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The declaration that "no enchantment against Jacob, neither any divination against Israel" can prevail points directly to the invincible victory of God's ultimate "Israel," the Church, through Christ. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, utterly disarmed and triumphed over all principalities and powers, rendering all spiritual forces of evil and their attempts to curse or condemn utterly impotent against those who are "in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming principalities and powers")). His cross is the definitive "no" to every curse, absorbing the full wrath of God against sin and breaking the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Destroying the one who has the power of death")). The exclamation "What hath God wrought!" reaches its zenith in the resurrection of Christ, which is the unparalleled mighty work of God, demonstrating His supreme power over sin, death, and hell ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God raised Him up")). For believers, being united with Christ means we share in His victory and are eternally protected from any spiritual force that would seek to separate us from God's love ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love")). The new creation in Christ is God's greatest ongoing "wrought" work, transforming lives and guaranteeing a future where His glory will be fully revealed ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New creation in Christ")).

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

Luke 10:18

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Joshua 13:22

Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

Matthew 12:27

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast [them] out? therefore they shall be your judges.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.