Numbers 23:25

KJV

And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balak {H1111} said {H559} unto Balaam {H1109}, Neither curse {H5344} them at all {H6895}, nor bless {H1288} them at all {H1288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Balak said to Bil'am, "Obviously, you won't curse them. But at least don't bless them!"

Berean Standard Bible

Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”

American Standard Version

And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:25 encapsulates the apex of King Balak's profound frustration and ultimate capitulation in his attempts to have the prophet Balaam curse the Israelites. After three successive oracles, each resulting in a blessing instead of a curse, Balak, exasperated and defeated, commands Balaam to cease all pronouncements concerning Israel, recognizing the futility of his efforts against God's sovereign will. This verse marks a pivotal moment, signaling Balak's abandonment of his original, malicious mission and highlighting the unthwartable nature of divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Balaam's third prophetic oracle (Numbers 23:21-24), a powerful declaration of God's unwavering favor and protection over Israel. In this oracle, Balaam, compelled by God, proclaimed, "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" ([Numbers 23:21](/numbers/23-21 "Numbers 23:21 - God's Presence with Israel")). This blessing, like the two before it ([Numbers 23:7-10](/numbers/23-7 "Numbers 23:7-10 - Balaam's First Oracle") and [Numbers 23:18-24](/numbers/23-18 "Numbers 23:18-24 - Balaam's Second Oracle")), directly contradicted Balak's intentions. Balak had moved Balaam to different vantage points, hoping a change of scenery would yield a different prophetic utterance, but each attempt only further solidified God's protective hand over Israel. Balak's command in verse 25 is a desperate plea for Balaam to simply stop speaking about Israel altogether, as he could not achieve the desired negative outcome and was instead receiving the opposite.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds on the Plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land. The Moabites, led by King Balak, were gripped by fear due to the sheer size and recent victories of the Israelite nation, which had just defeated the Amorites ([Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og")). In the ancient Near East, it was a common practice for kings to employ diviners or prophets to pronounce curses upon enemies or blessings upon allies, believing in the efficacy of such spiritual pronouncements. Balaam, from Pethor in Mesopotamia, was a renowned figure known for his potent blessings and curses ([Numbers 22:6](/numbers/22-6 "Numbers 22:6 - Balak Hires Balaam")). Balak's hiring of Balaam was a strategic, albeit ultimately futile, attempt to use spiritual warfare to weaken Israel and prevent their advance, reflecting the deep-seated fear and cultural beliefs of the time.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all events, including the words of a prophet, and His ability to override human intentions. Despite Balak's lavish offerings and insistent demands, Balaam consistently delivered blessings, not curses, because God Himself put the words into Balaam's mouth, illustrating that no human scheme or spiritual power can thwart God's will for His people. This narrative also powerfully underscores **God's Unchanging Purpose and Covenant Faithfulness**; His promises to Israel, particularly the blessing promised to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant of Blessing")), could not be undone by any curse. God's plan for Israel's prosperity and protection was immutable. Furthermore, the story highlights the **Protection of God's People**, showing God's active defense of His chosen nation even when faced with orchestrated spiritual and political opposition. Finally, Balak's exasperated command vividly illustrates the **Futility of Human Opposition to God's Will**, as his plan completely backfired, leading to his utter dismay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"at all" (Hebrew, _gam_):** The Hebrew particle `gam` (גַּם) is used twice in this verse, reinforcing the negative commands "neither curse...nor bless." While `gam` often means "also" or "even," in this context, combined with the negation, it intensifies Balak's command to mean "not even a little bit," or "absolutely not." It conveys a sense of utter finality and resignation, emphasizing Balak's complete defeat and his desire for Balaam to cease all pronouncements concerning Israel.
* **"curse" (Hebrew, _arar_):** The verb `arar` (אָרַר) signifies a powerful, binding pronouncement of ill will or condemnation, often with the expectation of divine judgment or misfortune to follow. Balak's intention was for Balaam to invoke divine disfavor upon Israel, leading to their weakening or destruction. The fact that Balaam was unable to `arar` Israel underscores the divine protection over them.
* **"bless" (Hebrew, _barak_):** The verb `barak` (בָּרַךְ) means to bestow favor, prosperity, or well-being, often with a divine origin. The irony of the situation is that Balaam, hired to `arar`, was repeatedly compelled by God to `barak` Israel, turning Balak's malicious intent into an affirmation of God's covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balak said unto Balaam,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and recipient, immediately setting the scene for Balak's frustrated outburst. It underscores the direct confrontation and the power dynamic, where Balak, as king, is issuing a command to his hired prophet.
* **"Neither curse them at all,"**: This is Balak's primary, desperate command. It reveals his complete failure to achieve his objective. He had hired Balaam specifically to curse Israel, and despite multiple attempts and changes in location, Balaam had been unable to utter a single curse. This part of the command signifies Balak's acknowledgment of defeat regarding his initial, aggressive aim.
* **"nor bless them at all."**: This second part of the command highlights the depth of Balak's exasperation. Not only could Balaam not curse Israel, but he was consistently delivering powerful blessings, which were precisely what Balak wanted to avoid. This clause indicates Balak's realization that any pronouncement from Balaam regarding Israel would only benefit them, thus he desired absolute silence on the matter. It's a plea for Balaam to simply stop engaging with Israel prophetically in any capacity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, as Balak, who hired Balaam specifically to curse Israel, is now reduced to begging him to do neither, having witnessed his prophet repeatedly bless the very people he was paid to condemn. This reversal of expectation underscores the futility of human will against divine decree. **Repetition** is also key, with the phrase "at all" (derived from the Hebrew `gam`) emphasizing the totality of Balak's frustration and his desire for Balaam to cease all pronouncements concerning Israel. This linguistic emphasis highlights Balak's utter resignation and the complete failure of his scheme. Balak himself serves as a **Foil** to God's omnipotence and sovereignty; his frantic, ultimately futile efforts to manipulate spiritual forces serve to magnify God's unassailable power and faithfulness to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:25 stands as a powerful testament to the unthwartable nature of God's will and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that no human machination, no political power, and no spiritual opposition can ultimately derail God's sovereign plan. Balak's desperate command is a vivid illustration of the futility of fighting against the divine purpose. For believers, this verse offers profound reassurance that God's promises are immutable and His protection is absolute. Just as God turned a curse into a blessing for ancient Israel, He continues to work all things for the good of those who love Him, even when faced with adversity or opposition.

* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")
* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Blessing of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:25 offers enduring reassurance to believers today, underscoring the profound truth that God's purposes for His people cannot be thwarted by external forces, human malice, or spiritual opposition. This verse reminds us that even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against us, God remains sovereign, and His divine plans will ultimately prevail. We are called to trust in His unfailing love and unwavering commitment, knowing that His protective hand is always upon those who belong to Him. Just as God was faithful to His promises to Israel, turning intended curses into blessings, He remains faithful to His promises to His church today. This should inspire a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that our ultimate well-being is secured in His sovereign care, rendering all opposing forces powerless against His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balak's frustration in Numbers 23:25 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fear human opposition or external threats, and how can the truth of this verse strengthen your trust in God's protection?**
* **Considering that God can turn curses into blessings, how might this perspective change your approach to difficult situations or perceived setbacks?**

### FAQ

**Why did Balak say "nor bless them at all" if he only wanted curses?**

Answer: Balak's statement reflects his utter defeat and exasperation. He initially hired Balaam solely to curse Israel, believing that a spiritual curse could weaken them. However, despite his repeated attempts and changes of location, Balaam, under divine compulsion, could only pronounce blessings upon Israel. By the time of [Numbers 23:25](/numbers/23-25 "Numbers 23:25 - Balak's Frustration"), Balak had realized the futility of his efforts. He understood that Balaam was incapable of cursing Israel and, furthermore, that any utterance concerning them would inevitably be a blessing, which was just as detrimental to Balak's objective as a curse would have been beneficial. Therefore, his command "nor bless them at all" was a desperate plea for Balaam to simply cease all prophetic activity regarding Israel, as even blessings served to affirm God's favor and Israel's strength, directly opposing Balak's desires. He wanted silence, not just the absence of curses.

**Does this story imply Balaam was a true prophet of God?**

Answer: The story of Balaam is complex. While Balaam clearly had access to divine communication and God did put words into his mouth ([Numbers 22:38](/numbers/22-38 "Numbers 22:38 - Balaam's Limitation")), he was not a faithful servant of Yahweh in the same way Moses or other prophets of Israel were. He was a diviner for hire, motivated by personal gain ([Numbers 22:7](/numbers/22-7 "Numbers 22:7 - Balaam's Greed")). God used Balaam as an instrument to demonstrate His sovereignty and protect Israel, even overriding Balaam's own corrupt intentions. However, Balaam's true character is revealed later in the narrative when he advises Balak on how to entice Israel into sin through idolatry and sexual immorality ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Wicked Counsel")). This "counsel of Balaam" is condemned in the New Testament ([Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Teaching of Balaam")), confirming that while God used him, Balaam himself was a corrupt figure whose heart was not truly devoted to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam's inability to curse Israel, culminating in Balak's frustrated command in [Numbers 23:25](/numbers/23-25 "Numbers 23:25 - Balak's Frustration"), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and unthwartable blessing found in Jesus Christ. Just as God's covenant promises to Israel could not be nullified by any human or demonic opposition, so too God's redemptive plan for humanity, centered on His Son, is utterly secure. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became a curse for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), absorbing the condemnation that was rightfully ours, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham, the Spirit, through faith ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - That We Might Receive the Promise of the Spirit")). All the blessings pronounced upon Israel by Balaam find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's favor and protection for His new covenant people. Through Him, no weapon formed against believers can prosper ([Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")), and nothing can separate us from the love of God ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")). Christ's victory over sin, death, and all spiritual powers means that the ultimate curse has been defeated, and His people are eternally blessed and secured in Him, far beyond the reach of any earthly or demonic scheme ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:3

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.