Numbers 23:26

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

But Balaam {H1109} answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto Balak {H1111}, Told {H1696} not I thee, saying {H559}, All that the LORD {H3068} speaketh {H1696}, that I must do {H6213}?

However, Bil'am answered Balak, "Didn't I warn you that I must do everything ADONAI says?"

But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”

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

Commentary

Numbers 23:26 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam and Balak, highlighting God's undeniable control over even those who seek to oppose His will.

Context

This verse is Balaam's direct response to Balak, the king of Moab. Balak had hired Balaam, a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse, to utter a curse against the advancing Israelites, who were camped on the plains of Moab. However, instead of delivering the desired curse, Balaam had just pronounced a blessing upon Israel, much to Balak's frustration (Numbers 23:25). In this verse, Balaam reminds Balak of his prior declarations: that he could only speak what the LORD (Hebrew: YHWH, the covenant God of Israel) put into his mouth, regardless of Balak's desires or the generous payment offered. Balaam had repeatedly warned Balak of this limitation, as seen in Numbers 22:38 and Numbers 23:12.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty. Despite Balak's political power and Balaam's initial willingness to profit, God's will prevails. He controls the words of even a pagan prophet, turning intended curses into blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5, Nehemiah 13:2). This demonstrates that no human scheme or sorcery can thwart God's plan for His people.
  • Balaam's Limited Agency: Balaam, despite his prophetic gifts, is not truly independent. He is a mouthpiece for God, compelled to speak only what he is commanded. This highlights the contrast between human desires (Balak's wish to curse, Balaam's desire for reward) and divine decree.
  • Integrity (Forced): Though Balaam later acts deceptively (Numbers 31:16), in this moment, he is forced into a position of integrity regarding the divine message. He cannot lie about what God has spoken, even when it costs him favor and riches.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated use of "the LORD" (YHWH) is significant. It emphasizes that the God compelling Balaam is not just any deity, but the covenant God of Israel, the one true God. Balaam, a non-Israelite, is made to acknowledge and declare the supremacy of Yahweh, further solidifying God's unique power and authority.

Practical Application

Numbers 23:26 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that:

  • God's Plans Cannot Be Thwarted: Even when powerful forces or individuals oppose God's purposes, His ultimate will cannot be stopped. His plans for His people and for creation will always prevail (Proverbs 19:21).
  • Divine Protection: For believers, this verse is a testament to God's protective hand. If God can control the words of an enemy prophet, He can certainly guard and guide His own children through any challenge.
  • Trust in God's Control: In times of uncertainty or opposition, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances and individuals, knowing that He works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 5:29

    Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

  • Numbers 22:18

    And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:13

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

  • Acts 4:19

    But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

  • Acts 4:20

    For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

  • Numbers 22:38

    And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

  • 1 Kings 22:14

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.
← Back