Numbers 23:27

KJV

And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balak {H1111} said {H559} unto Balaam {H1109}, Come {H3212}, I pray thee, I will bring {H3947} thee unto another {H312} place {H4725}; peradventure it will please {H3474}{H5869} God {H430} that thou mayest curse {H6895} me them from thence.

Complete Jewish Bible

Balak said to Bil'am, "Come, I will take you now to another place; maybe it will please God for you to curse them for me from there."

Berean Standard Bible

“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”

American Standard Version

And Balak said unto Balaam, Come now, I will take thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:27 captures the relentless and superstitious determination of King Balak of Moab, who, despite two previous failures, persists in his attempt to induce Balaam to curse the Israelites. This verse marks Balak's third and final strategic relocation of Balaam, driven by a desperate hope that a change of vantage point might finally sway God's disposition or permit the desired malediction against the formidable Israelite encampment. It underscores the profound theological clash between human manipulation and divine, unchangeable sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 23:27 is situated within the larger narrative of Balak and Balaam, which spans [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam Summoned") through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Final Prophecies"). Following two divinely orchestrated pronouncements of blessing upon Israel (recorded in [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")), Balak's frustration reaches a peak, as evidenced in [Numbers 23:11](/numbers/23-11 "Numbers 23:11 - Balak's Frustration") and [Numbers 23:25](/numbers/23-25 "Numbers 23:25 - Balak's Continued Anger"). This verse initiates the third and final attempt to curse Israel, with Balak moving Balaam from the "top of Pisgah" to the "top of Peor," each location offering a different perspective of the Israelite camp. This repeated relocation highlights Balak's escalating desperation and his superstitious belief that geographical positioning could influence the divine will, setting the stage for Balaam's most profound and messianic prophecies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of hiring seers or prophets to invoke curses or blessings was common, as these pronouncements were believed to carry potent spiritual force. Kings like Balak often sought such supernatural intervention to gain military advantage or protect their territories. Moab, fearing the vast Israelite population encamped near their borders (as described in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")), resorted to this culturally accepted method of spiritual warfare. Balak's insistence on changing locations reflects a common pagan notion that deities were localized or that certain places possessed different spiritual energies, which could be more conducive to a desired outcome. This stands in stark contrast to the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as a transcendent, omnipresent God whose will is not bound by geographical constraints.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It vividly illustrates **God's Unwavering Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His divine plans and purposes for His chosen people cannot be thwarted by human machinations, pagan rituals, or even the intent of a compromised prophet. Balak's **Stubborn Persistence** in the face of repeated divine reversals underscores the futility of human opposition to God's decree, highlighting a profound misunderstanding of God's immutable character (as articulated in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man")). Furthermore, the narrative consistently showcases **Divine Protection and Covenant Faithfulness** towards Israel. What Balak intended for harm, God consistently turned into blessing, reinforcing His commitment to His covenant promises (a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into Blessing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"peradventure it will please God" (Hebrew, _'ûlay yîṭab bə'ênê hā'ělōhîm'_):** This phrase encapsulates Balak's desperate, yet fundamentally flawed, theological understanding. The Hebrew verb `yîṭab` (יָטַב) means "to be good, pleasing, right." The full phrase literally means "perhaps it will be good in the eyes of God." Balak is not seeking God's will but hoping to find a "sweet spot" or a change in divine perspective that would make cursing Israel "right" or "agreeable" to God. This reveals a superstitious, manipulative view of the divine, as if God's disposition could be altered by a change of scenery or a repeated request, rather than being rooted in His unchanging character and covenant promises.
* **"curse" (Hebrew, _qāḇaḇ'_):** The verb `qāḇaḇ` (קָבַב) specifically denotes a formal, binding malediction or imprecation. It implies a deliberate, powerful utterance intended to invoke harm or misfortune. This is not a casual wish but a ritualistic pronouncement, which Balak believed would weaken or destroy Israel. The repeated use of this word throughout the Balak-Balaam narrative emphasizes the king's singular, malevolent objective, which God consistently frustrates by compelling Balaam to utter blessings instead.
* **"another place" (Hebrew, _māqôm 'aḥēr'_):** This simple phrase is highly significant. `Māqôm` (מָקוֹם) means "place," and `'aḥēr` (אַחֵר) means "another" or "different." Balak's insistence on moving Balaam to a third location—from Bamoth-baal to the top of Pisgah, and now to the top of Peor—underscores his pagan belief that the efficacy of a curse was tied to the specific viewpoint or spiritual atmosphere of a location. He believed that perhaps from a different angle, God would see Israel in a less favorable light, or that a different deity might be invoked, or that the "luck" would change. This highlights the stark contrast between pagan localized deities and the omnipresent, sovereign God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balak said unto Balaam,"**: This opening clause immediately re-establishes the dynamic between the persistent Moabite king and the divinely constrained prophet. It signals Balak's continued initiative and his refusal to accept the previous failures, setting the tone for his renewed attempt.
* **"Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place;"**: Balak's imperative "Come" and the invitation "I will bring thee" demonstrate his control over Balaam's physical movements, even if he cannot control Balaam's words. The phrase "I pray thee" (literally "please") adds a touch of desperate politeness, masking his underlying frustration and fear. The crucial element here is "unto another place," revealing Balak's superstitious conviction that a change of geographical perspective might alter the divine outcome, a stark misunderstanding of God's omnipresence and immutability.
* **"peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence."**: This is the heart of Balak's plea and his theological error. "Peradventure" (Hebrew `'ûlay`, "perhaps") expresses his desperate hope, tinged with uncertainty. The idea that it "will please God" (`yîṭab bə'ênê hā'ělōhîm`) suggests Balak believes God's disposition is fickle or can be manipulated by human strategy and location. His ultimate goal remains unchanged: "that thou mayest curse me them from thence," a direct request for a formal malediction against Israel from this new, supposedly more favorable, vantage point.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore the narrative's theological message. **Repetition** is evident in Balak's persistent attempts to move Balaam and his repeated request for a curse, highlighting his stubborn refusal to accept God's will. This repetition serves to emphasize God's unwavering sovereignty in contrast to human futility. **Irony** pervades the entire narrative, and specifically this verse, as Balak's desperate efforts to elicit a curse only lead to further, more powerful blessings upon Israel. His actions, intended to harm, inadvertently become the catalyst for divine revelation and affirmation of Israel's destiny. There is also a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism** in Balak's thinking, as he implicitly attributes human-like fickleness or susceptibility to geographical influence to God, believing that God's "eyes" might be "pleased" by a different view. This contrasts sharply with the biblical portrayal of God as unchanging and absolute.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:27 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. Balak's persistent, yet futile, attempts to manipulate divine will serve as a stark reminder that no human scheme, no matter how desperate or strategically planned, can thwart God's purposes. God's blessings, once pronounced, are irreversible, and His protection over His chosen is inviolable. This passage assures believers that God is actively involved in defending His people, turning intended harm into ultimate good, and that His character is steadfast, not swayed by external circumstances or human machinations. It underscores the security found in belonging to a God who is for His people, making any opposition ultimately powerless.

* [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "God Turned the Curse into Blessing")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God is For Us")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:27 offers profound reassurance and a powerful call to trust in God's unshakeable sovereignty. In a world often filled with opposition, challenges, and forces seemingly arrayed against us, this verse reminds us that God's purposes for His people are immutable. Just as Balak's repeated attempts to curse Israel were utterly frustrated by God's unwavering will, so too are the schemes and attacks against believers today ultimately powerless when God is for us. We are called to rest in the confidence that our God is not capricious or manipulable, but steadfast in His promises and powerful in His protection. This should inspire us to persevere in faith, knowing that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or malicious intent from others, God remains our ultimate defender and the guarantor of our blessings. Our security is not in our strength or cunning, but in His unchangeable character and sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balak's persistence in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "change the scenery" or try new tactics, rather than trusting in God's unchanging plan?**
* **What comfort can you draw from the fact that God turned Balak's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, and how might this apply to your own struggles?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to pray and live with greater confidence in God's protective power over your life and the lives of fellow believers?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak keep trying to get Balaam to curse Israel, even after two failures?**

Answer: Balak's persistence was driven by intense fear and a profound misunderstanding of God's nature. He was terrified of the vast Israelite population encamped near his borders, viewing them as an existential threat (as seen in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, a powerful curse was believed to weaken an enemy supernaturally. Balak's repeated attempts, including changing locations, stemmed from a superstitious belief that perhaps a different vantage point or a renewed effort would finally "please God" or alter the divine disposition, allowing the curse to take effect. He failed to grasp that the God of Israel was not a localized deity who could be manipulated, but the sovereign Lord of all.

**Did Balaam truly want to curse Israel, or was he always compelled by God?**

Answer: Balaam's motivations were complex. While he was a genuine prophet who heard from God, his heart was clearly inclined towards personal gain and the rewards offered by Balak (as hinted in [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "Balaam's Love of Money") and [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "The Error of Balaam")). He desired to curse Israel to receive Balak's riches. However, God repeatedly intervened, putting His words into Balaam's mouth and compelling him to bless Israel instead of cursing them. So, while Balaam's personal desire was to curse, he was supernaturally restrained and forced to speak God's will, demonstrating God's absolute control over even those who oppose Him.

**What does Balak's phrase "peradventure it will please God" reveal about his understanding of God?**

Answer: This phrase reveals Balak's superficial, superstitious, and anthropomorphic understanding of God. He viewed God as a being who could be swayed by external circumstances, geographical location, or repeated requests, much like a human ruler might be. He believed God's "pleasure" or disposition was subject to change and could be influenced by a different "view" of Israel. This contrasts sharply with the biblical revelation of Yahweh as an immutable, unchangeable God whose counsel stands firm (as declared in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man") and [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "God Does Not Change")). Balak's theology lacked any concept of God's covenant faithfulness or His sovereign, unalterable plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless futility of Balak's attempts to curse Israel in Numbers 23:27, and God's consistent turning of those curses into blessings, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Just as God's unwavering purpose for Israel could not be thwarted by human or demonic opposition, so too is God's ultimate purpose for humanity—salvation through His Son—absolutely secure. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the blessings pronounced upon Israel; through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He bore the curse of sin on behalf of humanity, transforming it into eternal blessing (as proclaimed in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), disarming all principalities and powers that would seek to curse or condemn God's chosen (as seen in [Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, believers are eternally blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed in Christ")), and no weapon formed against them shall prosper, for God is eternally for them in His Son (echoing [Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31 "God's Unfailing Love in Christ")). The narrative of Balak and Balaam ultimately points to the invincible sovereignty of God, fully realized in the person and work of Christ, who forever secures the blessings of His people.

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

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

Numbers 23:13

¶ And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Job 23:13

¶ But he [is] in one [mind], and who can turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.