Numbers 23:8

KJV

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, [whom] the LORD hath not defied?

KJV (with Strong's)

How {H4100} shall I curse {H5344}, whom God {H410} hath not cursed {H6895}? or how shall I defy {H2194}, whom the LORD {H3068} hath not defied {H2194}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"How am I to curse those whom God has not cursed? How am I to denounce those whom ADONAI has not denounced?

Berean Standard Bible

How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?

American Standard Version

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? And how shall I defy, whom Jehovah hath not defied?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:8 encapsulates a profound theological truth within Balaam's first oracle, declaring the absolute futility of any human or demonic attempt to curse or defy those whom God has chosen to bless. As Balak, the king of Moab, seeks to employ Balaam to curse Israel, the diviner is divinely constrained to speak only what the LORD puts in his mouth, revealing that God's sovereign will and unchangeable purpose for His people cannot be thwarted by any external force, thus ensuring Israel's divine protection and blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and foundational declaration within Balaam's first oracle, delivered in direct response to Balak's desperate plea to curse the encroaching Israelites. The preceding narrative in [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak") details Balak's intense fear of the vast Israelite multitude encamped on his border and his subsequent summoning of Balaam, a renowned Mesopotamian diviner. Balak leads Balaam to the "high places of Baal" near Kirjath-huzoth, hoping to gain a strategic vantage point from which a potent curse could be uttered against Israel [Numbers 22:41](/numbers/22-41 "Numbers 22:41 - Balaam on the High Places of Baal"). However, God repeatedly intervenes, first through an angelic encounter that thwarts Balaam's initial journey [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22-35 "Numbers 22:22-35 - The Angel of the LORD Confronts Balaam") and then by sovereignly putting His words directly into Balaam's mouth [Numbers 23:5](/numbers/23-5 "Numbers 23:5 - God Puts a Word in Balaam's Mouth"). Numbers 23:8, therefore, is not merely Balaam's personal observation but a divinely inspired pronouncement, setting the theological tone for the subsequent oracles found in [Numbers 23:18-24](/numbers/23-18-24 "Numbers 23:18-24 - Balaam's Second Oracle") and [Numbers 24:3-9](/numbers/24-3-9 "Numbers 24:3-9 - Balaam's Third Oracle"), all of which consistently pronounce blessing upon Israel, much to Balak's profound frustration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the belief in the power of curses and blessings was pervasive and deeply ingrained in societal structures. Kings and nations frequently employed professional diviners, seers, or sorcerers to invoke supernatural aid or inflict harm upon their adversaries. Balak's actions are a direct reflection of this cultural reality, as he seeks to neutralize the perceived threat of the Israelite nation not solely through military might, but primarily through a spiritual assault orchestrated by Balaam. Moab, a tribal kingdom situated strategically east of the Dead Sea, frequently found itself in conflict with neighboring peoples, including Israel. The Israelites' presence on the plains of Moab [Numbers 22:1](/numbers/22-1 "Numbers 22:1 - Israel on the Plains of Moab") would have been viewed as an immediate and existential threat to Moabite sovereignty, resources, and very existence. Balaam himself, though originating from Pethor in Mesopotamia, was widely recognized across the region for his potent spiritual influence and ability to pronounce effective curses or blessings. His ultimate inability to curse Israel, despite his reputation and Balak's persistent efforts, serves as a profound theological statement about the unique power, sovereignty, and distinctiveness of Israel's God, Yahweh, in contrast to the deities and spiritual forces of the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 23:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost, it emphatically underscores **divine sovereignty**, demonstrating with absolute clarity that God's plans, purposes, and covenant promises for His chosen people are immutable and cannot be thwarted or circumvented by any human will, pagan magic, or spiritual forces. Balaam's compelled utterance highlights that God's decree stands supreme, as articulated later in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man"). This verse also highlights **God's unwavering protection of His covenant people**, even when they are vulnerable, rebellious, or seemingly at the mercy of external threats. Despite Israel's wilderness wanderings, their frequent grumbling, and occasional failures, God's commitment to them remains steadfast, rendering any curses against them utterly ineffective. Furthermore, it starkly exposes the **futility and impotence of pagan divination and sorcery** when confronted with the omnipotent, righteous God of Israel. Balaam, a renowned and powerful diviner, is rendered completely powerless to act against God's explicit will, serving as a dramatic contrast between the limited, often deceptive, power of human magic and the absolute, righteous, and truthful power of the LORD, a principle consistently upheld throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **How (Hebrew, _mâh'_):** This interrogative particle, often translated as "how," "what," or "why," is used here as a rhetorical question to express impossibility or incredulity. Balaam is not genuinely seeking an answer but is declaring the inherent futility and impossibility of his task. It emphasizes his constrained position and the absolute barrier imposed by God's will.
* **Curse (Hebrew, _qâbab'_):** This verb signifies "to scoop out," which figuratively means "to malign or execrate" or "to stab with words." It implies a formal, binding pronouncement of ill will or judgment, often with the intent to inflict harm or misfortune through supernatural means. Balaam's inability to "qâbab" Israel indicates that no incantation or malediction can override God's divine favor and protection.
* **Defy (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_):** This primitive root means "to foam at the mouth," signifying intense rage, indignation, or condemnation. It implies a pronouncement of divine wrath or a curse that brings destruction, often from a position of authority. Balaam's rhetorical question about defying Israel highlights that he cannot pronounce God's wrath or indignation where God Himself has not decreed it, underscoring the LORD's ultimate authority over judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?"**: This rhetorical question reveals Balaam's profound realization and divine compulsion. He acknowledges that his power, though significant in the eyes of Balak and the ancient world, is utterly subservient to God's ultimate authority. If God (ʼêl), the Almighty, has not initiated a curse or determined judgment against Israel, then no human or spiritual agent, including Balaam, possesses the authority or power to do so. This clause emphasizes God's proactive blessing and protective stance over His people, rendering any opposing human effort null and void.
* **"or how shall I defy, [whom] the LORD hath not defied?"**: This parallel clause reinforces the first, using a slightly different nuance of condemnation. Balaam is essentially asking, "How can I pronounce divine indignation or bring destruction upon a people whom the LORD (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel, Himself has not denounced or destined for wrath?" It reiterates the theme of divine sovereignty, asserting that any attempt to bring God's displeasure upon Israel is futile if God Himself has not willed it. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) specifically connects this inability to the covenant God of Israel, whose will is supreme and unchangeable.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:8 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, posed twice ("How shall I curse...?" and "how shall I defy...?"). These are not genuine inquiries seeking information but rather emphatic declarations of impossibility, underscoring Balaam's complete lack of agency apart from God's will. This device highlights the futility of Balak's intentions and the absolute sovereignty of God. **Parallelism** is also strikingly evident in the repetition of the rhetorical question structure, using synonymous verbs ("curse" and "defy") and subjects ("God" and "the LORD"). This poetic parallelism intensifies the message, reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's blessing and protection over Israel. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Divine Irony**: Balak hires Balaam, a renowned diviner, specifically to curse Israel, but God sovereignly intervenes and compels Balaam to utter blessings instead, effectively turning the enemy's intended weapon against itself. This powerfully demonstrates God's ability to manipulate even the intentions and actions of wicked individuals to fulfill His divine purposes and protect His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over all creation and human affairs. It reveals that God's covenant promises are inviolable, and His protective hand over His chosen people cannot be circumvented or undone by any earthly or spiritual power. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that their ultimate security rests not in human strength, wisdom, or the absence of opposition, but in the unchangeable character and omnipotence of God. The futility of Balaam's attempts foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's will over all opposing forces, emphasizing that God's blessings are eternal and irreversible for those upon whom He has set His favor. This divine principle assures us that if God has blessed, no one can curse.

* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")
* [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer today, Numbers 23:8 offers profound encouragement and a bedrock of security. It assures us that if God has blessed us through His Son, Jesus Christ, no human curse, malicious intent, or spiritual attack can ultimately prevail against us. Our security is not in our own strength, our circumstances, or the absence of opposition, but in God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent power. This verse calls us to trust in divine sovereignty, reminding us that God is ultimately in control, even amidst the schemes of evil people or the assaults of spiritual forces. We do not need to fear the curses or ill intentions of others, for God's purposes for His people will stand. Just as God turned Balak's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, He often works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, transforming what was meant for harm into an instrument of His glory and our ultimate benefit. This truth empowers us to live fearlessly, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secured by the One who cannot be defied and whose blessings are irreversible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel vulnerable to "curses" or negative influences, and how does Numbers 23:8 encourage you to trust in God's protection?**
* **How does Balaam's inability to curse Israel deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and His unchangeable purpose for His people?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live out the truth that "if God is for us, who can be against us" [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")?**
* **Can you recall a time when God turned a difficult or seemingly negative situation into a blessing in your life, echoing the principle in this verse?**

### FAQ

**Can a believer truly be cursed by another person or by spiritual forces?**

Answer: Numbers 23:8 strongly suggests that a true believer, who is under God's blessing and covenant protection, cannot be effectively cursed in a way that overrides God's sovereign will. While individuals may experience malicious intentions, verbal attacks, or even spiritual opposition, these cannot ultimately thwart God's divine purpose or remove His favor from His children. The New Testament reinforces this, assuring us that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us"). Our security is rooted in Christ's finished work and God's unwavering faithfulness, not in the absence of external opposition or the power of human maledictions.

**What does this verse teach us about spiritual warfare?**

Answer: This verse teaches us that the ultimate power in spiritual warfare belongs to God alone. While spiritual forces of evil exist and operate in the world, and believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"), their power is limited and subject to God's sovereign control. Balaam, a powerful diviner, was utterly powerless to curse Israel because God had chosen to bless them. This demonstrates that any spiritual attack or curse against God's people is futile when it conflicts with God's divine will. Believers are called to stand firm in the Lord's strength, knowing that He is their shield and defender [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The LORD is My Rock"), and that no weapon formed against them shall ultimately prosper [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper"). Our victory is secured in Christ, not in our own ability to withstand curses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Balaam's inability to curse Israel because God had blessed them foreshadows the eternal, unshakeable blessing bestowed upon all who are "in Christ." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the curse of sin and the Law, becoming a curse for us, "that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). Thereby, He secured for believers an irreversible blessing and an eternal covenant of grace. Just as God turned Balak's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, God turned the ultimate curse of sin and death into the ultimate blessing of salvation and eternal life through Christ's resurrection [Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through One Act"). Believers are now part of a new covenant people, eternally protected and blessed by God, sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise [Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit"), and no power in heaven or on earth, neither death nor life, angels nor principalities, can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love"). Balaam's oracle, therefore, points forward to the Lamb of God, who not only takes away the sin of the world but also secures an unassailable, eternal blessing for all who believe in Him [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Numbers 23:23

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!

Numbers 23:20

Behold, I have received [commandment] to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

Isaiah 44:25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Numbers 22:12

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.

Isaiah 47:12

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

Isaiah 47:13

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.