Numbers 24:10

¶ And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times.

And Balak's {H1111} anger {H639} was kindled {H2734} against Balaam {H1109}, and he smote {H5606} his hands {H3709} together {H5606}: and Balak {H1111} said {H559} unto Balaam {H1109}, I called {H7121} thee to curse {H6895} mine enemies {H341}, and, behold, thou hast altogether {H1288} blessed {H1288} them these three {H7969} times {H6471}.

Balak blazed with fury against Bil'am. He struck his hands together and said to Bil'am, "I summoned you to curse my enemies. But here, you have done nothing but bless them - three times already!

Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.

And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Commentary

Numbers 24:10 vividly portrays the explosive culmination of King Balak's mounting frustration with the prophet Balaam. Having hired Balaam to curse the burgeoning nation of Israel, Balak is met with bitter disappointment as, for the third time, Balaam has instead pronounced blessings upon them, under divine compulsion.

Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land, as they are encamped on the plains of Moab. Fearing their immense numbers, King Balak had desperately sought Balaam's services, believing that a spiritual curse would weaken Israel and allow Moab to defeat them in battle. Despite Balak's persistent efforts to change the setting and Balaam's initial inclinations, God repeatedly intervened, forcing Balaam to deliver powerful oracles of blessing and future prosperity for Israel. The anger described in this verse erupts immediately after Balaam's third prophetic utterance, which included a glorious vision of Israel's strength and victory, declaring them blessed (Numbers 24:9).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The core message is God's ultimate control over all circumstances and His unyielding purpose. Balak's elaborate schemes and Balaam's attempts to curse were utterly overridden by God's will, demonstrating that "many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21).
  • The Efficacy of God's Blessing: God's covenant blessing upon Israel, first established with Abraham (Genesis 12:3), proved irreversible. No human power or magical incantation could nullify God's favor on His chosen people.
  • Frustration of Opposition: Balak's intense reaction, characterized by "kindled anger" and "smiting his hands together," vividly illustrates the profound frustration and futility experienced by those who attempt to oppose God's divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Balak's anger was kindled" uses the Hebrew word charah (חרה), which literally means "to burn" or "to be hot," conveying a fierce, passionate rage. The action "he smote his hands together" is a potent idiomatic expression in Hebrew, taka' kappayw (תקע כפיו). This gesture signifies extreme vexation, indignation, or exasperation, often in response to a great disappointment or an utterly unexpected and infuriating turn of events. It's a non-verbal exclamation of profound disgust and a sign of breaking off a negotiation or relationship in anger.

Practical Application

Numbers 24:10 serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans and purposes for His people cannot be thwarted, regardless of the opposition they face. For believers today, it offers immense reassurance that God is sovereign and faithful to His promises. Even when adversaries plot against them or circumstances seem dire, God can turn what is intended for harm into blessing. This narrative encourages unwavering trust in divine providence and warns against the futility of fighting against God's will, as His ultimate victory is assured.

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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

  • Numbers 23:11 (5 votes)

    And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed [them] altogether.

  • Ezekiel 21:14 (5 votes)

    Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite [thine] hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it [is] the sword of the great [men that are] slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

  • Job 27:23 (4 votes)

    [Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

  • Ezekiel 21:17 (4 votes)

    I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said [it].

  • Nehemiah 13:2 (4 votes)

    Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

  • Joshua 24:9 (4 votes)

    Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

  • Joshua 24:10 (4 votes)

    But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.