Numbers 24:11

Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

Therefore now flee {H1272} thou to thy place {H4725}: I thought {H559} to promote {H3513} thee unto great {H3513} honour {H3513}; but, lo, the LORD {H3068} hath kept thee back {H4513} from honour {H3519}.

Now you had better escape to your own place! I had planned to reward you very well, but now ADONAI has deprived you of payment."

Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”

Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo, Jehovah hath kept thee back from honor.

Commentary

Numbers 24:11 captures a moment of intense frustration for Balak, the King of Moab, as he dismisses Balaam, the diviner he had hired to curse Israel. Balak's words reveal his anger over Balaam's repeated inability to fulfill his mission, instead delivering blessings upon God's chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, poised to enter the Promised Land. King Balak, fearing the vast numbers of the Israelites, sought to counteract their presence through supernatural means. He sent for Balaam, a renowned diviner from Mesopotamia, believing his curses held power. Balak had promised Balaam significant wealth and "great honour" (as mentioned in Numbers 22:17) if he would curse Israel. However, despite Balak's persistence and Balaam's initial willingness, God repeatedly intervened, putting words of blessing into Balaam's mouth instead of curses. This verse is Balak's exasperated response after Balaam's third prophetic utterance, which again blessed Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The primary message is God's absolute control over all circumstances. Despite Balak's elaborate plans and Balaam's reputation, God's will prevailed. No human scheme or spiritual power can thwart the Lord's purposes, as seen in Proverbs 19:21.
  • God's Protection of His People: The verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to protect Israel and fulfill His covenant promises to them. Even when faced with powerful enemies and spiritual attacks, God turned what was intended for harm into blessing (Deuteronomy 23:5).
  • Futility of Opposing God: Balak's frustrated command, "Therefore now flee thou to thy place," underscores the futility of trying to work against God's divine plan. His anger highlights the complete failure of his efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD hath kept thee back from honour" uses the Hebrew word mana (מָנַג), meaning "to withhold," "restrain," or "keep back." This emphasizes that it was not Balaam's choice or inability, but rather a direct divine intervention that prevented him from receiving the promised rewards from Balak. The "honour" (Hebrew: kabod, Χ›ΦΈΦΌΧ‘Χ•ΦΉΧ“) refers to the glory, wealth, and prestige Balak had offered, which God sovereignly withheld.

Practical Application

Numbers 24:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Control: We can rest assured that God is ultimately in control, even when facing opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges. His plans for His people cannot be defeated.
  • Perspective on Worldly Gain: The verse reminds us that earthly "honour" or financial reward is secondary to God's will. Balaam's pursuit of riches led him astray, even as he spoke God's words (a theme further explored in Numbers 31:16).
  • Recognizing Divine Intervention: Like Balak, even those who oppose God may, at times, be forced to acknowledge His hand at work, whether in protection or judgment.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 22:17

    For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

  • Numbers 22:37

    And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

  • 2 John 1:8

    Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

  • Philippians 3:8

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

  • Acts 8:20

    But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
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