Numbers 24:13

KJV

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

KJV (with Strong's)

If Balak {H1111} would give {H5414} me his house {H1004} full {H4393} of silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, I cannot {H3201} go beyond {H5674} the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, to do {H6213} either good {H2896} or bad {H7451} of mine own mind {H3820}; but what the LORD {H3068} saith {H1696}, that will I speak {H1696}?

Complete Jewish Bible

that even if Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord go beyond the word of ADONAI to do either good or bad? that what ADONAI said is what I would say?

Berean Standard Bible

that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says.

American Standard Version

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of Jehovah, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; what Jehovah speaketh, that will I speak?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:13 presents Balaam's unequivocal declaration to Balak, the king of Moab, affirming his absolute inability to deviate from God's divine mandate, regardless of the immense material inducements offered. Despite Balak's desperate attempts to persuade him with an offer of "his house full of silver and gold," Balaam resolutely states that he cannot "go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind," but is compelled to speak only "what the LORD saith." This pivotal verse powerfully underscores the unassailable sovereignty of God and the irresistible power of His word, demonstrating that no human scheme or personal desire, even one driven by greed, can thwart His predetermined will for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:13 is strategically positioned within the extended narrative of Balaam, a diviner from Mesopotamia, whom Balak, the king of Moab, has repeatedly summoned and attempted to bribe to curse the advancing Israelites. This specific declaration follows two prior attempts by Balak to induce a curse from different vantage points (cf. [Numbers 23:13](/numbers/23-13 "Numbers 23:13 - Balak's Second Attempt to Curse Israel")). In each instance, despite Balak's fervent desire and Balaam's initial inclination towards personal gain, God miraculously intervened, compelling Balaam to pronounce blessings instead of curses upon Israel. The verse functions as a powerful reiteration and culmination of Balaam's earlier statements of divine constraint (e.g., [Numbers 22:18](/numbers/22-18 "Numbers 22:18 - Balaam's Initial Refusal of Balak's Bribe")), solidifying the overarching theme that God's will is paramount and cannot be subverted by human machinations or even the prophet's own desires. It serves as a climactic preface to Balaam's final and most profound oracles concerning Israel's future and the coming Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of hiring diviners or prophets to pronounce blessings or curses was a common and deeply ingrained cultural phenomenon. It was widely believed that such pronouncements held genuine spiritual power and could significantly influence the outcome of battles or the destiny of nations. Balak's profound fear of the numerous and powerful Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites, led him to resort to this widespread cultural practice, seeking a supernatural advantage against them. Balaam, hailing from Pethor near the Euphrates (a region renowned for its diviners), was celebrated for his prophetic abilities, making him an ideal candidate for Balak's desperate mission. The offer of "his house full of silver and gold" represents an astronomical sum, underscoring Balak's extreme desperation and the immense value placed on Balaam's prophetic services. This cultural backdrop vividly highlights the extraordinary nature of God's intervention, where even a powerful and respected diviner, operating within his expected cultural norms, is utterly unable to act outside of the divine will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute and unchallengeable control over all circumstances, individuals, and even the intentions of the wicked. Even a diviner like Balaam, motivated by personal avarice (as later revealed in [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Love of Unrighteous Gain")), cannot act against God's predetermined plan for Israel's blessing, which is utterly unassailable (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares His Sovereign Plan")). Secondly, it highlights **The Irresistible Power of God's Word**. Balaam's explicit inability to speak anything but what the LORD commands emphasizes the supreme authority and efficacy of God's word; what God declares, He will perform, and no human agency can prevent it (see also [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Thirdly, it illustrates **God's Unwavering Protection of His People**. The entire narrative of Balaam's failed attempts to curse Israel serves as a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His steadfast protection over His chosen people, ensuring their destiny despite formidable opposition and highlighting the security of the covenant blessings promised in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Blessing on Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word, H1004, refers to a physical dwelling but extends figuratively to encompass a family, household, or even a palace or temple. In this context, "his house full of silver and gold" signifies not just a building, but the entirety of Balak's accumulated wealth and resources, representing an offer of immense, almost unimaginable, riches. It emphasizes the magnitude of the bribe and thus the strength of the temptation Balaam faced.
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _peh'_):** This word, H6310, literally means "mouth." When used in the phrase "commandment of the LORD" (literally "mouth of the LORD," _pi YHWH'_), it signifies a direct, authoritative utterance or decree emanating directly from God Himself. Balaam is not merely following a general instruction or rule; he is bound by the very words spoken by God, making him a compelled mouthpiece rather than an originator of the message. This emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the pronouncements he is forced to make.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, H2896, is broad in meaning, encompassing what is beautiful, beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, or morally upright. In the idiomatic phrase "good or bad," it specifically refers to a blessing or a positive outcome. Balaam states he cannot alter the message to make it beneficial (a blessing) according to his own preference or Balak's wishes. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's control over Balaam's words, leaving no room for personal interpretation or modification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold":** This opening clause immediately establishes the immense temptation Balaam faced. The hyperbolic imagery of a "house full" of precious metals vividly portrays the extraordinary wealth offered, highlighting the magnitude of Balak's desperation and the powerful allure of worldly gain. It sets up a stark contrast between human desire and divine command, emphasizing that no earthly reward, however great, can override God's will.
* **"I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD":** This is the core assertion of the verse, a declaration of utter powerlessness. Balaam states his absolute inability to transgress, exceed, or circumvent the boundary set by God's direct word. The phrase "commandment of the LORD" (as discussed in Key Word Analysis, "mouth of the LORD") emphasizes that he is bound by a divine utterance, not merely a general principle or a vague instruction. This reveals the irresistible force of God's will over even a powerful and renowned diviner.
* **"to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind":** This further clarifies the extent of Balaam's constraint. He cannot alter the *substance* or *effect* of the message in any way, whether to pronounce a blessing ("good") or a curse ("bad") based on his personal preference, Balak's desires, or his own thoughts and intentions ("of mine own mind"). This highlights the complete subjugation of his will, intellect, and personal agenda to God's decree, demonstrating that divine revelation is not subject to human manipulation.
* **"[but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?":** This concluding clause functions as a powerful affirmation of divine sovereignty and prophetic compulsion. It asserts that Balaam's words are not his own, but are merely an echo of God's direct utterance. It underscores the truth that genuine prophecy originates solely from God, irrespective of the prophet's personal character or desires, and will be faithfully delivered by divine compulsion, serving as a testament to God's ultimate control over His message.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is strikingly evident in the phrase "his house full of silver and gold," which dramatically emphasizes the extraordinary temptation Balaam faced, thereby magnifying the unyielding power of God's constraint over him. **Irony** is central to the entire Balaam narrative, as a pagan diviner, hired specifically to curse Israel, is repeatedly compelled by God to bless them instead. This verse, in particular, highlights this irony by having Balaam himself articulate his absolute inability to act against God's will, despite his known covetousness and initial intentions. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting human desire and immense material wealth with the absolute, unyielding authority of God's word. This stark opposition underscores the theme of divine sovereignty triumphing over human schemes and desires. Finally, the repeated phrase "what the LORD saith, that will I speak" functions as a powerful **Refrain** throughout the Balaam narrative, reinforcing the central theme of God's complete control over prophetic utterance and His unalterable plan for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:13 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and the unyielding power of His divine decrees. It demonstrates unequivocally that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human will, political maneuvering, or even the most potent magical or prophetic efforts of the ancient world. This narrative reassures God's people that His covenant promises are secure, and His protective hand remains steadfast over them, regardless of the formidable threats they face. It also highlights the true nature of prophecy, which is not a human endeavor or invention but a divine utterance, compelled by God Himself. This principle extends beyond the immediate context, reminding believers that God's word, once spoken, will accomplish its intended purpose and cannot be altered or nullified by any earthly power or opposition.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart, But the LORD's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, anchoring our faith in the unshakeable sovereignty of God. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and the perceived power of adversaries, this verse reminds us that God's purposes for His people are steadfast and cannot be thwarted by any human scheme or demonic influence. We can rest in the assurance that just as God protected Israel from Balaam's curses, He continues to work all things according to the counsel of His will, even using unwilling instruments to achieve His divine objectives. For those who proclaim God's word, this passage serves as a solemn reminder of the sacred responsibility to speak only what God has revealed, without personal alteration, compromise for worldly gain, or fear of human disapproval. It calls for unwavering faithfulness to the revealed truth, prioritizing divine authority over personal opinions or popular sentiment, echoing the call to be a faithful messenger of God's unchanging truth and to trust in His unfailing power to accomplish His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's forced obedience to God's word challenge my own tendency to prioritize personal desires or worldly gain over divine commands?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in God's sovereign protection and unchangeable purposes, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or contrary to my hopes?**
* **If I am called to speak or teach God's truth, how does Balaam's experience underscore the importance of integrity and purity in proclaiming His word, rather than my own thoughts, opinions, or seeking popular affirmation?**

### FAQ

**Did Balaam truly believe what he was saying, or was he just putting on a show for Balak?**

Answer: Balaam's character is complex and often contradictory. While he clearly articulated his inability to go beyond the LORD's command in [Numbers 24:13](/numbers/24-13 "Numbers 24:13 - Balaam's Compelled Obedience"), his subsequent actions and later biblical references (e.g., [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel to Entice Israel") and [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Love of Unrighteous Gain")) reveal that he was fundamentally driven by a love for money and eventually advised Balak on how to entice Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality. This suggests that while he was genuinely compelled by God to speak truth in the moment, his heart remained unrighteous and covetous. His words in Numbers 24:13 were a true statement of divine compulsion, not necessarily a reflection of his personal devotion or belief in God's goodness, but rather a powerful testament to God's irresistible power over him, even against his own corrupt desires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:13, with its powerful declaration of God's unthwartable will and the irresistible nature of His spoken word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Balaam, a pagan prophet compelled by divine power to bless Israel, foreshadows the comprehensive divine control over all things to bring about God's redemptive plan. The "commandment of the LORD" that Balaam could not go beyond points to the ultimate obedience of the Son, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father who sent Him (cf. [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Just as Balaam could only speak what the LORD commanded, Jesus perfectly embodied and spoke the very words of God, being the Word made flesh (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the theme of God's unwavering protection of His people from curses finds its apex in Christ, who became a curse for us on the cross, thereby redeeming us from the curse of the law (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). No amount of silver or gold, no human scheme, and no demonic power could prevent God's ultimate plan of salvation through His Son. The blessings Balaam was forced to pronounce upon Israel ultimately point to the spiritual blessings in Christ, who is the true and eternal "Star" and "Scepter" from Jacob, prophesied by Balaam himself in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star from Jacob")). Thus, the divine sovereignty displayed in Numbers 24:13 culminates in the absolute triumph of God's redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ, ensuring eternal blessing for all who believe.

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 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.

Numbers 22:20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Numbers 16:28

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind.