Numbers 22:38

And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

And Balaam {H1109} said {H559} unto Balak {H1111}, Lo, I am come {H935} unto thee: have I now any power {H3201} at all {H3201} to say {H1696} any thing {H3972}? the word {H1697} that God {H430} putteth {H7760} in my mouth {H6310}, that shall I speak {H1696}.

Bil'am replied to Balak, "Here, I've come to you! But I have no power of my own to say anything. The word that God puts in my mouth is what I will say."

โ€œSee, I have come to you,โ€ Balaam replied, โ€œbut can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.โ€

And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 22:38 is spoken by Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotamia, to Balak, the king of Moab. Balak had hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, who were encamped on the plains of Moab and causing great fear to the Moabite king. Throughout the preceding narrative in Numbers chapter 22, God had repeatedly intervened, first forbidding Balaam from going, then allowing him to go but with strict instructions, and even sending an angel to block his path, making it clear that Balaam could only speak what God commanded. This verse marks Balaam's arrival before Balak, immediately establishing the divine constraint under which Balaam operates, setting the stage for the unexpected blessings he would pronounce upon Israel instead of curses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over all circumstances and individuals, even those who might seemingly oppose His will. Despite Balak's fervent desire for curses and Balaam's initial inclination for reward, God's purpose for Israel could not be thwarted. Balaam is merely a vessel, highlighting that the Lord's counsel will stand.
  • Prophetic Integrity and Divine Inspiration: Balaam's statement, "the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak," underscores the nature of true prophecy. It is not the prophet's own opinion or desire but a direct, divinely inspired message. This principle is fundamental to understanding how God puts His words into the mouths of His prophets, ensuring the accuracy and authority of their declarations.
  • God's Unchanging Purpose: The narrative of Balaam confirms that God's plan for His people, which includes blessing them, is unchangeable. No human or spiritual power can overturn His decrees. This sets the stage for Balaam's later pronouncements, which bless Israel, much to Balak's dismay, reinforcing God's unchanging nature and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word that God putteth in my mouth" (KJV) uses the Hebrew verb ื ึธืชึทืŸ (natan), meaning "to give" or "to put." Here, it emphasizes the direct, explicit placement of words by God into Balaam's mouth. This is not merely an influence or a general idea, but a specific, divinely dictated message, highlighting the concept of verbal plenary inspiration โ€“ that the very words spoken by the prophet were given by God, ensuring their accuracy and divine authority.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:38 serves as a profound reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty in our lives and in the world. It encourages believers to trust that God's purposes will prevail, even when circumstances seem challenging or when powerful forces oppose His will. For those who speak on behalf of God, whether in ministry or sharing their faith, it emphasizes the importance of humility and submission to God's Word, ensuring that their message is aligned with His truth rather than personal agendas or popular opinions. It calls us to be faithful conduits of His message, speaking "only what the Lord speaks."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 19:21 (4 votes)

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

  • Numbers 22:18 (4 votes)

    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 23:16 (3 votes)

    And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

  • Numbers 23:26 (3 votes)

    But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

  • Psalms 33:10 (2 votes)

    The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

  • Psalms 76:10 (2 votes)

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

  • Isaiah 46:10 (2 votes)

    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: