Numbers 23:12

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

And he answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Must I not take heed {H8104} to speak {H1696} that which the LORD {H3068} hath put {H7760} in my mouth {H6310}?

He answered, "Mustn't I take care to say just what ADONAI puts in my mouth?"

But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?

Commentary

In Numbers 23:12, Balaam, the diviner summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel, responds to Balak's frustration. Balaam had just delivered his first oracle, which, contrary to Balak's wishes, was a blessing upon Israel. This verse captures Balaam's assertion that he is bound to speak only what the LORD commands, highlighting the supremacy of divine revelation over human desires or political pressure.

Context

This verse is central to the narrative of Balaam and Balak, found in Numbers chapters 22-24. King Balak, terrified by the Israelites' presence on his border, sought to neutralize their power by hiring Balaam, a renowned prophet/diviner, to curse them. Despite Balaam's initial willingness to go, God intervened, explicitly commanding him not to curse Israel (Numbers 22:12). Although Balaam later attempted to circumvent God's direct instruction, in this specific instance, he is seen delivering an oracle that blesses Israel, much to Balak's dismay. His reply in verse 12 serves as a defense, stating his obligation to God's word.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates that God's will cannot be manipulated or thwarted by human schemes. Even a pagan diviner like Balaam is compelled to speak God's truth, demonstrating God's ultimate control over all circumstances and individuals. This echoes the sentiment that "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."
  • Prophetic Integrity and Divine Mandate: Balaam, at this moment, acts as a conduit for God's word. He emphasizes that his words are not his own but are "put in my mouth" by the LORD. This principle is fundamental to biblical prophecy: a true prophet delivers God's message faithfully, without alteration or personal agenda.
  • God's Protection of His People: Despite Balak's malicious intent to curse Israel, God turned the situation into a blessing. Balaam's inability to curse Israel against God's will underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and protection over His chosen people, ensuring His covenant promises are fulfilled. This is later affirmed in Deuteronomy 23:5.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put in my mouth" (Hebrew: śām b'fî, שָׂם בְּפִי) is a common biblical idiom signifying direct divine inspiration or revelation. It implies that the words are not Balaam's own thoughts or interpretations, but rather a direct utterance from God through him. This highlights the involuntary and authoritative nature of the message Balaam is compelled to deliver, reinforcing that he is merely a mouthpiece for the Almighty.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Speak God's Truth: Like Balaam, we are called to speak truth, especially God's truth, even when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or goes against prevailing opinions. Our integrity in communication should reflect our commitment to divine revelation.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: We can find comfort in knowing that God's plans will ultimately prevail, regardless of opposition or human attempts to thwart them. He is sovereign over all things, even the words of those who might initially oppose Him.
  • Integrity in Ministry: For those who teach or preach God's word, Balaam's reluctant adherence serves as a reminder of the sacred duty to speak only what God has revealed, without adding to or taking away from His message.
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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 22:38 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 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?

  • Numbers 23:20 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 24:13 (3 votes)

    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?

  • Numbers 22:20 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Romans 16:18 (2 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • Titus 1:16 (2 votes)

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.