Numbers 23:20

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

Behold, I have received {H3947} commandment to bless {H1288}: and he hath blessed {H1288}; and I cannot reverse {H7725} it.

Look, I am ordered to bless; when he blesses, I can't reverse it.

I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.

Behold, I have receivedcommandmentto bless: And he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

Commentary

Numbers 23:20 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, the diviner hired by Balak, King of Moab, to curse the Israelites. In this verse, Balaam declares his inability to reverse the blessing that God has already pronounced upon His people.

Context

This verse is part of Balaam's second oracle delivered to Balak. King Balak, fearing the vast numbers of the encamped Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, desperately sought to hinder their progress by having them supernaturally cursed. He hired Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. However, from the outset of the Balaam narrative in Numbers 22, God repeatedly intervened, preventing Balaam from uttering curses and instead compelling him to speak blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's future. This particular declaration comes after Balak moves Balaam to a new vantage point, hoping a change of scenery would change God's mind, only to hear another divine blessing.

Key Themes

  • God's Irrevocable Blessing: The primary message is that God's blessings, once given, cannot be undone or reversed by human or demonic power. Balaam's statement, "he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it," emphasizes the finality and permanence of God's divine decree concerning Israel. This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control and sovereignty over all things, including the actions and words of even those who oppose His will. Despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's initial willingness to curse, God's purpose prevailed, turning a potential curse into a blessing. God alone determines the destiny of His people.
  • God's Unchangeable Nature: The inability to reverse the blessing underscores God's steadfastness and immutability. He is not like humans who change their minds or break promises. This echoes other scriptures like Malachi 3:6 ("For I am the LORD, I change not") and Romans 11:29 ("For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance"), affirming that God's plan and blessings are secure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I have received [commandment] to bless" signifies that Balaam is not speaking of his own accord but under divine compulsion. The Hebrew word for "bless" (barak) here denotes an act of divine favor and empowerment. The declaration "I cannot reverse it" (Hebrew: lo' 'ashibennah) conveys an absolute impossibility, highlighting the finality and unalterable nature of God's pronouncement. It's not a matter of Balaam's unwillingness, but his utter inability to counteract God's sovereign will.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 23:20 offers immense comfort and assurance.

  • Security in God's Promises: Just as God's blessing on Israel was irrevocable, so too are His promises to those who are in Christ. Our salvation, calling, and inheritance are secure because they rest on God's unchanging character, not on our fluctuating performance or the schemes of adversaries.
  • Trust in Divine Providence: This verse reminds us that God is sovereign even in the face of opposition. When we encounter challenges or those who wish us ill, we can trust that God's ultimate plan for good will prevail, and He can even turn hostile intentions into opportunities for His glory.
  • Confidence in God's Faithfulness: If God has blessed you or given you a promise, you can stand firm in the knowledge that no power on earth can truly reverse or negate it. This fosters a deep sense of peace and confidence in His unwavering love and covenant faithfulness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • John 10:27 (16 votes)

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • John 10:29 (16 votes)

    My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

  • Numbers 22:12 (13 votes)

    And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.

  • Genesis 12:2 (11 votes)

    And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

  • Genesis 22:17 (10 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Isaiah 43:13 (9 votes)

    Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

  • Romans 8:38 (7 votes)

    For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,