Numbers 22:18

Translations

Modern

But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give to me the fullness of his house in silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of YHWH my God to do less or more.

Latin

Respondit Balaam: Si dederit mihi Balac plenam domum suam argenti et auri, non potero immutare verbum Domini Dei mei, ut vel plus, vel minus loquar.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

Notes

Numbers 22:18

Some people think Balaam answered the second group of messengers in a way that tried to gain a larger reward. They suggest that he wanted a more profitable offer.

However, Balaam later said that he could not go beyond the command of the Lord, even for a great reward (24:13). This statement makes that view less likely.

Instead, Balaam appeared determined to obey the Lord. He even called the Lord “my God,” which shows that he recognized the Lord’s authority.

Numbers 22:9–18

God commanded Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon

Related verses

Numbers 24:13
…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 must speak whatever the LORD says.
2 Chronicles 18:13
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”
1 Kings 22:14
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”
Numbers 23:26
But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
Numbers 22:38
“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”
Acts 8:20
But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
Daniel 5:17
In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.
Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Minerals and Metals Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

Christian Minister: Faithful: Balaam Christian Minister: Incorruptible: Balaam Decision: Balaam God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Balaam not Permitted to Curse Israel Money: Gold and Silver Used As Prophets: Benefits of Presents Refused By Prophets: Inspiration of Temptation: Yielding to Balaam

Numbers 22:18

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