Numbers 23:12

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And he answered and said, “What YHWH has put in my mouth, is it not that I must guard myself to speak?”

Latin

Cui ille respondit: Num aliud possum loqui, nisi quod jusserit Dominus?

Hebrew

English

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

As a diviner, Balaam carried out rituals to look for signs about the future of Israel (compare 23:23; 24:1). Balak had called him to curse Israel, but God repeatedly stopped him.
These sacrifices might have related to extispicy. This was the practice of examining animal livers or other organs to predict the future. Ancient Near Eastern texts show that this fortune-telling method was common and well-developed. God had forbidden Israel from such practices (see Deuteronomy 18:9–14; compare Ezekiel 21:21).

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

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.”
Numbers 23:20
I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.
Numbers 23:26
But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
Proverbs 26:25
When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
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.
Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
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.
Numbers 22:20
That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.”