Numbers 23:21

Translations

Modern

He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.

Traditional

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

Literal

He has observed no iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. YHWH his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them.

Latin

Non est idolum in Jacob, nec videtur simulacrum in Israël. Dominus Deus ejus cum eo est, et clangor victoriæ regis in illo.

Original

Hebrew

English

He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.

Notes

Numbers 23:20–21

The Lord kept his promises to bless his people, bringing them no misfortune or trouble. Balaam could not change God's plans. God punished the Hebrews for disobedience. Yet, he supported Israel's cause ever since he freed them from Egypt.

Numbers 23:18–24

This message emphasizes God’s faithfulness to his people. He would remain with them and keep all the promises he had made.

Nothing would cause him to abandon his word or turn away from Israel.

Numbers 23:13–26

Balak hoped for different results by changing the location. The exact location of the plateau of Zophim on Pisgah Peak is unknown. Yet, Pisgah is part of the ridge that is above the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 34:1). It is near Bamoth-baal and Mount Peor (Numbers 22:41; 23:28).

Numbers 23:1–30

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).

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 Jacob Moab and Ammon

Related verses

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
Jeremiah 50:20
In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, a search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for Judah’s sins, but they will not be found; for I will forgive the remnant I preserve.
Romans 4:7–8
“Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Exodus 29:45–46
Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
Isaiah 38:17
Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
Psalm 46:11
The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Isaiah 8:10
Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”
Micah 7:18–20
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
Hosea 14:2–4
Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Poetry, Biblical Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

God: Grace of God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Perfection: Ascribed to Jacob Pisgah: Balaam Prophesies On

Numbers 23:21

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