Numbers 23:26

Translations

Modern

But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”

Traditional

But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the Lord speaketh, that I must do?

Literal

And Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did not I speak to you, saying, all that YHWH speaks, that is what I must do?”

Latin

Et ille ait: Nonne dixi tibi quod quidquid mihi Deus imperaret, hoc facerem?

Original

Hebrew

English

But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”

Notes

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 Moab and Ammon

Related verses

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Numbers 22:18
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.
Acts 4:19–20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.
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.”
2 Chronicles 18:13
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”
Numbers 23:12–13
But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
Numbers 24:12–13
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
1 Kings 22:14
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”

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 Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Prophets: Inspiration of

Numbers 23:26

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