Numbers 23:27

Translations

Modern

“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”

Traditional

And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.

Literal

And Balak said to Balaam, “Come, please, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please the eye of God that you may curse them for me from there.”

Latin

Et ait Balac ad eum: Veni, et ducam te ad alium locum: si forte placeat Deo ut inde maledicas eis.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”

Notes

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 23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

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

Romans 11:29
For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.
Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
Job 23:13
But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
Numbers 23:13
Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”
Isaiah 14:27
The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
Isaiah 46:10–11
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
Numbers 23:19–20
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
Malachi 3:6
“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

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

Numbers 23:27

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Notes?

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