Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward." “Now go home!”This phrase is a direct command from Balak to Balaam, indicating a dismissal and a termination of their interaction. In the Hebrew text, the word for "go" is "לך" (lek), which is an imperative form, emphasizing the urgency and authority in Balak's voice. Historically, this reflects the cultural practices of ancient Near Eastern kings who had the power to summon and dismiss individuals at will. Balak's frustration is palpable, as he had hoped for a curse upon Israel, but instead received blessings. This command also signifies a turning point, where Balaam's role in the narrative concludes, and the focus shifts back to Israel's journey. “I said I would richly reward you,”
Balak's statement here reveals his initial intentions and expectations. The Hebrew word for "reward" is "כבד" (kaved), which can also mean "to honor" or "to make heavy," implying substantial wealth or honor. This reflects the ancient practice of kings and leaders offering significant rewards for services rendered, especially those involving divine or prophetic intervention. Balak's disappointment is evident, as he had promised Balaam great wealth in exchange for cursing Israel, highlighting the transactional nature of their relationship and the futility of attempting to manipulate divine will for personal gain. “but instead the LORD has denied you any reward.”
This phrase underscores the sovereignty of God over human intentions and plans. The Hebrew word for "denied" is "מנע" (mana), meaning to withhold or restrain. This indicates that despite Balak's willingness to reward Balaam, it is ultimately God who controls the outcome. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal name of God, reminding the reader of His faithfulness to Israel and His ultimate authority over all nations and their rulers. This serves as a powerful reminder that human plans are subordinate to divine purposes, and that true reward comes from obedience to God's will rather than human schemes. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalakThe king of Moab who sought to curse the Israelites through Balaam. He represents those who oppose God's people and plans. 2. BalaamA prophet who was hired by Balak to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead, as God directed him. Balaam's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and disobedience to God. 3. MoabA nation that felt threatened by the Israelites and sought to undermine them through spiritual means. Moab's actions reflect the opposition God's people often face. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying to the Promised Land. They are central to God's redemptive plan and often face opposition from surrounding nations. 5. The LORDThe sovereign God who controls the outcome of events and ensures His will is accomplished, despite human intentions. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite human intentions, God's will prevails. Balak's plan to curse Israel was thwarted by God's intervention, reminding us that God's purposes cannot be undone by human schemes. The Danger of Greed and DisobedienceBalaam's account warns against the lure of material gain and the consequences of disobedience. We must prioritize God's commands over personal profit. The Protection of God's PeopleGod actively protects His people, turning curses into blessings. This assurance should encourage believers to trust in God's provision and protection. The Importance of Aligning with God's WillBalaam's failure to align with God's will resulted in a loss of reward. Believers are called to seek God's guidance and align their actions with His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Balaam and Balak illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over human plans? 2. In what ways can the lure of material gain lead us away from obedience to God, as seen in Balaam's actions? 3. How does God's protection of Israel in this passage encourage you in your personal walk with God? 4. What are some modern-day "curses" or challenges that God can turn into blessings in your life? 5. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions align with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls that Balaam encountered? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 23:5This verse highlights how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, emphasizing God's protective power over His people. 2 Peter 2:15This passage warns against following the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of wickedness, illustrating the danger of prioritizing material gain over obedience to God. Revelation 2:14This verse references Balaam's teaching as a stumbling block, showing the lasting impact of his actions and the importance of spiritual vigilance. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Behold, Certainly, Flee, Greatly, Handsomely, Held, Highly, Home, Honor, Honour, Kept, Promote, Purpose, Quickly, Reward, Rewarded, ThyselfDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:11 5501 reward, human Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:11 NIVNumbers 24:11 NLTNumbers 24:11 ESVNumbers 24:11 NASBNumbers 24:11 KJV
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