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 will speak whatever the LORD says. Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and goldThis phrase highlights the immense wealth that Balak, the king of Moab, possessed and was willing to offer to Balaam. The mention of a "house full of silver and gold" signifies not just material wealth but also the temptation of earthly riches. In the Hebrew context, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, yet here it is used as a test of Balaam's integrity. The phrase challenges the reader to consider the value of spiritual obedience over material gain, echoing the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about the dangers of wealth. I could not go beyond the command of the LORD
This part of the verse underscores Balaam's acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority. The Hebrew word for "command" (דָּבָר, davar) can also mean "word" or "matter," emphasizing the power and finality of God's instructions. Balaam's statement is a declaration of submission to divine will, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their actions with God's commands, regardless of personal desires or external pressures. to do either good or evil of my own will
Here, Balaam admits his inability to act independently of God's will, whether for "good or evil." The phrase reflects the biblical principle that true moral action is not determined by human will but by adherence to God's standards. The Hebrew words for "good" (טוֹב, tov) and "evil" (רַע, ra) are often used in the Old Testament to describe actions that align or conflict with God's nature. This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in all decisions. I must say only what the LORD says
This final phrase reinforces the prophetic role of Balaam, who is bound to speak only what God reveals. The emphasis on "only what the LORD says" serves as a reminder of the sacred responsibility of those who speak on behalf of God. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the theme of prophetic integrity and the danger of false prophecy. It calls believers to discernment and faithfulness in conveying God's truth, a principle that remains relevant in contemporary Christian witness. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is known for his interactions with Balak and his refusal to curse Israel, as God commanded him to bless them instead. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who sought to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites, fearing their numbers and strength. 3. MoabThe region ruled by Balak, which was threatened by the presence of the Israelites. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, whom Balak feared and sought to curse through Balaam. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who communicated His will to Balaam, ensuring that only blessings were spoken over Israel. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandBalaam's statement underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, regardless of external pressures or potential rewards. As believers, we are called to prioritize God's will above all else. Integrity in SpeechBalaam's commitment to speak only what the LORD says challenges us to ensure that our words align with God's truth. We should strive to be vessels of His message, not our own agendas. The Futility of Opposing God's WillBalak's attempts to manipulate Balaam highlight the futility of opposing God's sovereign plans. This serves as a reminder that God's purposes will prevail, and we should align ourselves with His will. The Danger of Greed and CompromiseBalaam's account warns against the temptation of material gain and the compromise of one's integrity. We must guard our hearts against the lure of wealth and remain steadfast in our faith. God's Sovereign ProtectionThe account illustrates God's protective hand over His people, turning intended curses into blessings. This reassures us of His constant care and provision in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's response to Balak in Numbers 24:13 demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our speech aligns with God's truth, as Balaam sought to do? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to compromise your faith. How can Balaam's example encourage you to stand firm? 4. How does the account of Balaam and Balak illustrate the futility of opposing God's will? Can you think of other biblical examples where God's plans prevailed despite human opposition? 5. What steps can we take to guard against the temptation of greed and maintain our integrity in a world that often values material gain over spiritual truth? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 23:5This verse highlights how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, demonstrating His protective power over His people. 2 Peter 2:15-16These verses reference Balaam's error and greed, warning believers against following in his footsteps. Revelation 2:14This passage mentions the doctrine of Balaam, indicating the danger of leading others into sin for personal gain. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Able, Accord, Anything, Bad, Balak, Beyond, Can't, Command, Commandment, Contrary, Either, Evil, Filled, Full, Fulness, Gold, Heart, Impulse, Mind, Orders, Outside, Palace, Pass, Possible, Says, Silver, Speak, Speaketh, Speaks, Though, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:13 4333 gold
8404 commands, in OT
8410 decision-making, examples Numbers 24:12-13 1421 oracles 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 24:13 NIVNumbers 24:13 NLTNumbers 24:13 ESVNumbers 24:13 NASBNumbers 24:13 KJV
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