Balaam remains compelled to speak the word of the LORD regardless of the cost.
Balaam firmly declares, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the LORD, either good or bad, of my own accord. What the LORD speaks, that I will speak.” (v.13) These words appear in the midst of Balaam’s final oracle after King Balak of Moab repeatedly urged him to curse the Israelites. Historically, this took place as the nation of Israel camped in the plains of Moab, east of the Dead Sea, near the end of their forty years of wandering. Balak, fearful of the Israelites, hired Balaam—a prophet from Mesopotamia—to utter curses upon God’s people, hoping to gain the upper hand against them. Despite Balak’s enticing offer of great riches, Balaam proclaims that he cannot “do anything contrary to the command of the LORD,” placing obedience to God’s will above any personal profit.In his statement, “What the LORD speaks, that I will speak” (v.13), Balaam emphasizes a prophet’s responsibility to proclaim only God’s words, without adding or altering them for personal gain. Balaam had already discovered that God intended to bless Israel instead of curse them (Numbers 23 - 24). Each time Balaam opened his mouth to speak, the LORD compelled him to bless Israel rather than bring judgment. This stands in stark contrast to Balak’s desperate desire for Israel’s downfall. Although Balaam had once entertained the possibility of riches from Balak, he ultimately acknowledges his inability to go beyond God’s authority.This verse further highlights the tension between worldly allure and divine commission. Balaam admits that no earthly reward—no “house full of silver and gold”—can outweigh staying true to God’s instructions. New Testament passages later depict Balaam as someone who knew God’s truth but was tempted by greed. Still, here in Numbers 24:13, Balaam stands firm in obedience: even if it costs him the king’s favor, he will do only as God directs.
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Numbers 24:13 meaning
Balaam firmly declares, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the LORD, either good or bad, of my own accord. What the LORD speaks, that I will speak.” (v.13) These words appear in the midst of Balaam’s final oracle after King Balak of Moab repeatedly urged him to curse the Israelites. Historically, this took place as the nation of Israel camped in the plains of Moab, east of the Dead Sea, near the end of their forty years of wandering. Balak, fearful of the Israelites, hired Balaam—a prophet from Mesopotamia—to utter curses upon God’s people, hoping to gain the upper hand against them. Despite Balak’s enticing offer of great riches, Balaam proclaims that he cannot “do anything contrary to the command of the LORD,” placing obedience to God’s will above any personal profit.In his statement, “What the LORD speaks, that I will speak” (v.13), Balaam emphasizes a prophet’s responsibility to proclaim only God’s words, without adding or altering them for personal gain. Balaam had already discovered that God intended to bless Israel instead of curse them (Numbers 23 - 24). Each time Balaam opened his mouth to speak, the LORD compelled him to bless Israel rather than bring judgment. This stands in stark contrast to Balak’s desperate desire for Israel’s downfall. Although Balaam had once entertained the possibility of riches from Balak, he ultimately acknowledges his inability to go beyond God’s authority.This verse further highlights the tension between worldly allure and divine commission. Balaam admits that no earthly reward—no “house full of silver and gold”—can outweigh staying true to God’s instructions. New Testament passages later depict Balaam as someone who knew God’s truth but was tempted by greed. Still, here in Numbers 24:13, Balaam stands firm in obedience: even if it costs him the king’s favor, he will do only as God directs.