Numbers 23:26

26 But Balaam in answer said to Balak, Did I not say to you, I may only do what the Lord says?

Numbers 23:26 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 23:26

But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, told not I thee
He appeals to him for his honesty and faithfulness, for honest and faithful he would be thought to be, both to God and man; that when he first met him, he plainly told him what he must expect: from him:

saying, all that the Lord speaketh, that I must do;
which was very true, he was obliged to do as he had bid him, and speak what he had said unto him, though it was sore against his will; he would fain both have spoken and done otherwise, if he might have been permitted.

Numbers 23:26 In-Context

24 See, Israel comes up like a she-lion, lifting himself up like a lion: he will take no rest till he has made a meal of those he has overcome, drinking the blood of those he has put to death.

25 Then Balak said to Balaam, If you will not put a curse on them, at all events do not give them a blessing.

26 But Balaam in answer said to Balak, Did I not say to you, I may only do what the Lord says?

27 Then Balak said to Balaam, Come now, I will take you to another place; it may be that God will let you put a curse on them from there.

28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, looking down over the waste land.