Numbers 24:10-14

Listen to Numbers 24:10-14
10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he 1struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, 2“I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.
11 Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, 3‘I will certainly honor you, ’ but the Lord has held you back from honor. ”
12 And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me,
13 4‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad 5of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak’?
14 And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, 6I will let you know what this people will do to your people 7in the latter days. ”

Numbers 24:10-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 24

In this chapter we are told, that Balaam leaving his enchantments, the Spirit of God came on him, and he spake of the happiness of Israel, and prophesied of their future greatness and glory, Nu 24:1-9 which so exasperated Balak, that he ordered him at once to depart from him, Nu 24:10,11. Balaam justified himself in what he said and did, and suggested that before they parted, he had something to say in a prophetic manner, concerning what Israel should do to Moab in "future" times, Nu 24:12-14 and then prophesies concerning the Messiah, and the destruction of Moab, and of some neighbouring nations, and even of some at a greater distance, as the Assyrians and Romans, Nu 24:15-25.

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Cross References 7

  • 1. 24:10 [Job 27:23; Lam. 2:15; Ezek. 21:14, 17; 22:13]
  • 2. 24:10 See ch. 23:11
  • 3. 24:11 ch. 22:17, 37
  • 4. 24:13 ch. 22:18
  • 5. 24:13 See ch. 16:28
  • 6. 24:14 [Mic. 6:5; Rev. 2:14]
  • 7. 24:14 See Gen. 49:1
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025