Numbers 24:10

10 Then Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times!

Numbers 24:10 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 24:10

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam
He had bore much and long, but he could bear no longer, he was quite impatient, his last words more especially must exceedingly nettle him:

and he smote his hands together;
as expressive of his indignation, vexation, and disappointment:

and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse my enemies;
he had sent princes to him, one set of them after another, to invite him into his country, and to his court, with great promises of reward to curse Israel, whom he reckoned his enemies, and not to bless them:

and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times;
done nothing else but bless them with blessing upon blessing, time after time; even everyone of the three times he opened his mouth, as Balak expected, to have cursed them.

Numbers 24:10 In-Context

8 God brought him out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of a buffalo. He shall consume the nations his enemies, and break their bones, and with his arrows shall smite [them] in pieces.

9 He stooped, he lay down like a lion, and like a lioness: who will stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

10 Then Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times!

11 And now flee thou to thy place; I said I would very highly honour thee, and behold, Jehovah has kept thee back from honour.

12 And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not also speak to thy messengers whom thou sentest to me, saying,