Numbers 24:11

11 Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, 1'I will certainly honor you,' but the LORD has held you back from honor."

Numbers 24:11 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 24:11

Therefore now flee thou to thy place
His own country, from whence Balak had sent for him, and he came; begone directly, make all haste away; he speaks as one so provoked, that he could not bear him in his presence, and as threatening him if he did not at once get out of his sight:

I thought to promote thee unto great honour;
to bestow much wealth and riches upon him, and to prefer him in his court to high offices of honour and dignity; he had promised that he would, and he thought as he said, he was determined upon it, had he performed as he expected:

but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour;
the Lord thou hast so much talked of, and at whose beck and command thou hast been, and by whom thou hast been checked and controlled, he has hindered thee from riches and honour; see what thou hast got, or rather lost, by hearkening to him, and how he will pay thee for it.

Numbers 24:11 In-Context

9 He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you."
10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, "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, '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 '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 of my own will. What the LORD speaks, that will I speak'?

Cross References 1

  • 1. Numbers 22:17, 37
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.