Numbers 22:38

38 And Balam sayed vnto Balac: Loo I am come vnto the. But I can saye nothynge at all saue what God putteth in my mouthe that must I speake.

Numbers 22:38 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:38

And Balaam said unto Balak, lo, I am come unto thee
And therefore let nothing more be said of what is past: and as for future things,

have I now any power at all to say anything?
that would be agreeable to the king, and answer his purpose in sending for him, namely, to curse the people of Israel; he suggests that he had not, he was under the powerful restraint of God; he could not say what he himself was inclined to say, and what the king would have him say, and he expected he should; he could not say as some in ( Psalms 12:4 ) : the word

that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak;
whether agreeable to Balak's will and design or not, and whether for or against Israel: however, it being expressed in such indefinite terms might leave room for Balak to hope it might answer his expectations and wishes.

Numbers 22:38 In-Context

36 And when Balac herde that Bala was come he went out agenst him vnto a cytie off Moab that stode in the border of Arno whiche was the vttmost parte of his contre.

37 And Balac sayed vnto Balam: dyd I not sende for the to call the? wherfore camest thou not vnto me? thinkest thou that I am not able to promote the vnto honoure?

38 And Balam sayed vnto Balac: Loo I am come vnto the. But I can saye nothynge at all saue what God putteth in my mouthe that must I speake.

39 And Balam went with Balac and they came vnto the cytie of Huzoth.

40 And Balac offered oxen and shepe and sent for Balam and for the lordes that were with hym.