Numbers 24:12

12 Balaam answered Balak, "Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me:

Numbers 24:12 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 24:12

And Balaam said unto Balak
In order to mitigate his wrath, and bring him into a better temper:

spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me:
those that came to him a second time; for to the first he said nothing of what is after related, but to the last he did much the same as he had afterwards said to Balak himself: saying,

Numbers 24:12 In-Context

10 Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, "I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed [them these three times].

11 Now go to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but look, the Lord has denied you a reward."

12 Balaam answered Balak, "Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me:

13 If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the Lord's command, to do [anything] good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says.

14 Now I am going back to my people, but first, let me warn you what these people will do to your people in the future."