Numbers 24:10

10 Then {Balak became angry with} Balaam, and he clapped his hands and said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, but look, you have surely 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, who brings him out from Egypt, [is] like the strength of a wild ox for him. He will devour [the] nations [who are] his enemies; he will break their bones; he will pierce [them with] his arrows.

9 He crouches, he lies down like a lion, and like a lioness, who will rouse him? [They who] bless you will be blessed, and [they who] curse you will be cursed."

10 Then {Balak became angry with} Balaam, and he clapped his hands and said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, but look, you have surely blessed [them] these three times.

11 {Flee} to your place now. I said I would richly honor you, but look, Yahweh has withheld honor from you."

12 Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "the nose of Balak became hot against"