Numbers 24:11

11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place. I thought to promote thee unto great honor, but lo, the LORD hath kept thee 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 couched, he lay down as a lion. And as a great lion, who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee."

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

11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place. I thought to promote thee unto great honor, but lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honor."

12 And Balaam said unto Balak, "Spoke I not also to thy messengers whom thou sentest unto me, saying,

13 `If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak'?