Numbers 24:10
Numbers 24:10 in Multiple Translations
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
¶ 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.
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.
Then Balak was full of wrath against Balaam, and angrily waving his hands he said to Balaam, I sent for you so that those who are against me might be cursed, but now, see, three times you have given them a blessing.
Balak got angry with Balaam, and beat his fists together. He told Balaam, “I brought you here to curse my enemies, and now look! You keep on blessing them, doing it three times.
Then Balak was very angry with Balaam, and smote his handes together: so Balak sayde vnto Balaam, I sent for thee to curse mine enemies, and beholde, thou hast blessed them nowe three times.
And the anger of Balak burneth against Balaam, and he striketh his hands; and Balak saith unto Balaam, 'To pierce mine enemies I called thee, and lo, thou hast certainly blessed — these three times;
Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said to Balaam, I called thee to curse my enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
And Balac being angry against Balaam, clapped his hands together and said: I called thee to curse my enemies, and thou on the contrary hast blessed them three times.
Then King Balak was extremely angry with Balaam. He showed with his hands that he was very angry, and he shouted at Balaam, “I summoned you here to curse my enemies! Instead, you have ◄blessed/asked God to bless► them three times!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 24:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽחַר
אַ֤ף
בָּלָק֙
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֔ם
וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֖ק
אֶת
כַּפָּ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
בָּלָ֜ק
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֗ם
לָ/קֹ֤ב
אֹֽיְבַ/י֙
קְרָאתִ֔י/ךָ
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
בֵּרַ֣כְתָּ
בָרֵ֔ךְ
זֶ֖ה
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
פְּעָמִֽים
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֤ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֖ק
çâphaq
H5606
to slap
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כַּפָּ֑י/ו
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָ֜ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֗ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
לָ/קֹ֤ב
qâbab
H6895
to curse
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹֽיְבַ/י֙
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
קְרָאתִ֔י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
בֵּרַ֣כְתָּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
בָרֵ֔ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Ptc
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
פְּעָמִֽים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:10
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַ֤ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֖ק
çâphaq
H5606
"to slap"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To suffice or be enough is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to clap hands in satisfaction or grief. The KJV translates it as 'clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow'.
Definition: 1) to clap, slap 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to slap, clap 1a2) to slap, chastise 1a3) to splash, throw up 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to clap
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow. See also: Numbers 24:10; Isaiah 2:6; Jeremiah 31:19.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כַּפָּ֑י/ו
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בָּלָ֜ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בִּלְעָ֗ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
לָ/קֹ֤ב
qâbab
H6895
"to curse"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To curse means to speak badly of someone, as seen in Job 1:5 and 2:5. It involves using words to harm or malign, similar to stabbing with words.
Definition: 1) to curse, utter a curse against 1a) (Qal) to curse
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, curse. See also: Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:13; Job 5:3.
אֹֽיְבַ/י֙
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
קְרָאתִ֔י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בֵּרַ֣כְתָּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
בָרֵ֔ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Ptc
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
פְּעָמִֽים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:10
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Context — Balak Dismisses Balaam
8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
9He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” 12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent meCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:11 | Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 21:14 | ‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side! |
| 3 | Ezekiel 21:17 | I too will strike My hands together, and I will satisfy My wrath.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 22:13 | Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst. |
| 5 | Joshua 24:9–10 | Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. |
| 6 | Job 27:23 | It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 13:2 | because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 23:4–5 | For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. |
| 9 | Numbers 22:6 | So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” |
| 10 | Numbers 22:11 | ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” |
Numbers 24:10 Summary
In Numbers 24:10, we see that Balak was angry with Balaam because he had blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them. This shows us that when we try to do things our own way, without listening to God, we can become frustrated and angry. However, as Christians, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when things do not go as planned (Romans 11:33-34). We can learn from this verse to submit to God's will and trust that He has a better plan for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Balak angry with Balaam in Numbers 24:10?
Balak was angry because Balaam had blessed his enemies, the Israelites, three times, instead of cursing them as he was hired to do, which is also seen in the context of Numbers 24:8-9 where Balaam prophesied about the strength and blessing of the Israelites.
What was Balak's original intention when he summoned Balaam?
Balak's original intention was to have Balaam curse the Israelites, who were his enemies, as stated in Numbers 24:10, but Balaam was unable to fulfill this request due to God's intervention, as seen in Numbers 22:12 and Numbers 23:12.
How did Balaam's actions affect his reward?
Balaam's actions, which were contrary to Balak's desires, resulted in the loss of his reward, as stated in Numbers 24:11, which says 'the LORD has denied your reward', indicating that God was not pleased with Balaam's intentions and actions, similar to what is written in Psalm 119:36.
What can we learn from Balak's reaction to Balaam's prophecies?
We can learn that when our plans and desires are not aligned with God's will, we may become angry or frustrated, but it is essential to submit to God's sovereignty and trust in His goodness, as seen in Romans 11:33-34 and Psalm 135:6.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when my plans and expectations are not met, and what can I learn from Balak's reaction in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when things do not go as I had hoped, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my desires and intentions to God's will, and how can I apply the lesson from Numbers 24:10 to those areas?
- How can I, like Balaam, learn to speak God's words and bless those around me, even if it is not what I was initially intending to do, as seen in 1 Peter 3:9?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:10
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:10
He smote his hands together; a sign of great anger, 22:13.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:10
Numbers 24:10 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.Ver. 10. And he smote his hands together.] So doth God at the covetous person, such as Balaam was. "Behold, I have smitten my hands at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made," &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:10
(10) And he smote his hands together.—The smiting the hands was a token of strong feeling, whether of scorn, of indignation, or of despair. (Comp. Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:10
10–14. Balak, in anger, bade Balaam flee back to his land. Balaam replied, as before, that he was bound to utter the message which Jehovah gave him, and, instead of departing at once, uttered four further declarations.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:10
10. He smote his hands together — This gesture indicates a strong contempt for the soothsayer. Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15.
Sermons on Numbers 24:10
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation |
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Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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What the Spirit Says: Smyrna & Pergamum - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Balak and Balaam from the book of Numbers. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted to curse God's people but was unable to do so because |
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Kingdom in Crisis - Part 2 by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the discussions that have taken place and emphasizes the importance of applying the teachings to everyday life. The s |