Balaam Blesses Israel Instead of Cursing Them (Numbers 23)

After Balaam arrived at Moab, King Balak took him to various high places overlooking the Israelite camp, hoping Balaam would curse the people from these vantage points. But Balaam could only say what God allowed him to say.

On the first day, Balaam proclaimed:

“How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?
How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?
From the rocky peaks I see them,
from the heights I view them.
I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.
Who can count the dust of Jacob
or number even a fourth of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous,
and may my final end be like theirs!”
— Numbers 23:8-10 (NIV)

Balak was upset because Balaam did not curse the Israelites. So, he took him to another high place, hoping the view would inspire a curse. But again, Balaam spoke only what God said:

“No curse will come on Jacob,
no bitter word on Israel.
The LORD their God is with them;
the shout of the King is among them.
God brought them out of Egypt;
they have the strength of a wild ox.
There is no divination against Jacob,
no evil prophecy against Israel.
It will be said of Jacob and Israel,
‘See what God has done!’”
— Numbers 23:20-23 (NIV)

Balak’s frustration grew as Balaam repeatedly blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them. Despite Balak’s desire to weaken Israel, God’s blessing over His people was powerful and unshakable.

Key Verse:

Numbers 23:20
"No misfortune is seen in Jacob,
no misery observed in Israel.
The LORD their God is with them;
the shout of the King is among them."

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