But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

JOSHUA 24:10KJV
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Joshua 24:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:10 mean?

Joshua 24:10 describes how God refused to listen to Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel and instead caused Balaam to bless them, resulting in Israel’s deliverance from Balaam’s power. The verse highlights God’s protection over Israel, even when others tried to harm them through curses.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the gathered Israelites, reminding them of their history as they renew their covenant with God. Joshua recalls the incident where Balak, king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God intervened and turned the intended curse into a blessing. This moment is used to show that Israel’s survival and success were not due to their own strength, but because God actively protected and delivered them.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:10

  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen or pay attention. The verse emphasizes that God did not pay heed to Balaam’s request, showing God’s authority over human intentions.
  • "Blessed" and "still" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): The same Hebrew word is used for both “blessed” and “still,” stressing that despite Balaam’s efforts, blessing was the only outcome God allowed.
  • "Delivered" (נָצַל, natsal): This word means to rescue or save. The verse points out that God’s intervention was an act of rescue, not just passive protection.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, “hand” often represents power or control. God delivered Israel from Balaam’s “hand,” meaning from his influence or power.

Why Joshua 24:10 matters

  • Joshua 24:10 clarifies that God’s will cannot be overturned by human schemes, even those involving spiritual powers or curses.
  • The verse reminds the Israelites that their blessings and victories are directly tied to God’s intervention, not their own merit or luck.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme of Joshua 24, where Joshua recounts God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history to encourage renewed loyalty and trust in God.

Where else these words appear

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“Balaam” Hebrew H1109 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Numbers 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
  • Numbers 23:28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.