But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

NUMBERS 23:26KJV
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Numbers 23:26 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:26 mean?

Numbers 23:26 shows Balaam telling Balak that he can only say what the LORD tells him to say, nothing more or less. Balaam reminds Balak that he warned him beforehand that he must obey whatever message the LORD gives him.

In this verse, Balaam is speaking directly to Balak, the king of Moab, who had hired Balaam to curse Israel. Despite Balak’s pressure, Balaam insists that he cannot go against the LORD’s instructions. The verse highlights Balaam’s role as a messenger who is bound to deliver only what the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) commands, even if it disappoints the one who hired him.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:26

  • LORD (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that Balaam’s authority comes from a specific, sovereign deity, not just any god.
  • do (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means “to do” or “to act.” Balaam is making it clear that his actions and words are not his own choice but are determined by what the LORD says.

Why Numbers 23:26 matters

  • Numbers 23:26 clarifies that Balaam is not free to use his prophetic gift for personal gain or to please others; he is strictly bound by the LORD’s will.
  • The verse helps explain why Balaam does not curse Israel, despite Balak’s repeated requests and offers of reward.
  • This moment reinforces a key theme in the surrounding chapters: the LORD’s blessing on Israel cannot be reversed or undone by human schemes or manipulation.

Where else these words appear

“Balak” Hebrew H1111 · used in 40 verses

  • Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
  • Numbers 22:39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.
  • Numbers 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

“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 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.