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'Come,' he said, 'put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/04_Num_23_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:7 - Balaam's First Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. 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Come and announce Israel’s doom.’ <a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Balaam took up his discourse and said, “From Aram Balak has brought me, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains: ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’ <a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ <a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a> And he took up his oracle and said: “Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, From the mountains of the east. ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, And come, denounce Israel!’ <a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he took up his discourse and said, “From Aram Balak has brought me, Moab’s king from the mountains of the East, saying, ‘Come, declare Jacob cursed for me, And come, curse Israel!’ <a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> He took up his discourse and said, &#8220From Aram Balak has brought me, Moab&#8217s king from the mountains of the East, &#8216Come curse Jacob for me, And come, denounce Israel!&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he took up his discourse and said, “From Aram Balak has brought me, Moab’s king from the mountains of the East, ‘Come curse Jacob for me, And come, denounce Israel!’ <a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then he took up his discourse and said, “From Aram Balak has brought me, Moab’s king from the mountains of the East, ‘Come curse Jacob for me, And come, denounce Israel!’ <a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Balaam took up his [first] discourse (oracle) and said: “Balak, the king of Moab, has brought me from Aram (Syria), from the mountains of the east, [saying,] ‘Come, curse [the descendants of] Jacob for me; And come, [violently] denounce Israel.’ <a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Balaam proclaimed his poem: Balak brought me from Aram; the king of Moab, from the eastern mountains: “Come, put a curse on Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel! ” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Balaam proclaimed his poem: Balak brought me from Aram; the king of Moab, from the eastern mountains:&#8221 Come, put a curse on Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel!&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he took up his parable, and said, From Aram hath Balak brought me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East: Come, curse me Jacob, And come, defy Israel. <a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Balaam said: "King Balak of Moab brought me from the hills of Syria to curse Israel and announce its doom. <a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he took up his parable, and said, From Aram hath Balak brought me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East: Come, curse me Jacob, And come, defy Israel. <a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Balaam delivered this message: "Balak brought me from Aram. The king of Moab summoned me from the eastern mountains. 'Come, curse Jacob for me,' he said. 'Come, condemn Israel.' <a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Balaam uttered this prophecy: "Balak king of Moab has brought me From Syria, from the eastern mountains. 'Come speak for me,' he said. 'Put a curse on the people of Israel.' <a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: "King Balak of Moab brought me from Aram, from the eastern mountains, and told me, 'Come and curse Jacob for me. Come and curse Israel.' <a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying, "Balak, the king of Moab, brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, 'Come, pronounce a curse on Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.' <a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He took up his parable, and said, "From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East. 'Come, curse Jacob for me. Come, defy Israel.' <a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, defy Israel.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ <a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a> He took up his parable, and said, “From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East. Come, curse Jacob for me. Come, defy Israel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he takes up his allegory and says: “Balak king of Moab leads me from Aram; From mountains of the east. Come—curse Jacob for me, "" And come—be indignant [with] Israel. <a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he taketh up his simile, and saith: 'From Aram he doth lead me -- Balak king of Moab; From mountains of the east: Come -- curse for me Jacob, And come -- be indignant with Israel. <a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will take up his parable, and say, From Aram, Balak, king of Moab, will transfer me from the mountains of the east; Come curse to me Jacob and come and be angry at Israel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And taking up his parable, he said: Balac king of the Moabites hath brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east: Come, said he, and curse Jacob: make haste and detest Israel. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And taking up his parable, he said: “Balak, king of the Moabites, has led me from Aram, from the mountains of the east. ‘Come forth,’ he said, ‘and curse Jacob. Hurry and condemn Israel.’ <a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Balaam recited his poem: From Aram Balak has led me here, Moab’s king, from the mountains of Qedem: “Come, curse for me Jacob, come, denounce Israel.” <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying: “Balak has brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains: ‘Come, curse Jacob for me; Come, denounce Israel!’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he took up his parable and said, Balak the king of the Moabites has brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, destroy Israel for me. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he lifted up his proverb and said: “From Aram, from the mountains of the East, Balaq, the King of the Moabites, has led me and said to me: ‘Come curse Yaquuv for me and come destroy Israel for me.’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he took up his parable, and said: From Aram Balak bringeth me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East: 'Come, curse me Jacob, And come, execrate Israel.' <a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Balac king of Moab sent for me out of Mesopotamia, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and Come, call for a curse for me upon Israel. <a href="/parallel/numbers/23-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7276" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's First Oracle</a> …6So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. 7<a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">And Balaam lifted up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: mə·šā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">an oracle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: ḇā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">“Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5148.htm" title="5148: yan·ḥê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To lead, guide. A primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.">brought me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/758.htm" title="758: ’ă·rām (N-proper-fs) -- Syria and its inhab., also the names of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and an Isr. ">Aram,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/2042.htm" title="2042: mê·har·rê- (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Hill, mountain. From an unused root meaning to loom up; a mountain.">from the mountains</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: qe·ḏem (N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">of the east.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵāh (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">‘Come,’ he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ’ā·rāh- (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">‘put a curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">on Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ū·lə·ḵāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/2194.htm" title="2194: zō·‘ă·māh (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To be indignant. A primitive root; properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e. To be enraged.">and denounce</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel!’</a> 8How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a> 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. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a> 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). <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5-6</a> he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. / 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.” <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Numbers 24:10-11</a> 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. / Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Numbers 24:1</a> And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a> that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/numbers/24-25.htm">Numbers 24:25</a> Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way. <a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12</a> But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38</a> “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.he took<a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:<a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Numbers 24:3,15,23</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: … <a href="/job/27-1.htm">Job 27:1</a> Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,parable.<a href="/numbers/24-2.htm">Numbers 24:2</a> And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.Aram<a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5</a> 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:<a href="/genesis/10-22.htm">Genesis 10:22</a> The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.<a href="/genesis/28-2.htm">Genesis 28:2,7</a> Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother… come<a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Numbers 22:6,11,17</a> Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed… <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Proverbs 26:2</a> As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.defy Israel<a href="/1_samuel/17-10.htm">1 Samuel 17:10,25,26,36,45</a> And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together… <a href="/2_samuel/21-21.htm">2 Samuel 21:21</a> And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.<a href="/2_samuel/23-9.htm">2 Samuel 23:9</a> And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/46-15.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/5-23.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-17.htm">Defy</a> <a href="/titus/1-13.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/21-11.htm">East</a> <a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Eastern</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Execrate</a> <a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-42.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/numbers/21-15.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-41.htm">Moab's</a> <a href="/numbers/13-29.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/malachi/1-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/john/10-6.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/luke/21-29.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/numbers/15-8.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/numbers/23-11.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-13.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-11.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Defy</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/32-19.htm">East</a> <a href="/numbers/34-10.htm">Eastern</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Execrate</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Indignant</a> <a href="/numbers/23-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/23-10.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-6.htm">Moab's</a> <a href="/numbers/23-9.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div>1. <a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is known for his ability to communicate with God, which is unusual for someone outside the covenant community. The term "oracle" indicates a divine message, often associated with prophecy. Balaam's role as a prophet is complex, as he is both a seer and a diviner, which is evident in his interactions with Balak and God. This moment marks the beginning of a series of prophecies that Balaam will deliver, which are significant in the narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.Balak brought me from Aram, Aram refers to a region in Mesopotamia, often associated with the area around the Euphrates River. This geographical reference highlights the distance Balak was willing to go to secure Balaam's services, indicating the seriousness of his intent to curse Israel. Aram is historically significant as the homeland of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, which adds a layer of irony to Balak's request, as he seeks to curse the descendants of those who once lived in Aram.the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. Balak, the king of Moab, represents a nation historically connected to Lot, Abraham's nephew. The "mountains of the east" likely refer to the highlands east of the Jordan River, a region known for its strategic and defensive advantages. Moab's fear of Israel is rooted in their recent victories over other nations, and Balak's actions reflect the political and military tensions of the time.‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; The request to curse "Jacob" is a direct reference to the nation of Israel, descended from Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Cursing in the ancient Near Eastern context was believed to have real power, and Balak's desire to curse Israel reflects his desperation to weaken them. This request is significant in light of God's covenant with Abraham, which included promises of blessing and protection for his descendants.come and denounce Israel!’ To "denounce" Israel implies a formal declaration against them, seeking to invoke divine disfavor. This reflects the belief in the power of spoken words and blessings or curses in the ancient world. The request to denounce Israel is ultimately futile, as God's covenant promises to Israel ensure their protection and blessing. This moment foreshadows the ultimate failure of Balak's plans and highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless and curse. He is a central figure in this account, called upon by Balak to curse Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and victories. He seeks Balaam's help to curse Israel to weaken them. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram</a> A region in the ancient Near East, often associated with Syria. It is from here that Balak summons Balaam. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> A kingdom located east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites are descendants of Lot and are often in conflict with Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel (Jacob)</a> The chosen people of God, descendants of Jacob, whom Balak seeks to curse through Balaam.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_intentions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions</a> Despite human plans and intentions, God's will prevails. Balak's desire to curse Israel is thwarted by God's sovereign plan to bless His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_opposing_god's_people.htm">The Futility of Opposing God's People</a> Attempts to harm or curse God's chosen people are ultimately futile. This serves as a reminder of the protection and favor God extends to those who are His. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a> Balaam's oracles demonstrate the power and authority of God's word. When God speaks, His purposes are accomplished, regardless of human opposition. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Israel's account encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness, even when faced with adversaries or challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Balaam's account warns against the temptation to compromise or disobey God's commands for personal gain or pressure from others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a> <a href="/q/is_god_male_in_numbers_23_19.htm">Is God a man according to Numbers 23:19?</a> <a href="/q/does_ruth_1_4_conflict_with_deut._23_3.htm">Does the marriage of Naomi's sons to Moabite women (Ruth 1:4) conflict with restrictions found in Deuteronomy 23:3?</a> <a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - Took up his parable. מָשָׁל (cf. <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Numbers 21:27</a>). Balaam's utterances were in the highest degree poetical, according to the antithetic form of the poetry of that day, which delighted in sustained parallelisms, in lofty figures, and in abrupt turns. The "mashal" of Balaam resembled the "burden" of the later prophets in this, that it was not a discourse uttered to men, but a thing revealed in him of which he had to deliver himself as best he might in such words as came to him. His inward eye was fixed on this revelation, and he gave utterance to it without consideration of those who heard. Aram, i.e., Aram-Naharaim, or Mesopotamia (cf. <a href="/genesis/29-1.htm">Genesis 29:1</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4</a>). Defy, or "threaten,' i.e., with the wrath of Heaven. Jacob. The use of this name as the poetical equivalent of Israel shows that Balaam was familiar with the story of the patriarch, and understood his relation to the people before him. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And Balaam lifted up וַיִּשָּׂ֥א (way·yiś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take an oracle, מְשָׁל֖וֹ (mə·šā·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> A pithy maxim, a simile saying: וַיֹּאמַ֑ר (way·yō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Balak בָלָ֤ק (ḇā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king brought יַנְחֵ֨נִי (yan·ḥê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> To guide, to transport me from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Aram, אֲ֠רָם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Aram -- Syria the king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Moab מוֹאָב֙ (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled from the mountains מֵֽהַרְרֵי־ (mê·har·rê-) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2042.htm">Strong's 2042: </a> Hill, mountain of the east. קֶ֔דֶם (qe·ḏem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> The front, of place, time ‘Come,’ he said, לְכָה֙ (lə·ḵāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk ‘put a curse אָֽרָה־ (’ā·rāh-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> To execrate on Jacob יַעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc for me; לִּ֣י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> come, וּלְכָ֖ה (ū·lə·ḵāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk denounce זֹעֲמָ֥ה (zō·‘ă·māh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2194.htm">Strong's 2194: </a> To foam at the mouth, to be enraged Israel!’ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:7 He took up his parable and said (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>