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Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed."
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/04_Num_22_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:12 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But God said to Balaam, Do not go with them. 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You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they <i>are</i> blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they <i>are</i> blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people [of Israel], for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But God replied, "Don't go with Balak's messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don't curse them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, "Don't go with them! Don't curse these people, because they are blessed."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them, and do not put a curse on the people of Israel, because they have my blessing." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But God told Balaam, "Don't go with them. Don't curse the people, because they're blessed."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, ?Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam, "You must not go with them; you must not curse the people, for they are blessed." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, "You are not to go with them, and you are not to curse the people, for they are blessed."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and God says to Balaam, “You do not go with them; you do not curse the people, for it [is] blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and God saith unto Balaam, 'Thou dost not go with them; thou dost not curse the people; for it is blessed.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And God will say to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for he is praised.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam : Thou shalt not go with them, nor shalt thou curse the people: because it is blessed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them, and do not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But God said to Balaam: Do not go with them and do not curse this people, for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; and you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam: “Do not go with them and do not curse the people, because it is blessed.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And God said unto Balaam: 'Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, neither shalt thou curse the people; for they are blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6935" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>‘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.’ ” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">But God</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ṯê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ṯā·’ōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">to curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">this people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ḇā·rūḵ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">are blessed.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />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).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a></span><br />I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24</a></span><br />But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29</a></span><br />I have power to do you great harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Genesis 20:3</a></span><br />One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6-7</a></span><br />Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. / Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-19.htm">1 Samuel 24:19</a></span><br />When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28</a></span><br />Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people: for they are blessed.</p><p class="hdg">Balaam, Thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20</a></b></br> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, <i>and</i> go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-15.htm">Job 33:15-17</a></b></br> In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Matthew 27:19</a></b></br> When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt not curse</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Numbers 22:19</a></b></br> Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3,13-15,19,23</a></b></br> And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></b></br> O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">for they</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Numbers 23:20</a></b></br> Behold, I have received <i>commandment</i> to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a></b></br> And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Genesis 22:16-18</a></b></br> And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only <i>son</i>: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-9.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/numbers/10-36.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Curse</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-11.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Curse</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/22.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/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But God said to Balaam</b><br>In this passage, God directly communicates with Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. This interaction highlights God's sovereignty and ability to use individuals outside of Israel for His purposes. Balaam's story is unique as it shows God's control over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where God intervenes in human affairs to protect His chosen people.<p><b>Do not go with them.</b><br>God's command to Balaam is clear and direct, prohibiting him from accompanying the Moabite messengers. This instruction underscores the importance of obedience to God's will, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The command also reflects God's protective nature over Israel, ensuring that Balaam does not align himself with those who intend harm against His people. This directive can be seen as a test of Balaam's allegiance and willingness to submit to God's authority.<p><b>You are not to curse this people,</b><br>The prohibition against cursing Israel is significant, as it demonstrates God's covenantal relationship with His people. Cursing in the ancient Near Eastern context was believed to have real power, and God's intervention prevents any potential spiritual harm. This phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's blessing and protection over Israel, as seen in His promises to Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>, where God declares that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.<p><b>for they are blessed.</b><br>God's declaration that Israel is blessed is rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This blessing is not based on Israel's merit but on God's faithfulness and promises. The concept of blessing is central to the biblical narrative, often associated with God's favor, provision, and protection. This statement reaffirms Israel's unique status as God's chosen people and foreshadows the ultimate blessing through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Israel, who brings salvation to all nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The one true God who communicates directly with Balaam, instructing him not to curse the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>God's chosen people, whom He has blessed and protected throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, where the Israelites are encamped, causing concern for the Moabites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>God’s command to Balaam not to curse the Israelites highlights His sovereign control over all situations. Believers can trust that God is in control and will protect His people from harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_blessing.htm">The Power of Blessing</a></b><br>The Israelites are described as blessed, which is a powerful state of being under God's favor. Christians are encouraged to seek God's blessing and live in a way that aligns with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a></b><br>Balaam is instructed not to go with Balak's messengers. This teaches the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when faced with external pressures or temptations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br>The protection of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Believers can find assurance in the fact that God remains faithful to His promises today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>Balaam's encounter with God serves as a reminder to seek discernment and wisdom in spiritual matters, ensuring that one's actions align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam_in_numbers_22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_change_with_balaam_consistent.htm">How does God’s change from forbidding Balaam to go (Numbers 22:12) to eventually permitting him (Numbers 22:20) align with the concept of divine consistency? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_donkey_see_the_angel_first.htm">Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23–25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵלֵ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with them.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You are not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to curse</span><br /><span class="heb">תָאֹר֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṯā·’ōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> </span><span class="str2">To execrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this people,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="heb">הֽוּא׃</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are blessed.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בָר֖וּךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·rūḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:12 God said to Balaam You shall not (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:13" /></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>