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<!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 23:5 Then the LORD put a message in Balaam's mouth, saying, "Return to Balak and give him this message."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/04_Num_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:5 - Balaam's First Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD put a message in Balaam's mouth, saying, Return to Balak and give him this message." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/23-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/23-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm" title="Numbers 23:4">◄</a> Numbers 23:5 <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm" title="Numbers 23:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD put a word in Balaam&#8217s mouth and said, &#8220Go back to Balak and give him this word.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD gave Balaam a message for King Balak. Then he said, “Go back to Balak and give him my message.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and this is what you shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a word in Balaam&#8217s mouth and said, &#8220Return to Balak, and you shall speak thus.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and you shall speak thus.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and you shall speak thus.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a speech in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and you shall speak thus.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak and say what I tell you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a message in Balaam&#8217s mouth and said, &#8220Return to Balak and say what I tell you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD gave Balaam a message, then sent him back to tell Balak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD told Balaam, "Go back to Balak, and give him my message."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD told Balaam what to say and sent him back to Balak to give him his message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD gave Balaam this message. "Return to Balak and speak to him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a message in Balaam?s mouth, saying, ?Return to Balak and give him this message.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a message in Balaam's mouth and said, "Return to Balak, and speak what I tell you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And God put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and YHWH puts a word in the mouth of Balaam and says, “Return to Balak, and thus you speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jehovah putteth a word in the mouth of Balaam, and saith, 'Turn back unto Balak, and thus thou dost speak.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will put the word in Balaam's mouth, and say, Turn back to Balak, and thus shalt thou speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord put the word in his mouth, and said: Return to Balac, and thus shalt thou speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the Lord placed the word in his mouth, and he said: “Return to Balak, and you shall say this.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The LORD put an utterance in Balaam’s mouth, and said: Go back to Balak, and speak accordingly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and this is what you must say.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth and said to him, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH put the word in the mouth of Balaam and said to him: “Go to Balaq and thus speak.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said: 'Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God put a word into the mouth of Balaam, and said, thou shalt return to Balac, and thus shalt thou speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-5.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=7262" 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/23.htm">Balaam's First Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.” <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">put</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a message</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: ḇil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">in Balaam’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄î (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">mouth,</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.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šūḇ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">“Return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: wə·ḵōh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ṯə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">give him this message.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.…<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/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18</a></span><br />I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a></span><br />Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a></span><br />Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-16.htm">Isaiah 51:16</a></span><br />I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21</a></span><br />For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a></span><br />I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Acts 4:8</a></span><br />Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a></span><br />And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">1 Corinthians 2:13</a></span><br />And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1</a></span><br />On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-21.htm">Isaiah 59:21</a></span><br />“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-27.htm">Ezekiel 3:27</a></span><br />But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">1 Kings 22:14</a></span><br />But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Numbers 23:16</a></b></br> And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Numbers 22:35</a></b></br> And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18</a></b></br> I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Word</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Word</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/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><b>Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth</b><br>This phrase indicates divine inspiration and control over Balaam's words. In the biblical context, Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet, and this demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. The act of God putting words in someone's mouth is reminiscent of how God spoke through prophets like Moses (<a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a>) and Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a>). It underscores the belief that true prophecy comes directly from God, not from human invention or manipulation.<p><b>saying, “Return to Balak</b><br>Balak was the king of Moab, who sought to curse Israel through Balaam. This command to return to Balak highlights the ongoing narrative of conflict between Moab and Israel. Historically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, and its interactions with Israel were often marked by tension and hostility. The instruction to return signifies the continuation of God's plan and the unfolding of His will despite human intentions.<p><b>and give him this message.”</b><br>The directive to deliver a specific message emphasizes the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God. This reflects the biblical theme of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the lives of other prophets like Jonah, who was also sent with a message to a foreign nation (<a href="/jonah/1-2.htm">Jonah 1:2</a>). The message Balaam is to deliver is not of his own making, reinforcing the idea that God's word is authoritative and unchangeable. This also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and prophecies, as seen in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who directly communicates His will and message to Balaam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is sought by Balak to curse Israel. Despite his questionable motives, God uses him to deliver His message.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam, hoping to weaken them.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, representing opposition to Israel during their journey to the Promised Land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, whom Balak seeks to curse but whom God intends to bless.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_words.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Words</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority over the words spoken by individuals, even those who may not fully align with His will. This reminds us of His control over all situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_blessing.htm">The Power of God's Blessing</a></b><br>No curse or ill intention can stand against God's blessing. Believers can trust in God's promises and protection over their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_message.htm">Obedience to God's Message</a></b><br>Balaam, despite his initial intentions, obeys God's directive to speak only what God commands. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our words and actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_people.htm">God's Faithfulness to His People</a></b><br>The account underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel, and by extension, His faithfulness to all who are in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8-10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king's demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">The Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth.--"</span>God, who had opened the mouth of the ass," says Bishop Wordsworth, <span class= "ital">in loc., </span>"in a manner contrary to her nature, now opens Balaam's mouth in a manner contrary to his own will."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-5.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">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">put</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֧שֶׂם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a message</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Balaam’s</span><br /><span class="heb">בִלְעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḇil·‘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">mouth,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֛אמֶר</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">“Return</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֥וּב</span> <span class="translit">(šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</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">Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֖ק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·lāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכֹ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give him this message.”</span><br /><span class="heb">תְדַבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-5.htm">Numbers 23:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:5 Yahweh put a word in Balaam's mouth (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:6" /></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>