Numbers 22:35
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.
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאַ֨ךְ
And the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֨ךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
2 of 21
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֵ֚ךְ
H1980
לֵ֚ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 21
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
H376
הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאֶ֗פֶס
but only
H657
וְאֶ֗פֶס
but only
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
9 of 21
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֛ר
the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֛ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 21
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תְדַבֵּ֑ר
that I shall speak
H1696
תְדַבֵּ֑ר
that I shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
13 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֹת֣וֹ
H853
אֹת֣וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְדַבֵּ֑ר
that I shall speak
H1696
תְדַבֵּ֑ר
that I shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
16 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
17 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
19 of 21
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Despite this clear restriction, Balaam later counseled Moab to seduce Israel into sexual immorality and idolatry (25:1-3, 31:16, Revelation 2:14), finding indirect ways to accomplish the curse he couldn't speak. This demonstrates how evil hearts find loopholes when they can't openly disobey.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you seek loopholes around God's clear restrictions when you want different outcomes?
- What does it mean to speak only what God gives you to say, neither more nor less?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The angel releases Balaam to continue: 'Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.' This mirrors God's earlier permission (v.20), emphasizing severe restriction on Balaam's speech. He could physically travel but couldn't deviate from God's words. This foreshadows Jesus' teaching 'The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do' (John 5:19)—submitted servants speak only God's words.