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.
Balak tells Balaam: 'he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.' Balak overestimated Balaam's power - only God's blessing or curse matters ultimately. Yet Balaam's reputation suggested his words carried weight. The irony: Balaam could only speak what God put in his mouth (v.38, 23:12), so his power derived entirely from divine source, not inherent ability. This teaches that all spiritual power comes from God; human agents are merely conduits. Modern parallels exist - some attribute power to religious leaders or rituals rather than recognizing God as sole source. Only God's blessing matters; He alone determines outcomes (Prov 16:33).
Historical Context
Balaam lived in Pethor, Mesopotamia (v.5), known for divination and sorcery. His reputation reached Moab, suggesting his oracles had proven accurate or influential previously. Whether Balaam had genuine prophetic gift corrupted by greed or was merely clever diviner, God used him to pronounce irrevocable blessings on Israel. Balak's hiring Balaam shows pagan understanding that spiritual power could affect battles. Ancient Near Eastern texts confirm widespread belief in cursing enemies before battle. However, Balak learned what believers know: 'if God be for us, who can be against us?' (Rom 8:31). No curse affects those under divine blessing.
Questions for Reflection
Do you attribute spiritual outcomes to human agents rather than recognizing God as ultimate source?
How does understanding that only God's blessing matters free you from fear of curses, hexes, or others' ill wishes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak tells Balaam: 'he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.' Balak overestimated Balaam's power - only God's blessing or curse matters ultimately. Yet Balaam's reputation suggested his words carried weight. The irony: Balaam could only speak what God put in his mouth (v.38, 23:12), so his power derived entirely from divine source, not inherent ability. This teaches that all spiritual power comes from God; human agents are merely conduits. Modern parallels exist - some attribute power to religious leaders or rituals rather than recognizing God as sole source. Only God's blessing matters; He alone determines outcomes (Prov 16:33).