Numbers 23:21
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִבִּ֥יט
He hath not beheld
H5027
הִבִּ֥יט
He hath not beheld
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
2 of 14
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
אָ֙וֶן֙
iniquity
H205
אָ֙וֶן֙
iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
3 of 14
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָאָ֥ה
neither hath he seen
H7200
רָאָ֥ה
neither hath he seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עָמָ֖ל
perverseness
H5999
עָמָ֖ל
perverseness
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
7 of 14
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
in Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
in Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָיו֙
his God
H430
אֱלֹהָיו֙
his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Jeremiah 50:20In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Isaiah 33:22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Isaiah 8:10Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Psalms 97:1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Historical Context
This statement came during Israel's wilderness rebellion period, yet God declared He saw no iniquity in them. This anticipates Christ's work making believers righteous in God's sight (2 Corinthians 5:21), where God views Christians through Christ's perfection, not their failures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God viewing you through Christ's righteousness rather than your sin provide confidence?
- What does 'the shout of a king' among God's people teach about His committed presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam declares 'He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.' This doesn't claim Israel was sinless (Numbers abundantly documents their sins), but that God doesn't view His people through their sin but through His covenant grace. 'The shout of a king' refers to God's royal presence among them, prefiguring Immanuel (God with us).