Numbers 23:5
And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
put
H7760
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דָּבָ֖ר
a word
H1697
דָּבָ֖ר
a word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּפִ֣י
mouth
H6310
בְּפִ֣י
mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 11
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
שׁ֥וּב
Return
H7725
שׁ֥וּב
Return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
7 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.Deuteronomy 18:18I 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.Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.Isaiah 51:16And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.Numbers 23:16And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.
Historical Context
This first oracle (vv.7-10) blessed Israel as numerous people dwelling securely, frustrating Balak's cursing request. Three more oracles would follow (23:18-24, 24:3-9, 24:15-24), each blessing Israel more emphatically than the previous.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's control over Balaam's words demonstrate His absolute protection of His people?
- What does God forcing blessing through unwilling mouths teach about His sovereign purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God 'put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.' This demonstrates God's sovereign control over prophetic utterance—Balaam couldn't curse Israel even for payment because God controlled his speech. The phrase 'put a word in' indicates divine compulsion; Balaam became mouthpiece for God's blessing despite personal preference for Balak's reward.