Numbers 24:10
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 21
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֤ף
anger
H639
אַ֤ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וַיִּסְפֹּ֖ק
and he smote
H5606
וַיִּסְפֹּ֖ק
and he smote
Strong's:
H5606
Word #:
6 of 21
to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּפָּ֑יו
his hands
H3709
כַּפָּ֑יו
his hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
8 of 21
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
לָקֹ֤ב
thee to curse
H6895
לָקֹ֤ב
thee to curse
Strong's:
H6895
Word #:
13 of 21
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
קְרָאתִ֔יךָ
I called
H7121
קְרָאתִ֔יךָ
I called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
15 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
H1288
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
17 of 21
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
H1288
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
18 of 21
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Cross References
Ezekiel 21:14Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.Numbers 23:11And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.Job 27:23Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.Nehemiah 13:2Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.Ezekiel 22:13Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.Ezekiel 21:17I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said it.Numbers 22:17For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.Numbers 22:6Come 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.Numbers 22:11Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
Historical Context
Balak's three attempts to curse Israel (chapters 22-24) show escalating desperation and expense. Each failure increased his fury. His hand-smiting gesture was a cultural expression of extreme frustration and contempt, similar to modern gestures of exasperation. The public nature of Balaam's blessings meant Balak's political humiliation—he had gathered his princes to witness Israel's cursing but instead displayed their invulnerability.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond when elaborate plans fail because of God's intervention?
- What does Balak's fury teach about human pride confronting divine sovereignty?
- How does God's transformation of intended curses into blessings encourage His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak's anger erupting—'Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together'—shows rage at unmet expectations. The gesture of striking hands expressed fury and contempt (Job 27:23). Balak had paid for curses and received blessings instead. His accusation 'I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times' reveals the complete reversal of his plans. This demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted regardless of human schemes, payments, or rituals. What man purposes for evil, God transforms to blessing.