Numbers 24:11
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֖ה
H6258
בְּרַח
Therefore now flee
H1272
בְּרַח
Therefore now flee
Strong's:
H1272
Word #:
2 of 12
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
מְקוֹמֶ֑ךָ
thou to thy place
H4725
מְקוֹמֶ֑ךָ
thou to thy place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֔
honour
H3513
אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֔
honour
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
7 of 12
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֔
honour
H3513
אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֔
honour
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
8 of 12
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
מְנָֽעֲךָ֥
hath kept thee back
H4513
מְנָֽעֲךָ֥
hath kept thee back
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
10 of 12
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
Cross References
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 22:37And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
Historical Context
Balaam had been promised rewards (22:17, 37) and 'rewards of divination' (22:7). The cancelled payment represented substantial wealth—enough to make a 400-mile journey worthwhile. Balak's accusation that God prevented Balaam's honor is ironically true: God indeed controlled the prophet's words to protect Israel. The payment's withdrawal demonstrates that God's purposes override financial incentives.
Questions for Reflection
- How do unbelievers acknowledge God's sovereignty while resenting it?
- What does Balak's reaction teach about financial incentives versus divine commands?
- How should believers respond when obedience costs them worldly rewards?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak's dismissal 'Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour' ironically blames God for preventing Balaam's reward. The Hebrew kavod (honour/wealth) indicates Balak had promised great payment. Balak correctly identifies that 'the LORD hath kept thee back,' acknowledging divine intervention but resenting it. This reveals the unregenerate heart's response to God's sovereignty—acknowledging His power while opposing His will. Balak recognized God's hand yet remained hostile.