Numbers 24:12
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹ֗א
H3808
הֲלֹ֗א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
גַּ֧ם
H1571
גַּ֧ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מַלְאָכֶ֛יךָ
I not also to thy messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכֶ֛יךָ
I not also to thy messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
8 of 13
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
which thou sentest
H7971
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
which thou sentest
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
10 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
Historical Context
Balaam's claim that no amount of wealth could make him transgress God's word (also stated in 22:18) seemed to demonstrate prophetic integrity. However, the later revelation that he counseled Midian to seduce Israel into idolatry (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14) exposed his words as empty. He found a loophole—if he couldn't curse Israel directly, he would cause them to curse themselves through sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How can verbal orthodoxy mask internal rebellion?
- What does Balaam's later compromise teach about finding loopholes in God's commands?
- How do we avoid the Balaam syndrome of formal obedience with secret rebellion?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's response 'Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me' appeals to his earlier warning (22:18) that he could only speak God's words. The phrase 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind' sounds noble—claiming submission to divine authority regardless of reward. However, Balaam's later actions (31:16) reveal this was mere pretense. He found another way to harm Israel by counseling Midian to seduce them. Verbal orthodoxy without heart submission is hypocrisy.