Numbers 22 35

Numbers 22:35 kjv

And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 22:35 nkjv

Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 22:35 niv

The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with Balak's officials.

Numbers 22:35 esv

And the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you." So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 22:35 nlt

But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, "Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say." So Balaam went on with Balak's officials.

Numbers 22 verses

Numbers 22 35 Meaning

This verse conveys the Lord's authoritative permission for Balaam to proceed with Balak's envoys, but under the strict and non-negotiable condition that Balaam's speech will be exclusively what the Lord Himself dictates. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over words, particularly prophetic pronouncements, ensuring His will, not human intent or greed, is fulfilled.

Numbers 22 35 Context

Numbers 22 begins with Balak, the King of Moab, fearing the vast number of Israelites encroaching upon his land after their victories. He decides to enlist Balaam, a famous non-Israelite diviner from Mesopotamia, to curse Israel, believing this would enable his victory. Balaam initially seeks divine guidance and is forbidden by God to go with Balak's envoys or curse His people (Num 22:12). However, tempted by richer rewards from a second delegation, Balaam consults God again, seeking a different answer (Num 22:19). God permits him to go, but strictly on the condition that he would only speak what God commanded him (Num 22:20). Balaam's perverse heart, however, earns God's anger on his journey, leading to the miraculous speaking of his donkey and the Angel of the Lord's intervention, preventing his progress. Verse 35 marks the climactic resolution of this confrontation; after Balaam's eyes are opened and he confesses his sin, the Angel grants final permission to continue his journey while powerfully re-emphasizing the crucial mandate that he must utter only the precise words God dictates. This episode establishes God's unchallengeable sovereignty even over those who seek to oppose Him, ensuring His will for Israel will be perfectly accomplished.

Numbers 22 35 Word analysis

• And the angel of the LORD:
  • Hebrew: Umal’akh Yahweh (וּמַלְאַךְ יְהוָה). Mal’akh means "messenger" or "angel," while Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God. This title often indicates a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ—or a direct divine manifestation, emphasizing profound divine authority and direct intervention, rather than a mere angelic being. This appearance underscores the grave significance and divine origin of the subsequent command, revealing God's direct involvement.
• said to Balaam,:
  • This highlights God's direct communication to a non-Israelite prophet, affirming God's universal sovereignty that extends beyond Israel.
• 'Go with the men,:
  • Hebrew: Lekh ‘im ha’anashim (לֵךְ עִם הָאֲנָשִׁים). This is a dramatic reversal of God's initial clear prohibition (Num 22:12) and indicates God allowing Balaam to pursue his chosen path after he demonstrated a determined desire, even though it stemmed from disobedience. It's a demonstration of God's ability to use a wayward will to serve His purpose, showing that human freedom operates within the boundaries of divine sovereignty.
• but only the word that I speak to you,:
  • Hebrew: raq haddavar ‘asher ‘adabber ‘eleyka (רַק הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּר אֵלֶיךָ).
  • "but only" (raq): This strong Hebrew particle emphatically restricts Balaam's speech, indicating absolute exclusivity. No personal opinion, divination, or alternative words are permitted.
  • "the word" (haddavar): Refers to a divinely communicated message or decree, emphasizing that the content is God's truth, not Balaam's invention. Balaam is strictly a divine mouthpiece.
  • "I speak to you": Stresses that God's communication is direct, immediate, and will be ongoing, underscoring the absolute dependency Balaam will have on divine revelation for his every utterance.
• that you shall speak.':
  • Hebrew: ‘oto tedabber (אֹתוֹ תְּדַבֵּר). This imperative command makes Balaam solely responsible for faithfully relaying God's precise words. It confirms the true nature of prophecy: accurate declaration of God's message. Despite Balaam's wicked intentions and eventual spiritual downfall, God ensures that when he acts as a prophet, he accurately proclaims God's unchanging will and blessings upon Israel.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "And the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, 'Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.'": This entire command establishes a crucial tension within the narrative and a fundamental principle of God's relationship with humanity: While human will (Balaam's desire for gain) may influence direction, God maintains absolute control over the outcome and, critically, over His communicated truth. It directly challenges ancient Near Eastern beliefs that sought to manipulate or coerce deities through magic and divination, affirming Yahweh's unchallengeable sovereignty and the purity and efficacy of His word.

Numbers 22 35 Bonus section

The repeated interaction with the "Angel of the LORD" throughout Numbers 22, culminating in this direct command, often indicates a Christophany – a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ – reinforcing the divine authority and presence inherent in the Lord's instructions to Balaam. This passage directly confronts the pagan understanding of divination prevalent in the ancient Near East, where gods could be coerced or their wills influenced by magical rites; Yahweh, in stark contrast, asserts absolute control, proving He cannot be manipulated by any human or supernatural agency. The very act of a non-Israelite prophet speaking divine blessings underscores God's sovereignty not only over His covenant people but over all nations and the spiritual realm itself. The irony is profound: Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, yet God uses him to utter powerful, unalterable blessings and prophetic insights concerning Israel's future, including a messianic prophecy (Num 24:17).

Numbers 22 35 Commentary

Numbers 22:35 serves as the turning point in Balaam's ill-fated mission to curse Israel. After his persistent desire for financial gain over obedience led him down a perverse path, climaxing in the extraordinary intervention of the speaking donkey and the Angel of the Lord, Balaam's spiritual eyes are opened. This verse articulates God's decisive command: Balaam may proceed, but stripped of all autonomy regarding his pronouncements. His every word henceforth must be God's exact word, illustrating God's complete dominion over all creation and individuals, even those with ill intent. God demonstrates His unassailable power by compelling a greedy diviner, seeking to curse, to instead deliver prophecies of blessing and ultimately to confirm Israel's blessed status. This reveals that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human will or demonic intention; He can use even rebellious vessels to achieve His perfect plan.