Numbers 23 23

Numbers 23:23 kjv

Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Numbers 23:23 nkjv

"For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, 'Oh, what God has done!'

Numbers 23:23 niv

There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'See what God has done!'

Numbers 23:23 esv

For there is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel; now it shall be said of Jacob and Israel, 'What has God wrought!'

Numbers 23:23 nlt

No curse can touch Jacob;
no magic has any power against Israel.
For now it will be said of Jacob,
'What wonders God has done for Israel!'

Numbers 23 verses

Numbers 23 23 Meaning

Numbers 23:23 is a profound declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and power over all human and demonic attempts to undermine His purposes for His chosen people, Israel. It emphatically states that no sorcery, divination, or hostile spiritual machinations can succeed against those whom God protects and blesses. Instead, God actively intervenes in such a way that His mighty and wonderful deeds will be universally acknowledged as His unique work, turning intended curses into overwhelming displays of divine might and faithfulness.

Numbers 23 23 Context

Numbers chapter 23 recounts the second of four oracles delivered by Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the advancing Israelites. Fearful of Israel's vast numbers and victories, Balak believed a sorcerer could avert the threat. However, God repeatedly intervened, compelling Balaam, despite his personal desires for gain, to pronounce blessings upon Israel instead of curses. This particular verse (23) is the triumphant climax of Balaam's second oracle from Mount Pisgah, declaring the complete futility of all occult practices against God's divinely protected people. Historically and culturally, the ancient Near East, including Moab and Midian, deeply believed in the power of curses, divination, and omens, relying on practitioners like Balaam. This verse serves as a powerful polemic against such pagan beliefs, directly countering the notion that human or demonic power could supersede God's sovereign will and covenantal promises to Israel. It highlights that Israel's security rests not on human strategies or defensive magic, but solely on their unique relationship with the Almighty God.

Numbers 23 23 Word analysis

• no enchantment: Hebrew 'ēn naḥash (אֵין נַחַשׁ).
  • 'ēn (אֵין): An emphatic negative particle, meaning "there is not," "nothing of," "it does not exist." It expresses absolute non-existence or futility.
  • naḥash (נַחַשׁ): Often translated as "enchantment," "omen-seeking," or "divination." The root relates to "serpent" (naḥash, נָחָשׁ), suggesting whispering, subtle, or deceptive practices, often involving augury or reading signs. It specifically refers to practices meant to manipulate events or gain secret knowledge through occult means, a grave sin prohibited by God (Deut 18:10-12). Its futility here shows God's absolute sovereignty.
• against Jacob: Hebrew 'al Ya'aqōv (עַל־יַעֲקֹב).
  • Ya'aqōv (יַעֲקֹב): "Jacob," referring to the patriarch and symbolizing the direct lineage and covenant people of Israel. It emphasizes their identity as a distinct people chosen by God.
• neither is there any divination: Hebrew we'ēn qesem (וְאֵין קֶסֶם).
  • we'ēn: "and there is no," further intensifying the negation established by 'ēn.
  • qesem (קֶסֶם): A broader term for "divination," encompassing practices like casting lots, observing omens, or seeking supernatural insight for future prediction or magical control. Its pairing with naḥash covers the spectrum of occult attempts, emphasizing that no form of sorcery works against Israel.
• against Israel: Hebrew 'al Yiśrā'ēl (עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל).
  • Yiśrā'ēl (יִשְׂרָאֵל): "Israel," the name God gave to Jacob (Gen 32:28), signifying "God strives" or "he struggles with God." Here, it refers to the entire nation, emphasizing their corporate identity as the covenant people and God's powerful army. The parallelism with "Jacob" underscores the totality of God's people under His protection.
• according to this time: Hebrew ka'ēt (כָּעֵת).
  • ka'ēt: "at the proper time," "as of now," or "in due season." It implies both the present observable reality of God's protection (Balak's current failure to curse) and a timeless truth—that at any moment when God chooses to act, His works become evident. It emphasizes that this declaration is not a distant prophecy but an observable truth.
• it shall be said: Hebrew yē'āmer (יֵאָמֵר).
  • yē'āmer: Impersonal verb, "it will be said," or "it will be declared." This conveys that this truth will be proclaimed widely and spontaneously by anyone who witnesses God's intervention, serving as a testimony to His actions. It implies an inevitable and universal acknowledgement.
• of Jacob and of Israel: Repetition of the parallel terms emphasizing that the declaration of God's works will pertain to and vindicate His entire people.
• What hath God wrought!: Hebrew Mah pō'al 'Ēl! (מַה פָּעַל אֵל).
  • Mah (מַה): "What!", an exclamation expressing awe, astonishment, or wonder. It indicates an extraordinary and overwhelming display of power.
  • pō'al (פֹּעַל): "Work," "deed," "accomplishment," or "act." It denotes a tangible, powerful action or intervention by God, not just a passive protection.
  • 'Ēl (אֵל): "God," a singular, powerful, and majestic name for God, emphasizing His unique divinity and omnipotence as the actor behind these deeds. This phrase climactically affirms that God actively works wonders on behalf of His people, exceeding all human comprehension or expectation, thereby turning curses into overwhelming demonstrations of His power.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel": This powerful double negation highlights the absolute nullification of all forms of pagan magic or hostile spiritual forces when directed against God's people. It asserts divine omnipotence over all rival spiritual claims, underscoring the futility and impotency of occult practices in the face of God's will. It’s a direct theological statement affirming God's unparalleled control over His creation and destiny of His chosen people.
• "according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel": This phrase introduces the consequence and the ongoing testimony to God's actions. "According to this time" suggests a verifiable, demonstrable reality witnessed by all, making God's actions apparent now and throughout history. The repeated mention of "Jacob and Israel" reinforces that this truth applies comprehensively to God's covenant people.
• "What hath God wrought!": This is the ultimate exclamation of astonishment and admiration for God's extraordinary deeds. It encapsulates the core message: not only can human evil not prevail against God's people, but God actively intervenes and performs such magnificent works for them that onlookers (even adversaries like Balak) are compelled to exclaim in awe and recognition of His sovereign power and miraculous hand. It transforms a moment of intended cursing into a powerful statement of divine glory.

Numbers 23 23 Bonus section

• Ironic Prophecy: The greatest irony of this verse is that it comes from the mouth of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet deeply involved in the very occult practices (enchantment, divination) he is declaring useless against Israel. God compels His adversary to declare His truth, proving divine control even over human wills and evil intentions.
• Spiritual Warfare Principle: This verse serves as a foundational principle in spiritual warfare: believers, like ancient Israel, are under God's protection. While demonic forces exist, no enchantment, hex, or divination has intrinsic power over a child of God, as Christ has disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers (Col 2:15).
• Divine Initiative: The verse highlights God's initiative. It's not Israel's counter-magic or defense that saves them, but God's inherent power and activity ("what God has wrought"). Their security stems solely from their covenant relationship with an active and sovereign God.
• Echoes in Salvation History: The phrase "What hath God wrought!" resonates throughout biblical history whenever God performs miraculous deliverances or extraordinary acts of grace. It is the appropriate exclamation for significant divine interventions, ultimately pointing to the supreme "work" God accomplished through Christ's redemption.

Numbers 23 23 Commentary

Numbers 23:23 is a majestic declaration that cuts through human fear and spiritual manipulation, affirming God's supreme authority. It categorically states that all forms of enchantment and divination are powerless against God's covenant people, Israel. This is not merely an absence of malevolent power; it is the positive demonstration of God's active, transformative work on their behalf. Balaam's divinely compelled prophecy proclaims that instead of a curse, the overwhelming evidence will be "What hath God wrought!" This emphasizes that God does not merely block evil, but He overrides it with His mighty deeds, compelling even His adversaries to acknowledge His wondrous intervention. It's a foundational truth for believers: no force of darkness, no human plotting, and no attempt to undermine God's plans can succeed against His protected ones; rather, they serve to highlight God’s miraculous power and faithfulness. For example, what seems like a setback might actually be God orchestrating a greater triumph, compelling observers to confess His unparalleled power.