Numbers 23:25

Study note

Setting — Balak speaks to Balaam immediately after the prophet’s oracle describing Israel as a lion that does not rest until it devours prey. This utterance occurs at the moment Balak attempts to definitively block any divine word against or for the nation.

The words — The Hebrew גַּם (gam) "neither" and לֹא (lōʾ) "not" frame the verb תִּקֹּבֶנּוּ (tiqqōḇennû) "you will curse it/him." The syntax establishes a strict double prohibition that leaves no room for partial blessing or cursing.

The thread — This motif of futile human plotting against God’s people appears in Psalm 2:1, where the nations’ rage is shown as vain. The immediate context continues in Numbers 23:26, where Balaam confirms he must execute only what the LORD commands.

Why it lands — The text states that human authority cannot override or modify a divine declaration regarding Israel. It requires the reader to accept that God’s spoken word stands independent of political pressure or prophetic negotiation.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.