For I wil promote thee vnto very great honour, and I will do whatsoeuer thou saiest vnto me: Come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. Numbers 22:17 (KJV)
This verse belongs to the narrative of Balaam, a non‑Israelite prophet whom Balak, the king of Moab, summoned in order to curse the Israelites. Balak was concerned about the growing number and strength of the Israelites, who earlier had defeated the Amorites under King Sihon. He hoped that Balaam’s curses would weaken the Israelites and make them vulnerable, believing that a spoken curse could bring real harm.
In the passage Balak, speaking through his messengers, offers to promote Balaam unto very great honour and promises to do whatsoever Balaam says if he will curse the people. Balaam’s reply, recorded elsewhere as “And Balaam answered and said, I have heard that the LORD hath a word,” shows his awareness that his words are subject to divine authority. He tells the messengers to stay the night so that he may consult God and receive further instruction.
Divine Authority and Guidance is emphasized: Balaam recognizes that he can only speak or act according to what God allows him to say, acknowledging that God holds ultimate authority over him.
Later the story reveals that Balaam’s motives were not entirely pure. Although he initially refused to go with Balak’s messengers, he eventually received permission from God to accompany them. His journey to Moab becomes a test of his loyalty and obedience to God. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one’s faith and integrity for personal gain, even when great honour and reward are promised.
Overall, Numbers 22:17 showcases the tension between divine authority and human desires. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and aligning one’s actions with His will, even in the face of enticing offers or pressures from others.
