Numbers 22:17

“For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.”

This verse is part of the account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet whom Balak, the king of Moab, had called upon to curse the Israelites. Balak was concerned about the growing number and strength of the Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites. He hoped that Balaam’s curses would weaken the Israelites and make them vulnerable.

In this specific verse, Balaam is responding to the messengers Balak sent to summon him. Balaam expresses his understanding that if he agrees to go with them, God will elevate him to a position of great honor and authority. He tells them to stay the night so that he can consult with God and receive further instruction.

This verse raises a few significant points worth considering:

• Divine Authority and Guidance: Balaam recognizes that he can only speak or act according to what God allows him to say. He acknowledges that God holds ultimate authority over him. This acknowledgment reflects the belief that prophets, like Balaam, are instruments of God’s will and must align their words and actions with His divine guidance.
• Balak’s Request: Balak, the king of Moab, wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. The act of cursing was considered a significant spiritual and supernatural power in the ancient Near East. Balak believed that if Balaam were to pronounce a curse upon the Israelites, it would bring harm to them. However, Balaam understood that he could not act against God’s will, even if it meant great honor and rewards from Balak.
• The Testing of Balaam: Later in the story, we learn that Balaam’s motives and intentions were not entirely pure. Although he initially refused to go with Balak’s messengers, he eventually received permission from God to accompany them. Balaam’s journey to Moab becomes a test of his loyalty and obedience to God. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one’s faith and integrity for personal gain.

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.