Joshua 24:10

But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

Joshua 24:10 (KJV)

Context

Joshua spoke these words at Shechem, where Israel gathered to renew covenant with God. He reviewed their history from Abraham to the conquest of Canaan, showing how God guided and protected them. The event behind this verse is recorded in Numbers 22-24, when Balak, king of Moab, hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam desired the reward Balak offered, yet he could only speak what God put in his mouth.

Meaning

God says, “I would not hearken unto Balaam.” This means God actively refused to listen to Balaam’s request to curse His people. Instead, God turned the intended curses into blessings. The phrase “he blessed you still” shows that Balaam’s words, contrary to his own desire, became blessings. God’s power overrides human plans, and His blessing cannot be blocked by enemies. The deliverance “out of his hand” underscores God’s power to save.

Biblical connections

Deuteronomy 23:5 explains that God turned the curse into a blessing because He loved Israel. This same truth appears here: God’s love for His people secures their protection. The context of Joshua 24 is a covenant renewal, where Joshua calls the people to serve the Lord faithfully in response to God’s past faithfulness.

Application

This verse encourages believers to trust God’s protection. When others speak against us or plan harm, God can turn those plans into good. Remembering His past faithfulness strengthens our confidence for the future. As Israel recalled God’s deliverance, we also should remember how God has worked in our lives. God’s purposes cannot be reversed by human opposition.

Reflection

God’s covenant faithfulness calls for a response. Joshua urged the people to serve the Lord faithfully. We too are invited to renew our commitment to God, trusting that His purposes will stand. No human scheme can reverse what God has promised to those He loves.