Numbers 22:6
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
Numbers 22:6 (KJV)
Context
This verse comes from the account of Israel’s journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. The people had reached the plains of Moab, and Balak, the king of Moab, saw their great numbers and feared them. He sent messengers to Balaam, a diviner known for his power to bless or curse, hoping to weaken Israel through a curse before attacking them in battle. Balak’s fear was not just political; he believed that a curse could bring real calamity on the people, making them easier to defeat.
Meaning
Balak’s words reveal his belief that Balaam’s curse could bring real harm. He says, “I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.” This shows that Balak recognized a spiritual power behind Balaam’s pronouncements, yet he thought this power could be hired and directed for his own purposes. Balak’s plan treated blessing and cursing as tools to control, rather than as expressions of God’s will. His understanding was limited because he sought to manipulate spiritual power for personal gain, not to submit to the true God.
Biblical connections
The rest of the story shows the limits of Balak’s understanding. Although Balaam went with the messengers, God met him on the way and made clear that he could only speak what God allowed. In Numbers 23, Balaam pronounced blessings over Israel instead of curses, because God had chosen to bless them. This contrast between Balak’s scheme and God’s unchangeable purpose is central to the passage. It demonstrates that no human plan or curse can stand against God’s protection of His people. Even when Balak tried different locations and repeated sacrifices, God’s answer did not change. This shows that God’s will is not influenced by circumstances or human effort.
Application
Balak’s fear led him to rely on manipulation and worldly power. He thought that if he could control the right spiritual words, he could control the outcome. This is a common temptation. People still try to use religious practices, influence, or clever strategies to force a desired result. The story warns against such thinking. God’s blessing is not for sale, and His will cannot be bent by human schemes.
This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s protection rather than in human strength. Israel was not saved by its own military skill or by the favor of a powerful prophet. The people were safe because God had promised to bless them. When facing opposition, the right response is not to seek a counter-curse or to rely on worldly tactics, but to rest in God’s faithfulness. God’s sovereignty means that no enemy, no matter how determined, can reverse what He has purposed for His people.
Reflection
Balak’s words remind us that God’s blessing is powerful and desirable. He blesses whom He chooses, and no curse can reverse that blessing. At the same time, the verse challenges us to examine our own motives. Do we seek God’s blessing for His glory, or do we try to use it for our own advantage? The story of Balaam teaches that God’s purposes will prevail, and His plans for His people are good.
Consider how often fear drives decisions. Balak was afraid of Israel’s strength, so he turned to a diviner. Fear can lead people to trust in ungodly methods or to doubt God’s care. This passage invites believers to bring their fears to God and to trust that He is able to protect and provide. His blessing is secure, and His will cannot be thwarted by human effort. Even when we do not see immediate deliverance, we can be confident that God remains faithful to His promises.
