Numbers 22:35 - Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
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What does "Numbers 22:35" mean?
This verse from Numbers 22:35 is a pivotal moment in the narrative. Let's break down its meaning:
"Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men...": This grants Balaam permission to accompany the princes of Balak. Previously, God had explicitly forbidden Balaam from going with them (Numbers 22:12). Now, the angel, acting as God's messenger, is giving a different directive. The shift is significant and indicates that Balaam's own stubbornness and greed have played a role in the change of heart. God is essentially allowing Balaam to pursue his own desires, but under strict control.
"...but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak.”: This is the critical caveat. Despite being allowed to go, Balaam is completely restricted to only delivering the message that God directly gives him. He cannot alter it, add to it, or subtract from it. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and control, even when He seems to allow a person freedom of choice. It foreshadows the conflict between Balaam's desires and God's will.
"So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.": This shows Balaam's obedience to the angel's instruction (which he understood as coming from God). He proceeds with his journey, ostensibly complying with the new conditions. However, the reader is left wondering whether Balaam truly understands or accepts the weight of the restriction placed upon him.
In essence, this verse means that:
1. God is allowing Balaam to proceed, likely as a test for both Balaam and Balak.
2. God is maintaining absolute control over Balaam's message. Balaam is not free to curse Israel or say anything he wants. He is a mouthpiece, and God will determine what comes out of it.
3. The stage is set for conflict. The tension is now high. Will Balaam truly obey God's command? Or will his greed and desire to please Balak lead him to try and manipulate the situation?
The verse is a crucial setup for the following chapters where Balaam attempts to curse Israel, but each time God turns his curse into a blessing, demonstrating God's unwavering protection of His people. It highlights themes of obedience, free will, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of pursuing selfish desires against God's will.
Numbers 22:35 - Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
What does "Numbers 22:35" mean?
This verse from Numbers 22:35 is a pivotal moment in the narrative. Let's break down its meaning:
"Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men...": This grants Balaam permission to accompany the princes of Balak. Previously, God had explicitly forbidden Balaam from going with them (Numbers 22:12). Now, the angel, acting as God's messenger, is giving a different directive. The shift is significant and indicates that Balaam's own stubbornness and greed have played a role in the change of heart. God is essentially allowing Balaam to pursue his own desires, but under strict control.
"...but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak.”: This is the critical caveat. Despite being allowed to go, Balaam is completely restricted to only delivering the message that God directly gives him. He cannot alter it, add to it, or subtract from it. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and control, even when He seems to allow a person freedom of choice. It foreshadows the conflict between Balaam's desires and God's will.
"So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.": This shows Balaam's obedience to the angel's instruction (which he understood as coming from God). He proceeds with his journey, ostensibly complying with the new conditions. However, the reader is left wondering whether Balaam truly understands or accepts the weight of the restriction placed upon him.
In essence, this verse means that:
1. God is allowing Balaam to proceed, likely as a test for both Balaam and Balak.
2. God is maintaining absolute control over Balaam's message. Balaam is not free to curse Israel or say anything he wants. He is a mouthpiece, and God will determine what comes out of it.
3. The stage is set for conflict. The tension is now high. Will Balaam truly obey God's command? Or will his greed and desire to please Balak lead him to try and manipulate the situation?
The verse is a crucial setup for the following chapters where Balaam attempts to curse Israel, but each time God turns his curse into a blessing, demonstrating God's unwavering protection of His people. It highlights themes of obedience, free will, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of pursuing selfish desires against God's will.