Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.” New Living Translation And the LORD met Balaam and gave him a message. Then he said, “Go back to Balak and give him my message.” English Standard Version And the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus shall you speak.” Berean Standard Bible And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” King James Bible And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus. New King James Version Then the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” New American Standard Bible Then the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and this is what you shall speak.” NASB 1995 Then the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” NASB 1977 Then the LORD met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” Amplified Bible Then the LORD met Balaam and put a speech in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak and you shall speak thus.” Berean Annotated Bible And the LORD {YHWH} met with Balaam (not of the people) and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak (devastator) and speak what I tell you. Christian Standard Bible The LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth. Then he said, “Return to Balak and say what I tell you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth. Then He said, “Return to Balak and say what I tell you.” American Standard Version And Jehovah met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak. Contemporary English Version The LORD appeared to Balaam and gave him another message, then he told him to go and tell Balak. English Revised Version And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD came to Balaam and told him, "Go back to Balak, and give him my message." Good News Translation The LORD met Balaam, told him what to say, and sent him back to Balak to give him his message. International Standard Version Then the LORD met with Balaam and gave a message to him. "Now go back to Balak and speak to him." NET Bible Then the LORD met Balaam and put a message in his mouth and said, "Return to Balak, and speak what I tell you." New Heart English Bible And God met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and say this." Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again to Balak, and say thus. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” World English Bible Yahweh met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and say this.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand YHWH comes to Balaam, and sets a word in his mouth, and says, “Return to Balak, and thus you speak.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” Young's Literal Translation and Jehovah cometh unto Balaam, and setteth a word in his mouth, and saith, 'Turn back unto Balak, and thus thou dost speak.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will meet Balaam, and he will put the word in his mouth, and say, Turn back to Balak, and thus shalt thou speak. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the Lord had met him, and had put the word in his mouth, he said: Return to Balac, and thus shalt thou say to him. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the Lord had met him, and had put the word in his mouth, he said, “Return to Balak, and you shall say this to him.” New American Bible Then the LORD met Balaam, and, having put an utterance in his mouth, said to him: Return to Balak, and speak accordingly. New Revised Standard Version The LORD met Balaam, put a word into his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and this is what you shall say.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD appeared to Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said to him, Go again to Balak and say thus. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH was revealed to Balaam and put the word in his mouth and said to him: “Go to Balaq and thus say to him.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said: 'Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And God met Balaam, and put a word into his mouth, and said, return to Balac, and thus shalt thou speak. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balaam's Second Oracle…15Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.” 16And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” 17So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.… Cross References And the LORD met with Balaam Numbers 22:20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” 1 Samuel 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” and put a message in his mouth, Jeremiah 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Isaiah 51:16 I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. saying, “Return to Balak Numbers 22:35 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Jonah 3:2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.” and speak what I tell you.” 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” John 12:49 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. 1 Samuel 3:21 And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word. Ezekiel 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. 2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Acts 3:22-23 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you. / Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.’ Hebrews 1:1-2 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. Matthew 10:19-20 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again to Balak, and say thus. Numbers 23:5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. Numbers 22:35 And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Numbers 24:1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. Jump to Previous Balaam Balak Message Met Mouth Speak Turn Word WordsJump to Next Balaam Balak Message Met Mouth Speak Turn Word WordsNumbers 23 1. Balak's sacrificesAnd the LORD met with Balaam This phrase indicates a divine encounter, emphasizing God's sovereignty and ability to communicate with individuals outside of Israel. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is an unusual choice, highlighting God's control over all nations. This meeting underscores the theme of God's direct intervention in human affairs, similar to His interactions with other prophets like Moses (Exodus 3:4). and put a message in his mouth saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and message to Balaam. 2. Balaam A non-Israelite prophet or diviner hired by Balak to curse Israel, but who ultimately speaks the words given by God. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to have them cursed by Balaam. 4. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, representing opposition to Israel. 5. The Encounter A divine meeting where God directly communicates with Balaam, emphasizing His control over the situation. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all situations, even when others intend harm. He can use anyone, even those outside His covenant people, to accomplish His purposes. The Power of God's Word The message God gives is powerful and unchangeable. We should trust in the truth and authority of God's Word in our lives. Obedience to God's Command Balaam's encounter with God reminds us of the importance of speaking and acting according to God's instructions, regardless of external pressures. God's Protection Over His People Just as God protected Israel from Balaam's curse, He watches over His people today, turning intended harm into blessings. Discernment in Leadership Leaders must seek God's guidance and be wary of those who may lead them astray, as Balak sought Balaam's help against God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 23:16?2. How does God's communication in Numbers 23:16 guide our decision-making today? 3. What does Numbers 23:16 reveal about God's sovereignty and Balaam's role? 4. How can we ensure our words align with God's will, as Balaam's did? 5. Connect Numbers 23:16 with other instances of God speaking through prophets. 6. How can we discern God's voice in our lives, similar to Balaam's experience? 7. How does Numbers 23:16 demonstrate God's direct communication with Balaam? 8. Why did God choose to speak through Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, in Numbers 23:16? 9. What is the significance of God putting a message in Balaam's mouth in Numbers 23:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23? 11. What is the Doctrine of Balaam? 12. Numbers 23:8-10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king's demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives? 13. How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility? 14. Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? What Does Numbers 23:16 Mean And the LORD met with Balaam• The text shows a personal, initiating action from God. Just as He “appeared to Abram” (Genesis 12:7) and “came and stood” before young Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10), the LORD draws near to Balaam, underscoring His sovereign freedom to confront any person, even a pagan diviner. • This meeting is not accidental; it affirms that God is actively directing events (Proverbs 16:9). He will not allow His covenant people to be cursed without His consent (Genesis 12:3). • For believers today, it’s a reminder that God still intervenes, guiding circumstances for His redemptive purposes (Romans 8:28). And put a message in his mouth • The wording highlights divine inspiration: the prophet does not originate the oracle; God does. Similar language appears with Moses (“I will be with your mouth,” Exodus 4:12) and Jeremiah (“I have put My words in your mouth,” Jeremiah 1:9). • This guarantees accuracy—what Balaam will utter carries God’s authority (2 Peter 1:21). • It also reveals that God can use unlikely instruments to declare His truth (Luke 19:40). The vessel’s character does not diminish the reliability of the message. Saying, “Return to Balak • Balaam is sent back to the Moabite king who hired him to curse Israel (Numbers 22:4–6). God controls the itinerary, underscoring that political power submits to divine command (Psalm 33:10–11). • The command to “return” mirrors other instances where God dispatches His messengers to challenging audiences—e.g., Moses to Pharaoh (Exodus 9:1) or Elijah to Ahab (1 Kings 18:1). • Obedience to divine direction often requires facing human authority with an uncomfortable message, yet God equips the messenger. And speak what I tell you” • The emphasis is on total fidelity to God’s word. Balaam is forbidden to add or subtract—echoing Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18–19. • This clause underlines God’s protective heart for Israel: every syllable will bless, not curse (Numbers 23:20). • For believers, it models prophetic integrity: proclaim exactly what God has revealed (Acts 20:27), resisting pressure to tailor the message for human approval (Galatians 1:10). summary Numbers 23:16 portrays the LORD taking complete control of Balaam’s encounter with Balak. God personally meets Balaam, supplies the very words he must speak, and commands their faithful delivery. The verse reassures us that divine purposes cannot be thwarted: God guards His people and sovereignly guides even unwilling prophets to bless rather than harm. Hebrew And the LORDיְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel met וַיִּקָּ֤ר (way·yiq·qār) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7136: To light upon, to bring about, to impose timbers with אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balaam בִּלְעָ֔ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet and put וַיָּ֥שֶׂם (way·yā·śem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set a message דָּבָ֖ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause in his mouth, בְּפִ֑יו (bə·p̄îw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to saying, וַיֹּ֛אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Return שׁ֥וּב (šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balak בָּלָ֖ק (bā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king and speak תְדַבֵּֽר׃ (ṯə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue what I tell you.” וְכֹ֥ה (wə·ḵōh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now Links Numbers 23:16 NIVNumbers 23:16 NLT Numbers 23:16 ESV Numbers 23:16 NASB Numbers 23:16 KJV Numbers 23:16 BibleApps.com Numbers 23:16 Biblia Paralela Numbers 23:16 Chinese Bible Numbers 23:16 French Bible Numbers 23:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 23:16 Yahweh met Balaam and put a word (Nu Num.) |
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