Numbers 24:10
New International Version
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times.

New Living Translation
King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times.

English Standard Version
And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.

King James Bible
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

New King James Version
Then Balak’s anger was aroused against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have bountifully blessed them these three times!

New American Standard Bible
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times!

NASB 1995
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times!

NASB 1977
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times!

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have blessed them repeatedly these three times!

Amplified Bible
Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have done nothing but bless them these three times.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, “I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed them these three times.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, “I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed them these three times.

American Standard Version
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Contemporary English Version
When Balak heard this, he was so furious that he pounded his fist against his hand and said, "I called you here to place a curse on my enemies, and you've blessed them three times.

English Revised Version
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Balak became angry with Balaam. He clapped his hands and said, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, and now you have blessed them three times.

Good News Translation
Balak clenched his fists in anger and said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, but three times now you have blessed them instead.

International Standard Version
Balak flew into a rage and he started hitting his fists together. "I called you to curse my enemies," he yelled at Balaam. "But look here! You've blessed them three times!

Majority Standard Bible
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.

NET Bible
Then Balak became very angry at Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have done nothing but bless them these three times!

New Heart English Bible
Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, and, look, you have altogether blessed them these three times.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said to Balaam, I called thee to curse my enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

World English Bible
Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the anger of Balak burns against Balaam, and he strikes his hands; and Balak says to Balaam, “I called you to pierce my enemies, and behold, you have certainly blessed these three times;

Young's Literal Translation
And the anger of Balak burneth against Balaam, and he striketh his hands; and Balak saith unto Balaam, 'To pierce mine enemies I called thee, and lo, thou hast certainly blessed -- these three times;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Balak's anger will kindle against Balaam, and he will strike his hands: and Balak will say to Balaam, To curse mine enemies I called thee, and behold, blessing, thou didst bless this three beats.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Balac being angry against Balaam, clapped his hands together and said: I called thee to curse my enemies, and thou on the contrary hast blessed them three times.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Balak, being angry against Balaam, clapped his hands together and said: “I called you to curse my enemies, and, to the contrary, you have blessed them three times.

New American Bible
In a blaze of anger at Balaam, Balak clapped his hands and said to him, “It was to lay a curse on my foes that I summoned you here; yet three times now you have actually blessed them!

New Revised Standard Version
Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have surely blessed them these three times.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the passion of Balaq was angered against Balaam and he clapped his hands and Balaq said to Balaam: “I called you to curse my enemies and behold blessing you have blessed them, behold, three times.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said unto Balaam: 'I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Balac was angry with Balaam, and clapped his hands together; and Balac said to Balaam, I called thee to curse my enemy, and behold thou hast decidedly blessed him this third time.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balak Dismisses Balaam
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”…

Cross References
Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Deuteronomy 23:4-5
For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

Joshua 24:9-10
Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.

2 Peter 2:15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

Nehemiah 13:2
because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Psalm 109:28
Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.

Proverbs 26:2
Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.

I thought

Numbers 22:17,37
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…

the Lord

Matthew 19:28-30
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel…

Acts 8:20
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Philippians 3:8
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

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Altogether Anger Angrily Balaam Balak Blessed Burned Curse Enemies Hands Kindled Persisted Smote Struck Summoned Three Times Together Wrath
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Altogether Anger Angrily Balaam Balak Blessed Burned Curse Enemies Hands Kindled Persisted Smote Struck Summoned Three Times Together Wrath
Numbers 24
1. Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel
10. Balak, in anger, dismisses him
15. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations














Then Balak’s anger burned
The phrase "anger burned" is a vivid depiction of Balak's intense emotional response. In Hebrew, the word for anger is "אַף" (aph), which can also mean "nose" or "nostrils," suggesting the flaring of nostrils in anger. This imagery conveys the depth of Balak's frustration and rage. Historically, Balak, the king of Moab, was desperate to protect his kingdom from the Israelites, and his anger reflects the fear and helplessness of a leader whose plans are thwarted by divine intervention.

against Balaam
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative. His name in Hebrew, "בִּלְעָם" (Bil'am), can mean "not of the people" or "destroyer of the people," indicating his outsider status and potential for causing harm. Despite being hired to curse Israel, Balaam's encounters with God lead him to bless them instead. This highlights the sovereignty of God over human intentions and the futility of opposing His will.

and he struck his hands together
The act of striking hands together is a gesture of anger and frustration. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such gestures were common expressions of strong emotions. This physical manifestation of Balak's anger underscores his impotence in the face of divine will. It serves as a reminder that human power is limited and ultimately subject to God's authority.

and said to him
Balak's words to Balaam are a direct confrontation. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) means "to say" or "to speak," indicating a verbal expression of his inner turmoil. This interaction between Balak and Balaam is a pivotal moment, illustrating the clash between human desires and divine purposes.

I summoned you to curse my enemies
Balak's intent in summoning Balaam was clear: to invoke a curse upon the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "curse" is "קָבַב" (qavav), which implies invoking harm or misfortune. This reflects the ancient belief in the power of spoken words to affect reality. Balak's reliance on a curse reveals his desperation and lack of understanding of the true God, who had blessed Israel.

but behold
The word "behold" is translated from the Hebrew "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an attention-grabbing interjection. It emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation. Despite Balak's intentions, the outcome is contrary to his desires, highlighting the surprising and often counterintuitive ways in which God works.

you have persisted in blessing them
The persistence in blessing, despite Balak's wishes, underscores the theme of divine faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "blessing" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which means to confer prosperity or favor. Balaam's repeated blessings demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. This persistence is a testament to the unchangeable nature of God's promises.

these three times
The repetition of the blessing three times is significant. In biblical numerology, the number three often symbolizes completeness or perfection. This triadic structure reinforces the certainty and completeness of God's blessing upon Israel. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans are established and cannot be thwarted by human schemes.

(10) And he smote his hands together.--The smiting the hands was a token of strong feeling, whether of scorn, of indignation, or of despair. (Comp. Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Balak’s
בָּלָק֙ (bā·lāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king

anger
אַ֤ף (’ap̄)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

burned
וַיִּֽחַר־ (way·yi·ḥar-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

against
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 he struck his hands
כַּפָּ֑יו (kap·pāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

together
וַיִּסְפֹּ֖ק (way·yis·pōq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5606: To clap the hands, of satisfaction, to be enough, of excess, to vomit

and said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Balaam,
בִּלְעָ֗ם (bil·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet

“I summoned you
קְרָאתִ֔יךָ (qə·rā·ṯî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to curse
לָקֹ֤ב (lā·qōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6895: To scoop out, to malign, execrate

my enemies,
אֹֽיְבַי֙ (’ō·yə·ḇay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

but behold,
וְהִנֵּה֙ (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

you have persisted
בֵּרַ֣כְתָּ (bê·raḵ·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

in blessing
בָרֵ֔ךְ (ḇā·rêḵ)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

[them] these
זֶ֖ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

three
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ (šā·lōš)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

times.
פְּעָמִֽים׃ (pə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence


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OT Law: Numbers 24:10 Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam (Nu Num.)
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