Numbers 22:18 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Balaam replied to Balak's servants, 'Even if Balak gave me his entire house filled with silver and gold, I cannot go against what the LORD my God has commanded me. I can't do anything less or more than what He tells me.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Balaam is declaring that no amount of money could make him disobey God's direct commands.

📚 Historical Context

Balaam was a prophet whom King Balak of Moab hired to curse the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land. Despite being offered great wealth, Balaam recognized that he must obey God's instructions rather than human desires. This scene shows the tension between worldly temptation and spiritual obedience during Israel's wilderness journey.

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