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Numbers 23:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Look, I have been commanded to bless, and God has blessed them, and I cannot change or undo it.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is saying that God's blessings cannot be reversed or taken back once He has given them.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Numbers, the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness toward the Promised Land when King Balak of Moab became fearful of their growing numbers and military strength. He hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites in an attempt to weaken them, but God directly intervened and commanded Balaam to bless them instead. This verse captures Balaam's realization that God's blessing on Israel was final and unalterable, reflecting the sovereignty of God in the midst of human schemes.

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