If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
Even if Balak offered me his entire house filled with silver and gold, I cannot go against what the LORD has commanded me. I cannot say anything good or bad based on my own thoughts or desires. I will only speak what the LORD tells me to say.
Balaam is declaring that no amount of money or reward can make him disobey God's instructions - he will only speak God's words, not his own.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, Balaam was a prophet from outside Israel who was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, fearing their growing power. However, God directly intervened and commanded Balaam to bless the Israelites instead, demonstrating divine sovereignty over human plans. In this verse, Balaam declares his commitment to only speak what God instructs, rejecting any temptation from Balak's offered riches.
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