KJV ORIGINAL
And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
And he answered and said, 'Must I not be careful to speak only what the LORD has put in my mouth?'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Balaam is saying he can only speak the words that God gives him to say, not what people want to hear.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, Balaam, a prophet from outside Israel, was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites who were encamped nearby, as Balak feared their growing power. However, God intervened and instructed Balaam to bless the Israelites instead, showing that no one can speak against God's will. In this verse, Balaam responds to Balak's frustration by emphasizing his obligation to speak only what the Lord has commanded.
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