KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Balak became furious with Balaam and clapped his hands together in anger. Balak said to Balaam, 'I called you here to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them three times!'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
King Balak is furious because the prophet Balaam blessed Israel three times instead of cursing them as he was hired to do.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Israel's journey to the Promised Land when King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites because he feared their growing power. However, God prevented Balaam from cursing Israel and instead caused him to pronounce blessings upon them three separate times, much to Balak's rage.
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